Seema Mishra: The Desert Nightingale of Rajasthani Folk Music

Jaipur, October 23, 2024 —Rajasthan, with its rich cultural heritage, has produced many talented artists, but few have left as profound a mark as Seema Mishra, famously known as the “Maru Kokila” or Desert Nightingale. With a melodious voice that transcends borders, Seema Mishra has become a household name, not just in Rajasthan, but across the world. Having sung over 2,500 Rajasthani folk songs, she has been instrumental in keeping the tradition of Rajasthani folk music alive and thriving in modern times. In an exclusive interview with Credent TV, Seema Mishra shared her musical journey, the challenges she faced, and how her passion for Rajasthani music continues to drive her forward.

Early Life: Nurturing Talent from a Young Age

Seema Mishra was born in the small town of Bisau in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. However, her early years were spent in the city of Kota, where her love for music first blossomed. As a child, Seema showed a natural inclination towards music, often performing at school functions and local events. Her talent was evident from a young age, and at the age of 11, she gave her first public performance during a school event in Kota.

Seema’s journey took a significant turn when she moved to Ramgarh to live with her maternal family. Here, she continued to refine her skills by performing at school and college programs. Her voice, imbued with sweetness, began to draw the attention of audiences, leaving a lasting impression wherever she performed.

A Family of Strong Bonds Behind Seema Mishra’s Success

Seema Mishra, a celebrated Rajasthani folk singer, draws inspiration not only from her rich cultural heritage but also from her close-knit family. She is married to Ramavatar Sharma, with whom she has two daughters, Shubhangi and Prachi. Seema hails from a family of five siblings, with her elder sister Vandana Sharma and three brothers—Rajeev Buntoliya, Vijay Mishra, and Yash Mishra—supporting her journey. Born to Lakshmi Mishra and Shanti Kumar Mishra, Seema credits her upbringing for shaping her values and perseverance, which have been instrumental in her rise as a folk icon in Rajasthan.

Seema Mishra : A Voice That Resonates with Every Occasion

Seema Mishra’s voice is a staple at cultural and celebratory events across Rajasthan. Whether it’s an annual school function, a musical evening at a wedding, or a community gathering, Seema’s songs have become synonymous with celebration. Her repertoire of folk songs has the power to unite people, bringing joy and vibrancy to any event.

For over 25 years, Seema has shared the stage with numerous renowned artists, and her performances continue to inspire women and young girls to embrace their cultural roots through music and dance. Her connection with the Shekhawati diaspora remains strong, and her live performances are highly anticipated by both local and expatriate Rajasthani communities.

The Iconic Songs of Seema Mishra

In her interview with Credent TV, Seema Mishra revealed that every song she has sung holds a special place in her heart, but her personal favorite remains the soulful folk song, “Khadi Neem Ke Neeche Ekli.” This song has become iconic among her fans and is a reflection of her deep connection with Rajasthan’s folk traditions.

Her discography includes numerous hits such as “Kuve Par Akeli,” “Ghoomar,” “Mishri Ko Bagh Laga De Rasiya,” “Chand Chadyo Gignar,” “Mehndi Rachi Mhare Hatha Me,” and “Kalyo Kud Paryo Mele Me.” Each of these songs showcases her versatility as a folk artist and her ability to connect with her audience through meaningful lyrics and captivating rhythms.

The Influence of a Mother’s Lullaby

Seema Mishra’s journey in music was deeply influenced by her mother, Lakshmi Mishra. As a child, Seema would often listen to her mother sing lullabies, which sparked her early interest in music. She recalls how, as a little girl, she would try to imitate her mother’s singing, even creating makeshift instruments out of household items like utensils.

Her mother’s unwavering support and encouragement played a pivotal role in nurturing Seema’s musical talent. Additionally, her elder brother, Rajeev Buntolia, was a source of constant motivation. Seema’s siblings, Vandana Sharma and Yash Mishra, express immense pride in her achievements, noting that being recognized as Seema’s family brings them immense joy.

The Breakthrough: Seema Mishra’s Rise to Fame

Seema Mishra’s breakthrough moment came during a stage performance in Jaipur, where she caught the attention of Veena Cassettes, a prominent music label. This opportunity led to the release of her album “Chand Chadyo Gignar,” which quickly became a massive hit across Rajasthan. The success of this album marked the beginning of her illustrious career, and from 2000 to 2007, Seema released a series of hit folk albums that solidified her position as one of Rajasthan’s leading folk singers.

Her voice, often described as a breath of fresh air, has not only earned her a loyal fan base but also led to her being hailed as “Rajasthan’s Lata Mangeshkar.” Seema’s contribution to the preservation of Rajasthani folk music is unmatched, and her songs continue to resonate with audiences even years after their release.

A Journey Rooted in Family and Tradition

Seema Mishra attributes much of her success to the constant support of her family, particularly her mother and brother. She fondly recalls performing bhajans with her brother, Rajeev, at the Do Janti Balaji temple in Fattehpur in 1993, an experience that deepened her connection with devotional music. In 1995, the siblings moved to Jaipur, where Seema’s career in folk music truly took off, marking the start of an incredible journey.

Today, Seema continues to inspire new generations of artists with her dedication to preserving Rajasthani folk music. Her voice, rich with cultural heritage, remains a beacon of Rajasthan’s musical legacy.

Seema Mishra’s ‘Swar Madhuri’ Returns with Season 2: A National Talent Hunt for Aspiring Singers

Following the resounding success of the 2023 edition, Seema Mishra, a renowned figure in Rajasthani folk music, has launched Season 2 of her national-level talent hunt, Swar Madhuri, under the auspices of the Rajasthan Lok Sangeet Kala Academy. This season promises to be even bigger, offering a platform for aspiring singers across four age categories—Kilkaari (5-15 years), Tarunai (16-25 years), Yuva (26-45 years), and Varisth (46-65 years)—to showcase their talent in Shastriya Sangeet (Classical), Lok Sangeet (Folk), and Sugam Sangeet (Light Music). Auditions will kick off on 5th November in Ajmer, with the final leg of auditions and the grand finale set to take place in Jaipur by 28th December. Registrations are open until 16th December. For more details, visit www.swarmadhuri.com or call +91 7727976655.