Asli Baat

Asli Baat is a competitive, Desi co-ed a cappella group that began in 2008.

Asli in Hindi means “real” and baat means “talk.” The group focuses on Desi fusion a cappella and competes in the A3 (All American Awaaz) Circuit or, “All American Voices.” Asli Baat’s repertoire includes combinations of Indian classical music with pop songs, and Bollywood music. The group rehearses three times a week for two hours in the fall in order to prepare for the competitions that take place during the spring semester. During competition season, which spans from January through March, the group rehearses daily. This year the group placed second at Spartan Sitara in Lansing, Michigan and third at UC Davis’ Dhwani. The group also hosts USC Mehfil, which means “party,” a competition that they hold at Bovard Auditorium. This year, 10 groups competed in the event.

At competitions, the group enjoys the Friday mixers with the other groups competing where they get to meet and mingle with members from other groups. Asli Baat incorporates the feedback they receive from the judges at future competitions.

In addition to competing, Asli Baat performs on USC’s campus at cultural events “where we have the opportunity to showcase our culture,” according to the group’s captain, Megan Rajan. Asli Baat also performs at other campus events. Despite the group’s time commitment, it’s equally fun and loving, according to Rajan, sharing that some of her best friends are in the group. “If I didn’t join because I was scared of the commitment, I would have a lot less pleasant memories of college,” Rajan said. “I feel like when I graduate, this is what I’m going to remember.” She describes Asli Baat as an open and safe community where people of all backgrounds can come together.

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USC’s Asli Baat at Spartan Sitara in Lansing, Michigan after being awarded second place. Individual members were also awarded for Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Soloist. “After we placed in our first competition this season, everyone’s morale is just through the roof,” Rajan said. The members pushed for adding Saturday practices. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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Asli Baat performs at Dhwani at UC Davis. “This year we worked a lot on breath control while doing choreography, even during our warm-ups,” Rajan explained. In doing this, members would be prepared to sing while dancing at competitions. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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Asli Baat placed third at UC Davis’ Dhwani. They again won Outstanding Arrangement. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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Asli Baat celebrates after placing third. “I think our failures from last year are what crafted our successes this year,” Rajan said. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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Spring concert/senior sendoff: Every spring, Asli Baat holds an end-of-year concert featuring its seniors. Each senior picks a piece to perform. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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Asli Baat members enjoy a bite during their retreat in Newport Beach. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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Asli Baat plays beach volleyball during their retreat at Newport Beach. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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“It’s really nice to be part of a cultural community.” - Rajan. Courtesy of Asli Baat.

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