Gargi College’s Reverie 2018 is proof that DU fests are getting grander by the year - Hindustan Times
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Gargi College’s Reverie 2018 is proof that DU fests are getting grander by the year

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Feb 04, 2018 05:26 PM IST

From impressive decor and food stalls to cultural performances and huge star presence, Gargi College’s Reverie 2018 was a spectacular show that set the mood for the fest season in Delhi University.

When it comes to delivering a stellar fest, Gargi College never disappoints. But, little did one expect that Reverie 2018 would redefine the term ‘grand’ when it comes to Delhi University’s annual cultural fests. Their lineup of performing artists took the cake. The world’s fastest pianist, Aman Bathla, bands Faridkot, Unplugged, and Arzz , DJs Candice Redding and Myris, and Bollywood sensation Monali Thakur, all enthralled the DU crowd.

Students were seen cheering and hooting for the star performers at Gargi College’s Reverie 2018.(Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo)
Students were seen cheering and hooting for the star performers at Gargi College’s Reverie 2018.(Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo)

The decor, stalls, and various competitions were also impressive, but it was the amazing food that won hearts of campus students.Here’s the best from the three-day fest.

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‘I WAS VERY NERVOUS BEFORE PERFORMING FOR THE GARGI GIRLS’

He might be the world’s fastest pianist, but Aman Bathla was both, “nervous and apprehensive about whether the crowd would be able to enjoy my music as it isn’t the commercial kind that most students enjoy these days, what I do is more classical”. But, to his surprise, the show was amazing. “They absolutely loved the meditation session, the Bollywood tracks I played and even the retro hits that I chose to perform,” says Bathla, whose performance began late due to some sound check issues.

“When I played the retro hits, I was aiming more for the teachers as I felt many students wouldn’t have heard those songs, as they are way before their time. But the crowd joined in to sing the lyrics and bowled me over. The response was amazing, and what they did with their flashlights as I played the piano was something that overwhelmed me. I wish to come back to Gargi soon to play for these girls. They amaze me,” he added.

Shrishti, a first year student of the college, says she had become an instant fan. “I wasn’t hoping that this performance would touch me the way it did. We didn’t want it to end. A few songs left me teary eyed. Aman Bathla deserved the standing ovation he got at the end.”

‘THE ENERGY LEVELS WENT THROUGH THE ROOF!’

Faridkot performing atop a bus at Gargi College’s annual cultural festival, Reverie 2018. (Amal KS/HT Photo)
Faridkot performing atop a bus at Gargi College’s annual cultural festival, Reverie 2018. (Amal KS/HT Photo)

Faridkot first performed at Gargi eight years ago, and according to IP Singh, vocalist of the band, the energy this time around was nothing less than explosive. “It was absolutely smacking to perform here. The levels went through the roof. What an evening, what a gig!” he exclaimed. The girls of Gargi were seen cheering and singing along almost every song that the desi outfit sang. “I’ve been to many gigs, but Faridkot performing atop a bus was unique in every way. The vibe, the energy, their songs, everything just came together. DU ke fest ke bare mein suna to bahot hai, par jo expectation thi use kahin zyada mazza aaya. For me, it was the perfect way to start the fest season. Let’s see what’s in store next,” said Amu Gogoi,a first year student attending the gig. Another person who was smitten by the cool factor of the performance was third year student, Ruhani Bindra, “I am just in love with Faridkot. IP has the voice of an angel which hypnotises you. It felt like I was in a state of trance when they were singing and everyone around me seemed like they were with me in it. I cannot imagine a better exit for me from college life,” she said.

‘CANDICE IS MY NEW LOVE!’

DJ Candice Redding on stage at Gargi college’s annual cultural fest Reverie 2018. (Amal KS/HT Photo)
DJ Candice Redding on stage at Gargi college’s annual cultural fest Reverie 2018. (Amal KS/HT Photo)

EDM nights are one of the most sought-after gigs at college fests, and one could witness the madness when DJs Candice Redding and Myris took over the stage. Students went gaga over Myris’s set , but Candice — a hot favourite for her looks and talent on the turntable — had them spellbound with her mixes. “Candice is my new love. Once she got onstage, we just couldn’t stop grooving. She is so talented, and so pretty. I wish I could have told her that,” said Yash Chauhan, a student attending the gig.

Candice, too, couldn’t contain her excitement, and got her trademark gimmick, the ‘Totem Pole’, to the show. “It was an absolute pleasure to perform at Gargi College. It’s always super special for me to have a girls’ college as my audience because it allows them to celebrate the moment in complete freedom as one,” said the EDM artist. For Totem Pole, about hundred students piled on each other’s shoulders and made a structure together. “It was magic! The energy was incredible!” Candice added.

‘RAHUL MAKIN IS SO CUTE’

Students take selfies with RJ Rahul Makin at Reverie 2018-the annual cultural festival of Gargi College. (Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo)
Students take selfies with RJ Rahul Makin at Reverie 2018-the annual cultural festival of Gargi College. (Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo)

With a voice that melts a thousand hearts, and a smile that girls couldn’t resist, Love Coach and RJ Rahul Makin of Fever 104 FM, who was a special guest at the fest, had the girls swooning over him and shouting his name in unison as he took the stage. The RJ shared love advice, complete with witty one liners and couplets, and left the girls hopeful when he expressed his wish of joining Gargi College some day as a professor. “Duniya ke do sabse acche profession mere hisaab se yeh hai — ya to aap RJ bann jaao, ya phir Gargi college mein professor. With such lovely faces and amazing souls around, retire hona hi kaun chahega?” he said onstage.

Bhumika Kamra, a student who was seen shouting “Marry me, Rahul” was ecstatic to see the RJ. “Main aur kisi ko follow karun na karun, Rahul ko toh karti hi hoon. He is such a charmer, aur inki aawaaz to bass jaadu hai. Who wouldn’t want a man like him in her life? He is such a cutie,” she said.

‘IS THIS A MUSIC SCHOOL? CAUSE YOU GUYS ARE SO IN TUNE!’

Singer Monali Thakur performing onstage at Reverie 2018 — the annual cultural festival of Gargi College. (Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo)
Singer Monali Thakur performing onstage at Reverie 2018 — the annual cultural festival of Gargi College. (Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo)

Setting the stage on fire on the final night was singer Monali Thakur. The excitement of the crowd doubled when the singer made students dance with her to the tunes of Cham Cham, Khwab Dekhe unplugged and more. Students lit up their flashlights, as the singer performed her hit songs, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage and Sawaar Loon.

Impressed with the crowd’s prowess in singing, she said, “Is this a music school, ’cause you guys are so in tune! Delhi mein network ka thoda problem hai na? Warna mai live zaroor jaati. But don’t worry, I’ll record this and share it on my page. What a lovely audience you are, Gargi College.”

At one point, the band onstage, the faculty members and students union that organises the fest also joined in to dance with the singer. “Monali has been winning my heart since her Indian Idol days. What control over her voice! One moment she has you swooning with her soft songs, and the very next moment, you can’t help but shake a leg to her peppy numbers. Free mein concert waala experience kara diya aaj toh!” said Shivi Malik, a student from the crowd.

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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    Aditya Dogra writes on art, culture and campus, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.

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