When bassist Mohini Dey struck a chord with Goa

She broke the glass ceiling by playing bass on stage, and credits not only her parents but an army of male musicians for her success; she thanks the men for welcoming her in a male-dominated world
Bassist Mohini Dey in sync with her instrument
IN HER ELEMENT: Bassist Mohini Dey in sync with her instrument at an event in Panjim
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When bassist Mohini Dey takes the stage, the crowd gazes in amazement. This is exactly what happened recently in Panjim at the closing ceremony of Serendipity Arts Festival 2024. For listeners, it was a musical treat, for Mohini another concert in her journey that began in her childhood.

In a chat with Gomantak Times Digital, Mohini spoke of her time in Goa and her parents and fellow musicians’ dedication to ensure she pursued her passion for music.

Bassist Mohini Dey in sync with her instrument
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HITTING OFF WITH THE GOA VIBE

Guess what Mohini loves to do when in Goa? Eat! And, what’s her favourite dish? “I love to eat seafood! Some of my favourite places are The Fisherman’s Wharf and Schandis Restaurant in Dona Paula. I love the food they serve at these places,” says Mohini.

Though she doesn’t come often to Goa and hasn’t spent as much time as she’d like exploring, she loves the vibes and looks forward to seeing and learning more about the State, especially Goan musicians and the music culture, in the near future. “Goa is the best place to visit during the winters – it’s nice and cold,” she says, as she points out that the State is one of her favourites for its food, beaches and people.

Mohini Dey wants to explore Goan music.
IN LOVE WITH GOA: Mohini Dey is eager to return to Goa and explore Goan music and learn from Goan musicians.

HER GOA MUSICAL SOJOURN

Mohini has performed at the Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) more than thrice now in Goa. “The first time I played at the festival in 2017, as part of ‘Stars in the New Sky’ curated by Ranjit Barot. The second time, in 2023, I performed twice – the first was part of ‘Celebration ft. The Groovy Train’ curated by Zubin Balaporia. This performance featured an incredible line up of singers including Vasundhara Vee and Uday Benegal. it was a really cool band!”

Bassist Mohini Dey in sync with her instrument
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PLAYING WITH LEGENDS

“The second performance at SAF 2023 was curated by Bickram Ghosh – ‘Rasa and Rap’. My fourth performance was at SAF 2024, again curated by Bickram ji, and this time even better with the ‘Three Divas’! It was incredible. I truly could feel the feminine energy on stage, with Usha Uthup ji, Shubha Mudgal ji, Aruna Sairam ji, it was so powerful. SAF always leaves me with great memories and it kicks it up a notch every year,” says Mohini.

Bassist Mohini Dey in sync with her instrument
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MAKING HER MARK

Breaking the glass ceiling, Mohini has carved a niche for herself in a largely male-dominated industry, but her skill and dedication, and her parents' (Sujoy and Romia Dey) selflessness and belief in her have made her what she is today.

She recalls, “Initially, people assumed that since I’m playing a masculine instrument, the bass, I wouldn't be able to play it well, as it requires strength. My dad, (who taught her to play the bass at the age of three) had great ideas. He was ahead of his time and supported me completely.”

Initially, people assumed that since I’m playing a masculine instrument, the bass, I wouldn't be able to play it well, as it requires strength

Mohini Dey

THANKS TO MEN MENTORS

She adds, “I was fortunate to have a really strong support from many people, including my my dad, Ranjit Barot and Louis Banks. When you have people like them behind you, nobody messes with you. So, I was pretty secure like that,” says Mohini, who recently featured with singer Willow Smith. She has also performed with A R Rehman.

Support and encouragement are keys to success, which is a long, hard route. Mohini had both. “There’s an army of men behind my success. I grew up playing in really strong male-led bands and the men allowed me to shine. I worked very hard and they saw and appreciated my efforts. At first, many of them would think, ‘She’s just a little girl, what is she going to play?’ and then they heard me play and were amazed”.

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