This Bihu, VCDs in vogue in Asom

Guwahati, Apr 14 (UNI) While not many are convinced about the revival of the Assamese cinema or the traditional Assamese theatres, the music industry is hoping for some comfort this season with VCDs of Bihu chorals setting the tone for the ensuing harvest festival, being made available at cheaper rates.

Every year during this season, dozens of VCDs are released in the state, most of which revolve round the Bihu festival and the traditional Bihugeets -- romantic couplets expressing love, romance and the changing mood of nature.

''Last year there were around 30 VCD releases in the state. This year, it has already crossed the 50 mark,'' said Jayanta Borkotoky, proprietor of NK Production.

'Jaanmoni' the leading production house release has already sold 1 lakh copies, besides 70,000 audio cassettes of the same number.

Even as the composition is generally a modified version of the traditional folk music, the VCDs have become the most sought-after entertainment medium, especially during the Bihu festival.

A Bihu VCD or an audio cassette is a must in the shopping list of most Assamese people during this festival.

Of course, there are the 'Husori's, groups of dancers visiting houses and performing the pure Bihu dance in the accompaniment of benedictory songs.

''The first Bihu VCD, 'Bohagor Nachoni', was released in 2000 and it sold around 5,000 copies. The retail price of each VCD then was Rs 270. Last year, the price came down to Rs 99, while this year the same VCDs are available at Rs 35,'' Mr Borkotoky said.

Asked about the modern tinges infused in the traditional music and chorals, Borkotoky said, ''Yes there has been a lot of changes.

Now, people want more than the melody of 'dhol's (drums) and 'pepa' (a flute made of buffalo horn). Inevitably, you find the accompaniment of guiters, synthesizers and other musical gadgets for synchronization. But the essence of the festival is very much there.'' The lyrics are also written keeping in mind the contemporary urban taste.

''In 2005, we released a VCD - 'Rongmon' - an exclusive traditional music with the couplets rendered by Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

But it didn't catch the public taste and very few copies were sold,'' he said.

Significantly, the audio cassette industry in the state is also following a waning trend. Around 100 cassettes are released every year, and the number is declining by the day.

Besides the decreasing rates of the VCD players, the social message in the VCD with the Bihu festivities dominating the mood through the music has helped it manage a sizeable viewership.

However, observers are not very sure about the popularity of the VCDs in the coming years.

A manager of another production house said, ''Assamese films are in a dying stage. The scope of 'bhaona's (traditional plays) and theaters are also limited. Now, even though VCDs are in vogue, once the DVDs make forays into the region, it is likely to take over as the prime entertainment medium.'' UNI RTJ MIR KN1051