Two full decades after its first release, the classic song 'Maaeri' by Euphoria is far from a forgotten memory. It continues to live vibrantly, not just on digital playlists but etched deeply in the hearts of an entire generation. This enduring legacy was powerfully demonstrated at the recent Repertwahr theatre and music festival held in Lucknow.
A Chorus of a Generation
As Palash Sen, the lead singer of the iconic band Euphoria, took the stage, a magical moment unfolded. A sea of millennials in the audience lifted the song's opening lines in perfect unison. The collective voice was so precise and heartfelt, it seemed as if they had rehearsed it just the day before. Witnessing this spontaneous, powerful tribute, Sen stood frozen on stage, visibly overwhelmed before choking up with emotion.
Addressing the crowd in a voice thick with feeling, Sen shared a deeply personal connection. "This is the biggest compliment anyone can get," he expressed. He revealed that his mother had come to Lucknow when she was just seventeen years old. "Tonight, all of you are remembering my mother by singing this song with me. I just want to say thank you," he said, acknowledging that while many know only this one song from Euphoria, the love was palpable.
The Raw Confession of an Independent Artist
The emotional high of the performance led to a raw and honest confession from the singer-songwriter, known for hits like 'Dhoom Pichak Dhoom' and 'Aana Meri Gully'. In a subsequent social media post, Sen reflected on his long, often solitary journey in the Indian music industry, which he described as a 'thankless job' and a 'lost battle'.
He declared the Lucknow night as one of the biggest for Euphoria, stating he is an "ordinary man with an extraordinary life." He described himself as a "middle-class man who still dreams the impossible dream" and a "sensitive poet who has only loved and lost."
His post laid bare the struggles of staying true to his art. "The film industry never gave me a fair chance, the labels didn't find me commercially viable enough, and the brands needed filmy or Punjabi stuff," he shared. He positioned himself and his band as perpetual outsiders—"too educated, too upright, too honest" to bend to industry demands.
A Call to Support and a Victory in Lucknow
During his stage speech, Sen made a passionate appeal to the audience. "Support Euphoria because we are the flag bearers of independent music in this country," he urged. He emphasized their principled stand: "We never bowed before the filmwalas. We never sold out. We never bowed before any label."
He acknowledged the harsh reality, calling the industry a "mafia" where Euphoria feels like it loses a battle every single day. But turning to the Lucknow crowd, he declared with gratitude, "But people of Lucknow, today all of you together have made Euphoria win." This victory, born from shared memory and genuine connection, marked a profound moment for the artist who has steadfastly walked his own path.
