New Delhi: All roads led to Dwarka Sector 10, New Delhi on Saturday night as people braved Delhi's glum winters and long parking queues to watch some great artists perform live on stage. The highlight of the evening may have been AR Rahman's performance but the line up on DAY 1 of Bacardi NH7 Weekender was anyway impressive with artists like Raghu Dixit, Mark Ronson, Vir Das and others opening this year's music festival.
Dhruv Vishwanath came in early and warmed up the crowd with his music. Pakistan's Noori, who were performing at the festival for the second time in two years, walked on to the stage to loud cheers and announced ‘Hindustan Zindabad!’. The band sang their popular songs including ‘Mere Yaar’ and even did a cover of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan ‘Kitna Sona Tujhe Rab Ne Banaya’.
Meanwhile Raghu Dixit and his band lit up the Bacardi stage with some new and few old favourites including ‘Mysore Se Aayi’. Moments after Raghu Dixit’s performance, Vir Das and The Alien Chutney had the audience in splits with their musical take on everything from Politics to Delhi girls.
At the Dewars stage Dr. L. Subramaniam, along with his talented children captivated the audience with his soulful music. The audience refused to let him leave the stage as they chanted ‘once more’ and egged him to perform more but gracious artist that he is, he polite refused stating that “ it won’t be fair to other artists if I continue to be on stage’.
As all performances were coming to an end, everyone slowly started moving towards the Bacardi arena to witness the maestro of music perform live. A. R. Rahman re-created the magic of his greatest hits on stage, while the massive crowd joined in the chorus and chanted for more. From ‘Rockstar’ to his latest ‘Tamasha’, Rahman and his team of singers enthralled the audience with his signature songs. While the audience pleaded him to stay longer on the stage, Rahman said how it was important to give newer artists, indie bands more platform to grow creatively. "Spread peace. Jai Ho!" said the musician and waved good bye to the crowd.
Grammy Award-winning music producer Mark Ronson played some of his most popular tracks as part of his DJ set. Bass baron Nucleya had everyone jumping with music from his new album ‘Bass Rani’.
Known as the 'happiest music festival'- and rightfully so- had something for everyone. From great artists performing at various stages to delectable dishes at various eating joints to fun activity centers- the first day of the weekender was high on joy and music.
Day 2 has plenty to look forward to with the much-anticipated Ustad: A Tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan curated and presented by Vishal Dadlani, Scottish post-rock favourites Mogwai, maverick producer Flying Lotus, Mexican acoustic guitar-playing duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, British electro-pop artist SBTRKT along with more Indian favourites like Advaita, Rehan Dalal, Parikrama, Soulmate, and Hriday Gattani.
Over the last five years, BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender has grown to be one of the country’s most loved musical weekends - representing BACARDÍ India and Only Much Louder’s commitment to giving fans unforgettable musical experiences - a reflection of the untamable spirit of the festival. This year, over 150 artists will play at the BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender’s five editions – Shillong, Kolkata, Delhi, Pune and Bengaluru.
