Chetani Bai, the Legendry Singer of Family.

No Wedding could be completed in Mohalla Aghapura Multan without their active participation of two sisters in singing sessions. This is a scene of mid 1930-1940s re-enacted when sisters Ghanko Bai and Chetani Bai were the stars of any music evening. Both were famous for giving a scintillating singing performance in home style gatherings.

Ghanko Bai was very fair and beautiful and was married to a Minister in Bahawalpur Province. Chetani Bai was not a very not healthy since childhood and was braught up by older sister Ghanko Bai. 

On the Music night, Chetani Bai would usually pretend being critically unwell.  She was reluctant to budge an inch and flatly refused to join the singing gathering to mark any happy rejoicing in the Mohalla. She had a big tumor in her stomach which bothered her a lot. It was very difficult to convince her to join the singing initially. After lots of pressure and requests, she will ultimately get up and tie an inverted 'Tawa' (Roti-Hot Plate) on her tummy and set for joining singing session. Sometimes, she had to be carried on back to reach the singing location.

My mom Savitri Bai told me this story of singing in the family in a reply to a question when I asked her why every cousin in my maternal family was so proficient singer.

Once Ghanko Bai arrived at the music gathering, the waiting audience will jump with joy to welcome her. With her solo singing and in duets with her sister Chetani Bai, the ladies around would accompany her singing which will be followed by abrupt dancing in the congregation.  Such was the charm of her singing that she would continue to fullfil the request of one and all. Usually the singing will continue till late night and at times extended to dawn next day.

Both sisters were equally apt in singing but unfortunately pole apart in physical appearance. As dark color was considered to be a taboo in those days in India and poor Chetani Bai was a victim to that atrocity of God.  Ghanko Bai was however far fair but both were equally outstanding performers and charmers.

All her children, grand children and great grand children continued to sing in the tradition set up by the great singer Chetani Bai.

Prem Wadhwa

Her grand daughter and my cousin Prem Wadhwa who has also been also singing on All India Radio for Delhi station for last 5-6 decades, has performed her grandmother's original compositions on Radio. I have requested her to send me her recordings to attach here with my blog.