And I keep on writing these songs
Over and over
And I keep getting closer to you…
These lines serve as an ideal summation of the kind of pull an artiste tends to have over fans —- their innate ability to endear and evoke, to move and mesmerise, in equal measure. The artist in question here is none other than Prateek Kuhad, who, armed with his illuminative prowess of lyrical prose, recently descended upon the City of Joy as part of his ongoing “The Way That Lovers Do” cross-country tour.
On December 4, I was one of several who thronged the spacious grounds of the Aquatica Banquet Resort and Water Park in eager anticipation of witnessing one of the mainstays on my 2am Spotify playlist come to life, for the very first time. As the clock chimed closer to showtime, the crowd began to swell on an early winter evening and Kolkata came alive in a manner akin to how some may describe falling in love (here’s looking at you, John Green) — slowly, and then all at once.
As soon as that first note of the first song hit home, we all knew that we were in for something special
Kuhad kick-started proceedings with a dreamy rendition of 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan'
Love is lying in the corner,
For you, you.
It’s true, true…
What ensued moments after was an intimate soiree of like-minded melophiles swaying long into a night of unbridled tranquillity, shielded from the chaos of the city. Dressed in his trademark overalls, Kuhad kick-started proceedings with a dreamy rendition of Kho gaye hum kahan, a song which not only echoed the thoughts of his sea of wide-eyed fans, but also helped set the mood for all that was to come. In that very moment, as soon as that first note of the first song hit home, we all knew that we were in for something special.
Abhi to sham baki hai
Aur raat raazi hai…
From classics such as 100 Words to with you/for you to recent earworms such as All I Need and Co2, I traversed a diverse spectrum of moods, wide as well as deep enough to satisfy Kuhad loyalists, both old and new.
Blessed with the remarkable gift of evoking something for everyone in attendance, from the lovelorn to the lovestruck, from the hopeful to the hopeless, Kuhad’s lyrics seemed to wash over one and all like a sonorous wave in tandem with a rising tide of oh-so-many emotions.
Throughout the concert, I could not help but marvel at his ability to sound exactly the same in person, replete with unwavering pitch and tonality, which in itself is a feat in today’s age of autotune and lip-syncing.
Swaying to the lilting rhythms of an artist far away from the razzmatazz of mainstream music had never felt this good. Being aware of every fleeting second from thereon, I spent the rest of the night nestled in a transcendental plane of unadulterated, emotive bliss.
It was not merely an auditory masterpiece, but a visual delight as well
Kuhad switched between the guitar and the piano with effervescent ease
Nasheeli raat hai, taare bhi saath hai
Ghungunate hum chale, shahero ki galiyon se
Jaane kyun yeh pal,
Pigal gaya, fisal gaya…
One of the most striking aspects of Kuhad’s entire performance was the fact that it was not merely an auditory masterpiece, but a visual delight as well. Each lyric and each stanza was ably complemented by a myriad montages that unfolded on the giant screens behind him, creating an interplay of light and darkness, like a blissful chiaroscuro captured on a resplendent canvas.
Over the years, Kuhad has also evolved into quite the showman, as was evident here when he switched between the piano and the guitar with effervescent ease, successfully bringing to life the best elements of minimalism and aesthetic grandeur.
Just when I thought it was all over, he pulled off a feint by pretending to leave the stage, only to give in to the crowd’s desperate calls and return to a crescendo of cheers.
Tune kaha, maine sun liya…
What followed was a rippling riposte aimed directly at our hearts, as he brought the curtains down on a glorious night with his piece de resistance, lest we all be left in a Cold Mess.
Bidding adieu amidst a dazzling display of confetti and fireworks, the highlight of the night was one final, mad scramble towards the front of the stage, as scores of fans jostled just to get a glimpse of their soulful serenader, before he gently retired into the oh-so-good night. Leaving us to bask in the aftermath of an unforgettable evening and to keep reality at bay, just for a little while longer.
Before my soul does sleep,
I’m overwhelmed with you…
The man with the Midas touch had struck again, with a performance so radiant that even the staunchest of Prateek Kuhad sceptics would be left humming:
Yaha kho bhi jaun toh main,
Kya kasoor hai mera?
