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Remo Fernandes leaves the stage larger than he found it
When A R Rahman’s ‘Humma humma’ in Mani Ratnam’s Bombay (1995) exploded onto radio and television over 30 years ago, it came with an irrepressible sense of joy, even though the film carried the weight of dark communal history. With swagger in its rhythm and an infectious energy in Remo Fernandes’ unmistakable Goan lilt, the track refused to be boxed into the neat boundaries of Hindi film music. It was gloriously raw, with Remo’s carefree ad-libs making it feel more freewheeling than a playback performance. On Tuesday, the 73-year-old performed the classic track, seated on a chair, one final time at Cranford Community College Grounds in London as part of Goa Day. As Remo bid farewell to the stage due to health reasons — a stroke, a fall and surgery that diminished his guitar and flute playing ability — it was a reminder of his timeless catalogue that brought joy to his listeners.
Born and raised in Goa, Luís Remo de Maria Bernardo Fernandes started with the mouth organ at four and was obsessed with his father’s eclectic record collection of brass bands, Western classical symphonies, bossa nova and samba. Konkani folk, Elvis Presley, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones would then shape his musical imagination. Remo taught himself the guitar and studied architecture at Sir JJ School while performing with bands in Mumbai. Part of the joyous abandon of ‘Humma humma’ came from the fact that Remo was an independent musician when being one was not fashionable. He released Pack That Smack (1986), followed by Bombay City and was once the country’s highest-selling English rock musician.
Overall Analysis
The editorial is a heartfelt tribute to Remo Fernandes, celebrating not only his retirement from live performances but also his enduring contribution to Indian music. It portrays him as an artist who expanded the possibilities of Indian popular music by blending diverse musical traditions while remaining fiercely independent.
The editorial begins with nostalgia, recalling the iconic song “Humma Humma” from Bombay. Instead of merely describing the song’s popularity, the author highlights its infectious energy and Remo Fernandes’ distinctive voice, showing how his style broke away from the conventions of Hindi film music. The contrast between the film’s serious theme and the song’s joyful spirit emphasizes Remo’s ability to bring optimism and vitality through music. The language is vivid and celebratory, using expressive phrases to recreate the excitement associated with his performances.
The narrative then shifts to his farewell performance, where the emotional tone becomes more reflective. By mentioning his health struggles—a stroke, a fall, and surgery—the editorial acknowledges the personal challenges behind his decision to retire. However, rather than focusing on decline, it celebrates the legacy he leaves behind. The title itself suggests that Remo enriched the musical landscape, leaving it better than he found it.
The second part traces his musical journey from childhood in Goa to becoming one of India’s most successful independent musicians. The editorial emphasizes his wide-ranging influences, from Western classical music and samba to Konkani folk and rock legends like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. This diversity explains the originality of his music and reinforces the idea that creativity flourishes through openness to different cultures. The author also underscores Remo’s independence, noting that he chose his own path long before independent music became mainstream.
Overall, the editorial is more than a farewell to a musician; it is a celebration of artistic authenticity, innovation, and resilience. It portrays Remo Fernandes as someone who remained true to his identity while inspiring generations of musicians to think beyond conventional boundaries.
Important Vocabulary (5)
- Irrepressible – impossible to control or restrain.
- Swagger – confident and stylish manner or attitude.
- Freewheeling – carefree, unrestricted, and spontaneous.
- Eclectic – deriving ideas or influences from a wide variety of sources.
- Catalogue – the complete collection of an artist’s works.
Conclusion & Tone
The editorial concludes that Remo Fernandes’ retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence on Indian music remains timeless. Through originality, independence, and cultural fusion, he transformed the country’s musical landscape and inspired generations of artists to embrace creative freedom.
Tone: Nostalgic, celebratory, appreciative, and emotionally reflective.
