While much has been said and published on this classic composition created by legends Mangesh Padgaonkarji and Srinivas Khaleji, rendered by yet another legend, Lata Mangeshkarji, the same composition when rendered by none other than Mahesh Kale translates the song to another level and creates yet another version of parenthood and warmth.
Traditionally, lullabies are known to be sung by women, so it is said and heard; it’s uncommon to find it rendered by a male singer. Nonetheless, when it does fall on your ears, it touches the core of your heart, tears it into minuscule particles, thus creating a meaningful and memorable experience.
Maheshji’s rendition is a light classical version. He sings two specific stanzas of the song and does it much skillfully. He creates a background of a peaceful night for the listener to traverse on the slumber cruise, decorated with the night clouds complete with shiny stars, light wind silencing the surroundings that otherwise keep the child awake.
The first stanza creates an uncanny feel of a father shooing away all bodies and negative energies from the child, encouraging her to rest after a playful day. A special mention here, to note the way in which the word majhya has been expressed from the term majhya nandlala (my child). It represents a big shout to the world that this is my child, thus, owning her in all ways, her notorious ways and flaws, all of it.
Towards the start of the second stanza, the sleeping child has already taken shape in your eyes and is trying to catch up in a comfortable position to sleep. Who knows, the child may be dreaming about running after a colourful butterfly, ignoring all disturbances and instructions, posing a smile on her innocent little face.
By now, the magic of this rendition has cast its spell on the audience. Your cruise has begun and has transferred you to the stars. All that you can recall is the magical experience of this version of the classic song Neej Majhya Nandlala, moments carved on your heart, mind and soul. It delves deep within to explore yourself to either find a child or a parent to sail on this slumber cruise and never fails to moisten my eyes each time I listen to it.
Note: The above appreciation is based on my understanding of the song, lyrics and rendition by Mahesh Kale. Please note that there is no copyright infringement intended.
Know more about Mahesh Kale here.