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Formed in 1996 by the students of University of Pennsylvania, Penn Masala is the world’s first Hindi acapella group. Their music has been influenced by the Eastern and Western cultures that represent the group’s membership.
The group has created a buzz on the Web with their latest video, titled ‘Evolution of Bollywood Music’ – featuring a mash-up of Bollywood favourites.
Penn Masala has covered songs right from Mohammed Rafi’s ‘Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki’ to ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ song, ‘Badmateez Dil’.
The video also includes other popular Bollywood numbers like ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’, ‘Ina Mina Dika’, ‘Bachna Ae Hassene’, ‘Pehla Nasha’ and ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ among others.
Apt costumes and lighting is also used to represent the different eras in Bollywood during the performance.
Penn Masala has released nine albums till date and performs at numerous universities and events around the globe.
Incidentally, high acapella numbers by Alaa Wardi, a Saudi-born Iranian musician are a big rage on YouTube with over a million views. Wardi has become so popular that he has toured India more than once.