Vadodara: Navratri Gujarat is never complete without this fragrant garba that leaves lakhs of fun-lovers intoxicated. But few people know that the most popular ‘Tara Veena Shyam Mane ‘Ekladu Lage’ was written by prominent Vadodara singer Atuli priest three decades ago.
But the organizers who want people to dance to this tune may now have to pay royalty as Purohit has got the copyright of the Garba. “I wrote the song in 1982 and composed it beautifully Vinod Iyengar, We released an album ‘Tara Veena Shyam’ in 1985 and this Garba became very popular. This was the turning point for us. Gradually, many other artistes started singing this garba,” Purohit, who is in the US for the Navratri show, told TOI over phone.
Purohit, 67, said that he decided to go for the copyright considering that some artists had started claiming that the song was either partially written or composed by him.
“Also, because of the popularity of this garba, it was possible that a music company could claim copyright on it. So, I decided to take the copyright on my favorite composition,” he said.
He had applied for the copyright of this Garba last year under the category of ‘literary/drama work’ and the copyright office granted him the rights this year. Interestingly, this Garba was written and made over a sip of hot tea at the gate of SSG Hospital, Vadodara.
“I, Iyengar, Ashwin Sarkar and Kushal Mehta Late night they used to hang out at a tea stall near the hospital gate and ‘Tara Veena Shyam’ came into existence during those outings,” he recalled.
Yash Suryawala, lawyer for Vadodara singer Atul Purohit, said, “Purohit now has the sole rights over the lyrics of this garba. Other artistes will not be able to claim it and they will also have to take his permission to sing this garba.” But Atul Kaka, as he is fondly called by the fans, has no intention of stopping others from singing this Garba.
“Garba is sacred. I won’t stop anyone from singing it. As of now, I don’t plan to license or ask for revenue from copyright of this garba,” Purohit said.
A singer since his childhood days, Purohit shifted to Vadodara from his village near Dabhoi in 1972 after getting a job in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. He along with other prominent Garba singers launched the Rishabh group at Mehsanagar Garba in 1982.
In 1990, he formed the ‘Rutumbhara Group’ and started performing in United Way Garba, and the association continues till date. Purohit himself is also officially a brand as he got his name copyrighted earlier this year.
But the organizers who want people to dance to this tune may now have to pay royalty as Purohit has got the copyright of the Garba. “I wrote the song in 1982 and composed it beautifully Vinod Iyengar, We released an album ‘Tara Veena Shyam’ in 1985 and this Garba became very popular. This was the turning point for us. Gradually, many other artistes started singing this garba,” Purohit, who is in the US for the Navratri show, told TOI over phone.
Purohit, 67, said that he decided to go for the copyright considering that some artists had started claiming that the song was either partially written or composed by him.
“Also, because of the popularity of this garba, it was possible that a music company could claim copyright on it. So, I decided to take the copyright on my favorite composition,” he said.
He had applied for the copyright of this Garba last year under the category of ‘literary/drama work’ and the copyright office granted him the rights this year. Interestingly, this Garba was written and made over a sip of hot tea at the gate of SSG Hospital, Vadodara.
“I, Iyengar, Ashwin Sarkar and Kushal Mehta Late night they used to hang out at a tea stall near the hospital gate and ‘Tara Veena Shyam’ came into existence during those outings,” he recalled.
Yash Suryawala, lawyer for Vadodara singer Atul Purohit, said, “Purohit now has the sole rights over the lyrics of this garba. Other artistes will not be able to claim it and they will also have to take his permission to sing this garba.” But Atul Kaka, as he is fondly called by the fans, has no intention of stopping others from singing this Garba.
“Garba is sacred. I won’t stop anyone from singing it. As of now, I don’t plan to license or ask for revenue from copyright of this garba,” Purohit said.
A singer since his childhood days, Purohit shifted to Vadodara from his village near Dabhoi in 1972 after getting a job in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. He along with other prominent Garba singers launched the Rishabh group at Mehsanagar Garba in 1982.
In 1990, he formed the ‘Rutumbhara Group’ and started performing in United Way Garba, and the association continues till date. Purohit himself is also officially a brand as he got his name copyrighted earlier this year.