Amaan, Ayaan Ali Bangash collaborate with Malini Awasthi for Holi-themed album ‘Colors And Celebrations’

MUMBAI: Sarod virtuosos Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash have announced their Holi-themed album, ‘Colors And Celebrations,’ in collaboration with renowned folk singer Malini Awasthi. It will be released on March 10.

“This album represents our artistic interpretation of Holi’s profound cultural significance, beyond the surface revelry to explore its deeper spiritual dimensions. Each composition deliberately weaves multiple thematic elements — from the triumph of good over evil to the celebration of divine love between Radha and Krishna to the universal joy of renewal that comes with spring’s arrival”, said Amaan in a statement while talking about his upcoming album.

Ayaan added, “Our approach was to create a complete sensory experience through sound. The interplay between sarod and voice mirrors the interaction between colour and canvas during Holi celebrations. We’ve employed specific ragas that evoke particular emotional colours–from the serene tranquillity of morning ragas to the passionate intensity of evening melodies”.

Holi Project: Colors and Celebration #holiproject #colorsandcelebration https://t.co/7T4XxI2dtg

— Ayaan Ali Bangash (@AyaanAliBangash) March 5, 2025

On working with the ace folk singer, he shared, ” Working with Malini ji has been transformative, as her profound understanding of folk traditions brings authenticity and emotional depth that complements our classical framework”.

Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash represent the seventh generation of the revered Senia Bangash lineage established by their legendary father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

‘Colors And Celebrations’ presents five intricately composed pieces that capture the multifaceted spirit of Holi: ‘Holi Hues (Hori Re Rasiya)’, an exuberant celebration of spring’s arrival; ‘Divine Celebration (Hori Khele Raghuveera)’, a devotional piece honoring Lord Krishna’s legendary Holi festivities; ‘Spirited Splashes (Rang Darungi)’, a playful, rhythmically complex composition; ‘Crimson Flush (Sakhi Solah Hazaar)’, a contemplative exploration of color symbolism; and ‘Colours of Love (Rasiya Ko Naar)’, a romantic interpretation of Holi’s emotional resonance, as per the press release.

Malini Awasthi also talked about the collaboration. “Working with Amaan and Ayaan has been a profound artistic dialogue that transcends conventional genre boundaries. What emerges is neither purely classical nor folk, but rather a new musical language that honours both traditions of Awadh Brij and Banaras while creating something entirely distinctive. The compositions we’ve created together speak to the universal emotions that Holi represents–joy, devotion, playfulness, and the eternal cycle of renewal”.

The album release anticipates the Bangash brothers’ highly anticipated summer 2025 international tour, which includes a residency at London’s prestigious Wigmore Hall.

The album will be available on all major streaming platforms and for digital download beginning March 10, with a specially mastered audiophile-quality 180-gram vinyl edition, featuring original artwork by renowned painter Paresh Maity, scheduled for release in April 2025. A limited collector’s edition will include a hardbound book with scholarly essays on the history of Holi music, rare photographs, and detailed musical notation of the compositions. (ANI)