No shor, but a sweet contemporary Punjabi track that celebrates culture – Beyond Bollywood

Unheralded singer Nancy Thakkar charms with her voice and expressions. Truly a home production, as mother Poonam has penned the simple yet endearing lyrics and music.

By Mayur Lookhar

Thanks to the digital age, particularly YouTube, budding artists no longer need to depend on haughty big music labels to express their talent. Countless musicians across the globe are using YouTube and other digital platforms as a launchpad for their music. In the desi context, a few names that spring to mind are Anuv Jain, Rahgir, Sanam Puri, and Darshan Raval, while bands like Mitraz and The Local Train have become a rage among the youth. Not to forget the army of quality rappers in the independent music space.

Young Nancy Thakkar is a name that may not ring a bell for many, but she has come up with a delightful contemporary Punjabi track. Blessed with good looks, we learned that she is also an actress, portraying the legendary actress-singer Suraiyya in Nandita Das’ highly acclaimed biopic Manto (2018). That was perhaps just a cameo, but the young musician is likely to garner attention for her newly released Punjabi single Mach Gaya Shor.

These words might sound familiar, but this is no remake of the Kishore Kumar-Lata Mangeshkar classic from the 1974 film Khud-daar. On the contrary, it’s a fine Punjabi track rooted in culture. Nancy hasn’t just crooned it; she directed and features in it. And it’s truly a home production, as her mother, Poonam, has penned the lyrics and composed the music. A singer herself, Poonam’s collaborative efforts with Nancy highlight a family’s dedication to the arts, blending traditional and modern musical elements.

The Mach Gaya Shor track introduces us to the talented mother-daughter duo. Their latest song is steeped in culture, with visuals depicting a bride or a young girl waiting for her beloved—but not without airs. How can a good Punjabi song not mention Heer-Ranjha? The lyrics consist of familiar words often heard at weddings and celebrations, but it’s their simplicity and rhyming that make them appealing. 

Folk music is eternal, and no matter how many times we hear folksy songs or different renditions, they never seem old. We see a similar simplicity in Poonam’s music, where much of the composition plays to desi beats. The early matka sound, the band baja, and the clap-like rhythm in the antara exude Punjab’s essence. A quasi-techno beat serves as the pulse of this track, especially in the mukhda and the final antara, yet it remains beautifully understated in the rest of the track. Poonam Thakkar is a composer who knows her roots well.  

Like mother, like daughter. Nancy Thakkar is a breath of fresh air, charming with her gentle tone and joyful screen presence. Not everyone has a naturally gifted voice—not that Nancy doesn’t—but the true essence of a singer lies in evoking emotions and passion. We feel that passion and sense of longing in Nancy’s tone. She backs it up with killer expressions and simple yet graceful dance moves, especially the little thumkas and adayein. Jeez, even her body language seems rhythmical.

The song has strong visual appeal, with Praful Jadhavar working his magic, beautifully capturing Nancy’s beauty—particularly when she dons the shades and later while looking into the mirror. The overall concept and direction by Nancy Thakkar further highlight her all-round talent. Here is a girl who understands her music inside out.

The likable thing about the choreography, done by her mother, is that it is far from perfect—but so relatable. Music and dance are usually bestowed upon chosen souls, and while most laymen adore master musicians, the songs and visuals that resonate most are the ones that feel like a wedding in your own house. Credit also goes to the traditionally dressed side dancers, who revel in the desi music, and the band baja players, who are clearly having fun.

Perfection is often reserved for connoisseurs, but Nancy and Poonam Thakkar’s Mach Gaya Shor truly belongs to the people of Punjab and its neighboring states. It’s a breath of fresh air, a far cry from the pathetic party-sharty, daru-sharu, kudi-vudi Punjabi tracks of this era. There’s shor in the title, but this sweet track is music to the ears. Go revisit your roots with Mach Gaya Shor.

Watch the Mach Gaya Shor track below.