The Dewarists (2011 - 2012)

Set against the frenetic pace of the city of Mumbai, this episode features a cross-border collaboration between Pakistani singer-songwriter duo Zeb & Haniya, and two veterans of Bollywood – composer Shantanu Moitra, and lyricist Swanand Kirkire.

An intimate visit to Delhi with Indian Ocean, folk rock giants and perhaps the biggest band in India today. Joining them is Mohit Chauhan, celebrated playback singer and balladeer extraordinaire.

From the lush green hills of Panshet, to the bustle of Pune, this episode sees the union of two of India’s long-standing classic rock icons – Parikrama and Agnee. Adding flavor to the collaboration is the lilting voice of acclaimed playback singer Shilpa Rao.

The desert landscapes of Jaisalmer and its surrounding villages provide the backdrop for the eclectic combination of U.K.-based breakbeat pop performer and producer Shri, singer-songwriter Monica Dogra, and folk collective Rajasthan Roots.

The verdant landscapes of Kaziranga set the stage for Angaraag ‘Papon’ Mahanta and Rabbi Shergill. The former is a native of the state, and revered within it for introducing an entire generation to ancient folk melodies that would otherwise have been lost forever. The latter introduces his Sufi-tinged, intrinsically Punjabi sound for a memorable collaboration.

Preeminent Hindustani classical singer Shubha Mudgal joins forces with folk rock band Swarathma, one of the most exciting independent acts to emerge from the country in the past few years. Together, they explore the city of Mysore – historic capital, and the city in which the Bangalore band was born.

Pioneers of Indian electronica Midival Punditz meet Sikh-Canadian rapper Humble The Poet for this unique collaboration by the scenic shorelines of Goa. Singer-songwriter and our host Monica Dogra also features on the track, marking her second appearance as an artist on the series.

Acclaimed producer, percussionist and composer Karsh Kale travels with guitar virtuoso Baiju Dharmajan to the sleepy town of Angadipurram in the southern state of Kerala. There, they write and perform ‘Sacred Science’ with Harigovindan, a master of the edakka drum who runs the world’s only temple devoted to percussion.

Fittingly, our season finale takes place in Shillong, Meghalaya – also known as the Scotland of the East. The episode features The Raghu Dixit Project, an act that has truly pushed boundaries to make dramatic strides both in Indian and in international markets. Joining them is Guru Rewben Mashangva, a performer, songwriter, and music researcher who is hailed in the Northeast as ‘The King of Naga Folk Blues’.