Fan illustration by Indrajit Sinha
A week ago, Naga folk fusion band Tetseo Sisters released a popular Punjabi folk song cover on their YouTube Channel little realizing the buzz it would create on digital platforms.
It is listed as Tetseo Sisters - Dil Diyan Gallan (Tati Mix) Cover. The song, composed by popular duo Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani for the Bollywood blockbuster Tiger Zinda Hai, is originally sung by renowned Playback singer/Punjabi Folk Artiste and former VIVA member Popstar Neha Bhasin.
The male version of the song was made famous by Pakistani Playback singer Atif Aslam.
The song has since gone viral across WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with many giving the artist “shoutouts” on social media including the original singer Neha Bhasin who posted an Instagram story and reposted the song calling it “Pure love and beautiful voices of ‘my dearest Sisters from Nagaland’, and expressed hope for a collaboration to bring Naga Folk to on her current series Folktales”.
Composer Vishal Dadlani called it an “Absolutely gorgeous cover version of our song Dil Diyan Gallan” and responded “Beautifully done” to the artist’s Instagram comment.
On Twitter, it was retweeted several thousand times and hundreds of reposts of the song clips have popped up. Some people termed it a wonderful example of celebrating diversity, National Integration and how music transcends language and manmade barriers. @ SinghLions who has over 1.5 million followers tweeted a clip of the song with the message, “This Punjabi song sung by Naga women showcases the spirit of India. India’s beautiful diversity & amalgamation of different regions, cultures, religions & races makes our country ‘Gulistan’, a bouquet of vibrant flowers.” It has been liked and viewed over 44k times since posting on Independence Day.
Messages of appreciation have poured in all the way from the UK, US, Canada, France, Europe and all over the country thanking and complimenting the band for connecting Indians all over the world through the beautiful song, a delicately tinged Punjabi folk song with a distinct Naga touch by the Tati libüh.
The earrings worn by the ladies also seem to have struck a chord with many enquiries to their source. They are by Made in Nagaland brands, Gutouch and Münye handmade.
And while a section of "local viewers" have been less than appreciative and taken to trolling the artistes for singing in “Hindi”, the accolades continue to roll in globally and the video on YouTube alone has garnered over 1.2 lakh views so far.
They even got a call from Red FM 93.5 Delhi with RJ Sachin around the viral song. The interview will broadcast on August 20 at 4.00 PM on 93.5 Red FM Bajate Raho.
“We understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion and we can't please everyone. We don’t care for the trolls/memes while avoiding the negativity, but we are already seeking legal intervention on cyberbullies and those trying to outrage our modesty/reputation and indulging in namecalling/slander/rumourmongering/harassment and abuse online. We encourage everyone to stand up for the right to a dignified life and to lead the country in respecting women both offline and online while exercising their right of expression. We can all be more polite and respectful,” said Tetseo Sisters while expressing happiness at the flood of positive response to their fun Lockdown Project.
“We are delighted and trying to respond to all the good wishes. We are so grateful to all who have been so encouraging and supportive of our music and everything we do. Thank you to the fans, well-wishers and family. We love you all so much and praise God for these moments of positivity and upliftment,” stated Tetseo Sisters.
Morung Express News
