Marathi item numbers are riding up the popularity charts in dubai as nightclubs can't have enough of them

Now playing in top Dubai pubs: Kombadi Palali

Marathi item numbers are riding up the popularity charts in dubai as nightclubs can't have enough of them

BELIEVE it or not, Dubai is dancing to Marathi numbers. Since Target became the first Marathi film to be premiered in Dubai early this month, Marathi songs are said to have become quite the rage there.
Kombadi Palali, an item song from the film Jatra, seems to be a particular favourite.

Actor and dancer Kranti Redkar, who was in Dubai for the premiere of Target, said the foot-tapping number was often played at popular haunts of the party set in Dubai.

"We thought that our songs are popular only amongu00a0 Maharashtrian NRIs, but it seems their appeal goes beyond that. I had gone to a popular pub in Dubai with my co-stars and was thrilled to hear Kombadi Palali," she said. "It is an item number from my film."

Language of music
She said when the owner of the nightspot announced the actor was in the pub, there were cheers from the crowd. Redkar said she danced to the number in the pub.

"Everyone joined in and we had a great time. I was really surprised because nobody understands Marathi lyrics," she said. "It was the rhythm and melody of the song which attracted even the local Arabs."
There is a Marathi presence in Dubai that keeps in touch with the homeland through Marathi films and songs, said Jagdish Unecha, producer of Target.

"There are about 12,000 Marathi speakers settled in Dubai and Marathi films and songs are popular among them," Unecha said. "And it is heartening to see that Target has been well received."

Positive response
Ajay Sarpotdar, president, Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal, said they were happy that Marathi films and songs were making a mark across the seas.

"Marathi music directors like Ajay-Atul, Jeetendra Kulkarni, Avadhut Kavathalkar and Salil Kulkarni are based in West Asia," Sarpotdar said. "In fact, because of the positive response we are planning a Marathi film festival as well as a Marathi song festival in Dubai soon."

As for Target, Unecha added that Wata Ya Moharlya, Amacha Ya Yenyane had proved to be the most popular song from the film.

12,000 Approximate number of Marathi speakers settled in Dubai

Top 10 songs
1. Hirawa Nisarga (Navra Maza Navasacha)
2. Kombadi Palali (Jatra)
3. Devau00a0 Tuzha Dari Aalo (Uladhal)
4. Apasara Ali (Natrang)
5. Vazale Ki Baara (Natrang)
6. Mala Laagli Kunachi Uchaki (Pinjara)
7. Man Udhan Varyache (Agobai Arechcha)
8. Vata Zidkaruni, Mhanati Jaa Yethuni (Target)
9. Ekach Ya Janmi Janu (Pudhache Paul)
10. Tuzaha Malyamandi (Tula Shikwin Changala Dhada)