Embracing India ’ s rich heritage : EQUALS , India ’ s Folk Music Odyssey on OTT ”
Abhinav Agarwal - Anahad Foundation
What inspired the creation of EQUALS , India ’ s first folk music documentary series ?
Over the past 5 years , I ’ ve crisscrossed the country , covering every nook and cranny , and documented over 6000 folk artists . These recordings are part of the BackPack Studio project , one of the largest folk musical archives available on YouTube . It aimed to digitise folk music and create livelihood opportunities for artists . Along my journey , I encountered incredible stories that touched and left a lasting impression on me . Many of these moments reshaped my understanding of folk music , going beyond its traditional and cultural significance . As a film enthusiast , I wanted to present these stories cinematically , allowing viewers to connect with these artists on a human level .
Embark on a melodic journey as EQUALS , India ’ s pioneering folk music documentary series , takes center stage on national OTT platform JioCinema . Created by the Anahad Foundation , this 7-episode masterpiece not only celebrates Grammy winners but also pays homage to unsung folk heroes . With a stellar lineup including Ricky Kej , Warsi Brothers , Swarathma , and more , EQUALS promises to be a riveting exploration of seven diverse folk styles . Rooted in tradition and driven by a passion for preservation , this series is set to captivate audiences globally .
We delve into conversations with some of the brilliant artists contributing to this musical tapestry and also had a chat with a spokesperson from Anahad Foundation .
Can you share insights into the thematic focus of EQUALS and why it ’ s essential for viewers ?
“ Equals ” is a series delving into songwriting , exploring what makes each artist unique . Crafted differently , every artist ’ s work is a culmination of diverse life experiences . “ Equals ” strives to showcase this journey through seven distinctive folk musicians who significantly impact their society with their art . This truth extends to every human on this planet — we are all Equals , yet uniquely different . Our varied playlists , musical tastes , and food preferences stem from experiences that have left an imprint , shaping our personalities . “ Equals ” stories prompt viewers to reflect on their own journeys and appreciate their value , fostering a more confident and fulfilling life .
In a diverse landscape of folk music , how did you go about selecting artists and the rich styles to be featured in the series ?
While we would have loved to create a series with over 50 episodes , being a charitable project limited us to fundraising for only 7 episodes . The decision was primarily financially driven , given the series ’ small
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