Share
KOHIMA — An official teaser video has been circulating recently showing 27-year-old Tsuhveto Resuh from Nagaland performing on reality show, "Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash," the country's premier folk singing competition.
Despite making it to the top 30 finalists, Resuh decided to return home due to dietary concerns, health issues, and homesickness, especially since the show coincided with the festive season for the Nagas.
Recalling his experience, the singer mentioned that staying in a hotel for several days during the contest in the city made it difficult for him to adjust to the food. After his performance in the second round on December 28, he requested that the artiste from Tamil Nadu, with whom they were tied in points, be given the opportunity to proceed.
He expressed regret for withdrawing from the event, citing various reasons including homesickness. However, undeterred by his decision to discontinue his participation, Resuh emphasised the beauty of singing folk songs solo, despite the common practice of group performances among the Nagas.
In the one-minute fifteen-second video, the event's host, Pritam Pyaare, introduces Resuh, dressed in traditional Naga attire, as he captivates the audience with "Nehüveri," a soulful folk song, accompanied by talented musicians.
After the performance, the show, which includes renowned judges such as Kailash Kher (the producer of the event), Debojit Saha, Gayatri Ashokan, and Sneha, is seen applauding the Naga artiste, awarding him significant points. Resuh has advanced to the top 30 finalists with his outstanding performances on two songs.
In an interview with Eastern Mirror, Resuh recounted his journey to the reality show, which began in December last year in Mumbai following an audition held at DDK in Kohima. Out of the participants, two were selected to represent the state of Nagaland in the national event.
According to Resuh, the selection process mandates two artistes from each state or union territory to participate in the event. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, his fellow artiste could not attend, leaving him to compete solo in Mumbai over 70 artistes from across the country.
The performances from last year's December till March are broadcasted weekly on DD National, with teasers being uploaded on their official social media platforms prior to the telecast.
It is anticipated that his full appearances will be broadcasted on any weekend during the show's scheduled airing from 7 to 8 pm on Doordarshan (DD) National.
Resuh shared, "I performed Nehüveri and Chezarilü, traditional Naga folk songs, with fervor," mentioning that his debut performance took place on December 24 at the Mumbai event.
Highlighting that folk songs often involve repetition, he recalled how he infused his performance with passionate yelling while skillfully avoiding repetition during the show.
Mentioning that Naga folk songs are gaining recognition and appreciation beyond their land for their uniqueness and purity, he recalled researchers attending the mega talent show who expressed admiration for Naga folk songs.
"I'm not sure how I performed on stage, but people were impressed," he remarked. He also mentioned entertaining others with performances in his hotel room in Mumbai upon request.
Recounting that the instruments provided by the show musicians didn't quite match the authenticity of his Naga folk songs, lacking the original Nagaland instruments, he suggested that in future performances outside Nagaland, it's essential for Nagas to be equipped with their own instruments to maintain the integrity of their music.
Responding to questions, the folk vocalist observed that many artistes in Nagaland tend to perform English songs, and there's a prevailing mentality among youngsters to look down on those who sing folk songs.
Mentioning that singing folk songs provides more advantages and opportunities outside the state compared to other types of songs, Resuh shared his experience of singing folk songs with his father and mentioned that they have performed original compositions at various events in Nagaland.
He is also founding member of the popular folk group called Seyie_Intrepid, comprised of folk musicians who perform for audiences with their distinctive fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.
Apart from his involvement in folk music, Resuh has a passion for sports and achieved notable success. He secured two gold medals in the below 50 kg belt wrestling and mass wrestling categories during the 1st All India Traditional Wrestling and Pankration Federation Cup held at Raipur, Chhattisgarh from May 12 to 15, 2022.
Resuh, a graduate hailing from Pholami village in the Phek district, shared that he also works part-time as a taxi driver, ferrying passengers from his village to Kohima and other destinations.
Living in the state capital, he has supported his siblings' education with his part-time earnings.