Like many who made a name for themselves in the music business, Shailend Kumar’s journey began with the encouragement of his father Ram Baran – a wellknown bhajaniya.
Under his dad’s watchful eye, Kumar began singing when he was a mere 11 years old and in class five.
The former Saru, Lautoka, resident who now lives in Ratu Dovi Rd, Nadera, said he was inspired and nurtured by his father.
With his father’s guidance, Kumar sang on stage with one of the top bhajan singers when he was in class eight. He said his father’s encouragement developed his interest in singing bhajan.
“I used to accompany him in his bhajan programs and that’s how my interest in bhajan developed,” the 53-year-old said. “
Before singing bhajan, I sang qawali for three years. So I would say my singing career began with qawali songs.
“When I realised that qawali in our country was not sung according to the way it should be, I left that and began to sing bhajan.
“Actually, I began singing when I was in class five.” Kumar said his father was his “guru”.
“My father guided me and taught me how to sing bhajan. He gave me one of lord Krishna’s bhajan Shree Krishn ne tona maara gend gira jamuna dhara.
“A renowned bhajan singer late Sukh Deo wrote and sang this bhajan and this was the first bhajan which I sang.
“We had a Ramayan mandali in Saru, Lautoka and my father and I used to sing in all the weekly gatherings.
“Apart from our Ramayan mandali programs, we used to sing in death rituals and other functions. “That’s how people started to know me and they began to invite me at their houses and programs to sing.
“I started getting popular. People from outside Lautoka began to invite me to sing in their programs. That’s how I got more encouraged and my interest kept building.”
Kumar said he got more inspired when was given the opportunity to sing on stage.
“I sang on the stage in a competition when I was in class eight. The competition was organised in Sigatoka and I had the privilege to sing with Mukesh Chand Mahabir who was a popular bhajan singer that time.
“The competition was organised to raise funds to build a temple. The trustees of the temple were my sister and brother-in-law and they were the ones who had requested and As I have said, my father was my “guru”; he showed me the path on which I am today.
I encourage all the young bhajan singers to continue singing to develop their talent but at the same time have a “guru” in your life that can show you the correct direction – Shailend Kumar invited me to take part in the competition which was entirely to raise funds for the temple.
“Mr Mahabir was a big artist (singer) at that time. So after the competition he came and sat with me and thanked and encouraged me to continue.
“He said he was moved by my singing and he blessed me.
“That day I got more inspired and that’s how my journey continued.”
He said after his father’s death in 1996, he got opportunities to sing with many top bhajan singers in the country. “My father was the one who inspired me the most. He was my ‘guru’.
He guided me throughout until he died in 1996.
“When my father passed away, I regarded Ashok Kumar (the bhajan king of Fiji) as my ‘guru’. With his blessings I have reached here so far.
“Since I had been singing from a very young age, I had so many opportunities to sing with some top bhajan singers from Fiji such as Ram Charan Sardar from Sigatoka, Bal Ram from Ba, Kanda Swamy Balak, Ashok Kumar etc.
“They all gave me their blessings and with their blessings, I am here today.
“I have sung in so many functions and competitions. Apart from bhajan, I also sing lokgeet in weddings, kirtan and qawali. “I have my own troop with whom I go and sing in programs and events.
“My younger son is taking a lot of interest in singing.”
Kumar said bhajan are not sung for entertainment.
“The pattern of singing bhajan has changed a lot now compared with the way our parents and grandparents used to sing.
“Before it was sung with a discipline but now they have brought in entertainment with it. Even in death rituals the family will request for competitions. Bhajan has become an area of fun now. When I sing, I try to teach people at the same time about what I am singing and what importance it has in our lives.
“There should be a discipline and respect since we venerate god’s name and sing verses from our holy scriptures. As such a pleasant atmosphere has to be created where bhajan are sung.
“Our young singers have to understand this. Bhajan is not for fun, it is to worship god.
“During stage shows, if they make a bit of fun, then it’s OK, but then it has a limit. People have to know the essence and importance of bhajan.
“Similarly, if you are singing during a death ritual, you have to give the full respect to the environment there and whatever you sing should be meaningful and suit the environment there.
“I try to teach the singers as well as the audience the correct path and that’s how it should be.
“Our young singers see us and learn from us so we have to teach and show them the correct path.” Kumar has encouraged young and upcoming singers to have a “guru” who could guide them. “I urge all bhajan singers to choose a ‘guru’ who can guide you because without a ‘guru’ you’ll be diverted from your path.
“Your ‘guru’ will always show you the correct path.
‘“As I have said, my father was my ‘guru’; he showed me the path on which I am today.
“I encourage all the young bhajan singers to continue singing to develop their talent but at the same time have a ‘guru’ in your life that can show you the correct direction.”
