MUMBAI: The brand Bindaas recently launched a fresh new television show on its newest music channel Bindaas Play called ‘Bollywood Republic’. On 1 March, the short format show premiered its first episode, featuring popular Rajasthani Folk tribe- Langa who recreated a magical version of the popular Bollywood song ‘Masti Ki Paathshala’ from the film ‘Rang De Basanti’.

The group was more than happy to present ‘Masti Ki Paathshalai’ in its own unique and folk style, said Disney India Vice President – Content & Communications – Media Networks, Vijay Subramaniam. The track also features an upbeat folk rap performed by one of the group’s members, adding an interesting desi feel to the song.

Speaking about the show’s concept, Subramaniam said, “Bindass PLAY was launched with a promise to empower, inspire and celebrate music with our viewers – the youngsters of our country. As we thought of celebration as a theme, we came up with Bollywood Republic. We have an extremely rich and distinct sound that is of folk music. So for us the first step of celebration was to re-imagine popular Bollywood songs through the eyes of these folk musicians.”

Keeping up with the promise of presenting popular Bollywood music in raw, unadulterated, rooted folk forms, the upcoming episodes will feature Punjabi Jhumar from Patiala, who have created a rendition of ‘Slow Motion Angreza’ from the film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and The Kawals from Delhi with a rendition of ‘Tere Bina’ from Guru.

Talking of how Bollywood Republic is unique from the other music based shows he explained, “With this travelling show, we are unearthing and introducing the richness of our own culture through the lens of Bollywood music. These folk renditions of really popular Bollywood tracks are adding a completely new dimension to the existing popularity of that song.”

Subramaniam added that the series will have a total of 10 Bollywood songs in 10 varied folk renditions. And while the channel has no plans for a live concert, it has not written off the idea completely.