She was born and brought up in Punjab, but for Preety Bhalla, Kerala is close to her heart. It’s not just because she lent her voice to a song in a Malayalam film or for her numerous stage shows all over the state. Married to Ernakulam native Deepu Paul, her constant pillar of support, Kerala is Preety’s second home. Naturally, when the nature unleashed its fury on Keralites in the form of floods, the couple decided to do their part to revive the state.
The plan was a bilingual musical tribute as part of a national music campaign for Kerala. The Malayalam-Hindi music video titled ‘Munneridam’ and ‘Hum Chal Pade’ has Preety rendering a soulful song and visuals that travel though varied emotions – grief, resilience and encouragement.
Recalling what prompted her to bring out an album, Preety says, “Seeing Kerala facing such a situation saddens and hurts me. Kerala is so special and close to my heart. As an artiste, this is what I want to do, to convey my emotions through my voice.”
When Preety approached Kochi-based musician Glen with the idea of an album, he, too, was toying with a similar idea, to do something for the flood-hit people. After several discussions, they zeroed in on a Hindi-Malayalam mix song. It was difficult, but finally, it materialised.
The song was filmed in the flood-affected areas of Cherai and Kadamakudy, showing the plight of the people there. The background vocalists were also chosen from those areas. The lyrics were penned by Deepak G. and Mumbai-based Shaheen Iqbal. Directed by Suraj Ramakrishnan and Mahesh Manohar, the music video, shot in 15 days, serves as an inspiration to all, spreading the word across the world.
Dedicated to the brave hearts and warriors of Kerala floods, the music campaign intends to focus on its healing power and bring back the God’s own country on its feet. Having rendered hit numbers in films such as Mary Kom, Wedding Pulav and Joshiy’s Mohanlal-starrer Lailaa O Lailaa, Preety decided to sing in Malayalam to give it a personal touch. Preety says, “This song will be performed at every musical programme I am part of, to tell the world the devastating lives of people in Kerala, to initiate awareness and to recreate the state.” The album will be launched on Kerala Piravi Day.
