"Meera: The Way of the Storm" Wins Best Male Album of the Year at ISSA 2024

Mahesh Mahadev and Dr. Priyadarshini have proudly represented India at the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards 2024, held at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in Atlanta. Their innovative theatrical music album, “Meera: The Way of the Storm,” has been awarded the “Best Male Album of the Year.” This prestigious event brought together esteemed talents from the music industry, with nominations spanning over 40 countries.

ISSA’s awards recognise outstanding contributions to music across diverse genres, with winners chosen by industry experts and public voting, reflecting their commitment to global musical talent. “Meera: The Way of the Storm” features 13 songs and a thematic score that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Meera Bai’s poetry, presented in multiple languages, including Braj, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marwari, and Hindi. The album showcases Mahadev’s remarkable compositions alongside Dr. Priyadarshini’s captivating vocals.

Mahesh Mahadev commented, “Many songs about Meera sung by legendary artists like M.S. Subbalakshmi, Lata Mangeshkar, and Vani Jayaram have been beloved in India. Creating new renditions that resonate with contemporary audiences was a challenge.” He aimed to compose songs in different ragas with a cinematic flair to fit the narrative, incorporating traditional instruments that reflect the life of Saint Meera.

Dr. Priyadarshini noted the inclusion of unique songs in the album, such as “Varmaladhari,” “Harivar mukhyo kem jaaye,” and the Raas dance song “Sakhi Suno kahi,” which have not been sung before. The album’s standout track, “Ghoomar Mukhdani maya lagi re,” achieved significant success, topping the It is now Radio chart in the UK and staying on the Top 30 world song chart for nearly a month.

“Meera: The Way of the Storm” is produced by Vinitha Subramanian from Austin, Texas, and features the artistic collaboration of directors Anu Nistala and Kanaka. This award not only highlights the artistic achievements of Mahesh Mahadev and Dr. Priyadarshini but also underscores the richness of Indian music on the international stage.