By Prior Beharry
THE Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts apologises for listing the Hanuman Chalisa as Chutney music.
The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the more popular devotional hymns or bhajans that praises Lord Hanuman.
In its condolence message on Saturday on the passing of radio personality and renderer of Indian songs Anil Bheem, the Ministry erroneously stated that the Hanuman Chalisa was part of his Chutney music repertoire.
In fact, Bheem had produced an upbeat version of a Hanuman devotional song which was titled Bole Bole Hanuman. It was a cover version of an Anup Jolata rendition.
Bheem, passed away on Saturday at his Curepe home after two performances on Friday night.
He worked at 103 FM and was the host of the popular drive-time afternoon programme called Catch the Rhythms.
Click here to read story on Anil Bheem’s passing
In another release on Sunday, the Culture Ministry stated:
“At this time, we all grieve the passing of Mr Anil Bheem, a significant cultural icon. Mr Bheem has made tremendous contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape through his performance of Bollywood, religious and Chutney Soca music.
“In recognition of his contributions, our condolence message inaccurately listed “Hanuman Chalisa” as part of his Chutney Soca music repertoire. We offer our sincerest apologies to his family, the Hindu community and others who have read this misplaced item on our list.”
The funeral of Bheem, who was 48 years, will take place at the Divali Nagar on Thursday from 9 am.
Bheem was also known as the Vocalist and did cover versions of popular Bollywood songs from playback singers such as Kumar Sanu.
He recently did a version of Mohammed Rafi’s local favourite Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki under the title The Indian Anthem. He was the lead singer of his band called the BMRZ.
Bheem leaves to mourn his mother Pramatee, wife Cheryl, two daughters Neelun and Prithivi and grandchildren.
Click here to read story on Anil Bheem’s passing
