Chat with Gadkari led to birth of song ‘Damlelya Babachi Kahani’: Kulkarni

Nagpur: Composer-singer Salil Kulkarni on Sunday that the song ‘Damlelya Babachi Kahani' took shape after a 2008 show in Nagpur and a subsequent conversation with Union minister Nitin Gadkari. "In 2008, we had a show at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall here. During that programme, the song ‘Doordeshi Gela Baba' clicked instantly. The audience applauded it wholeheartedly. The next day after the show, we went to Nitin Gadkari's home for breakfast. The same song came up in conversation. Gadkari remarked that even when parents want to, they often can't give their children enough time — and that parents feel helpless too. That thought stayed with me, and a song based on that emotion—‘Damlelya Babachi Kahani'—took shape. That's why this song has a special connection with Nagpur and with Gadkari," recalled Kulkarni.
"Because of Gadkari, we've done many such concerts in Nagpur. What began as an experiment has now completed 23 years, so far we've performed 2,050 shows. Nagpur's contribution has been significant. Whenever we want to present something new, Nagpur inevitably comes to mind," said Kulkarni.He shared the memory during the second day of Khasdar Jyestha Nagarik Sanskrutik Mahotsav organised by the Jyestha Nagarik Pratisthan. Kulkarni and Sandeep Khare presented a musical programme ‘Ayushyavar Bolu Kahi' at Suresh Bhat Auditorium, Reshimbagh. Actress, writer and social worker Nishigandha Wad too attended the programme.Starting with ‘Jara Chukiche Jara Barobar Bolu Kahi, Chala Dostho Ayushyavar Bolu Kahi', the duo began a musical dialogue. Gadkari, who could not be present at the venue due to ill health, watched the programme online from home. After Khare presented his unpublished poem ‘Jivant Aaji', Gadkari requested ‘Damlela Babachi Kahani'. While introducing it, Kulkarni explained why the song was close to Gadkari and how it came into being because of Nagpur.