Was privileged to be invited to the launch of Radha's (Pt Hridaynathji's daughter) first music album - 'Naav majhe Shaami'! The evening commenced with Panditji regaling the audiences with some legendary songs..a walk down memory lane! What amazed me most was the tremendous control over his breath.. Thus giving us a glimpse of the long hours of 'Riyaz' thats stood him in good stead! Shortly, Radha joined him on stage and together they rendered some soulful music.
The album launch ceremony was an extremely dignified one with the lyricist Shri Sudhir Moghe sharing his experiences with the Mangeshkars over the years.
When 'Didi' took to the microphone, there was pin drop silence in the auditorium. The 'Nightingale' began her speech in a soft voice, that was sheer 'music' to the listener. Her joy at launching Radha's album, who she referred to as a daughter, knew no bounds. Didi referred to the pride her parents (Master Dinanath and Mai) must be feeling, even as a member of the third generation takes her first step!
I got lucky and was given the opportunity to meet the 'Goddess' herself. Although I've met her on a couple of ocassions in the past, each meeting is an exhilirating experience. Her aura...the radiance on her face...the divinity in her voice...Lata Didi! One name that encompasses all that Music embodies! Touching her feet is akin to a temple visit... How fortunate we are to be living in the same era as such greats!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Yes, I’d Arrived!
The morning of 31 December, 1991 dawned; my heartbeat had doubled through the night. After having stood in long queues for concert tickets, here I was being invited by one of my Gods. As instructed I reached the concert venue in Vile Parle, a suburb of Mumbai. With trembling feet I walked to the green room looking for Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia. There he was, looking resplendent, attired in the traditional Dhoti-Kurta. The vermillion ‘tilak’ adorning his forehead can be mesmirizing as I was to soon learn! The invite for the concert was handed over to me and I gingerly made my way into the auditorium. Having noticed ‘Row A’ on the card, I wondered if I’d ‘arrived’! Yes, that evening was indeed a message from the heavens, proclaiming my ‘arrival’ as a significant member of the audience!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Synchronicity!
Synchronicity seems to have become the recent mantra of my life! Many happenings of late are related to either thoughts or actions that occur just prior to an incident.
The early hours of the morning of 29 Dec, 1991 was one such!
Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia had announced a grand musical night for 28 December, 1991 at the Shivaji Park, Mumbai. A historic one as until then the grounds had been used only for political rallies!
As for most concerts, I had picked the tickets for 3 of us....my sister, niece and myself. Having attended concerts through the previous 2 nights, I was fatigued and a little reluctant to go to this one. But since the night promised a dance jugalbandi between the maestros Pt Kelucharan Mohapatra (Odissi) and Pt Birju Maharaj (Kathak), my sister insisted we go! And go we did!
The night was indeed magical as 2 maestros took to the stage each time for unique ‘Jugalbandis’ or duets. Even so many years later I’ve vivid memories of that divine night. Master after master took centerstage and music flowed like celestial outpourings! Jugalbandis between Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia & Pt Jasraj; Pt Bhimsen Joshi & Dr Balamurali Krishna.... The icing on the cake was Ustad Zakir Hussain’s participation in most of these. It was a blessing to be just seated there and let the music seep into our very beings.
Just as the night was merging with the wee hours of the morning, I decided to stretch my legs and walk around the open space. As I was on my way back, I chanced on Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia. I took the opportunity to go up to him and express my gratitude for the musical bliss. Having successfully accomplished the challenge of bringing together on one stage so many artists, Panditji seemed relaxed and receptive to my presence. He was kind enough to ask for my name and immediately invited me to his forthcoming concert on 31 Dec!
Did I accept his invitation? I would’ve been foolish not to!
‘Synchronicity’ had just begun her mystic game...
The early hours of the morning of 29 Dec, 1991 was one such!
Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia had announced a grand musical night for 28 December, 1991 at the Shivaji Park, Mumbai. A historic one as until then the grounds had been used only for political rallies!
As for most concerts, I had picked the tickets for 3 of us....my sister, niece and myself. Having attended concerts through the previous 2 nights, I was fatigued and a little reluctant to go to this one. But since the night promised a dance jugalbandi between the maestros Pt Kelucharan Mohapatra (Odissi) and Pt Birju Maharaj (Kathak), my sister insisted we go! And go we did!
The night was indeed magical as 2 maestros took to the stage each time for unique ‘Jugalbandis’ or duets. Even so many years later I’ve vivid memories of that divine night. Master after master took centerstage and music flowed like celestial outpourings! Jugalbandis between Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia & Pt Jasraj; Pt Bhimsen Joshi & Dr Balamurali Krishna.... The icing on the cake was Ustad Zakir Hussain’s participation in most of these. It was a blessing to be just seated there and let the music seep into our very beings.
Just as the night was merging with the wee hours of the morning, I decided to stretch my legs and walk around the open space. As I was on my way back, I chanced on Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia. I took the opportunity to go up to him and express my gratitude for the musical bliss. Having successfully accomplished the challenge of bringing together on one stage so many artists, Panditji seemed relaxed and receptive to my presence. He was kind enough to ask for my name and immediately invited me to his forthcoming concert on 31 Dec!
Did I accept his invitation? I would’ve been foolish not to!
‘Synchronicity’ had just begun her mystic game...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Rejuvenation!
Hi All! Yes, it has been an interval that went beyond its allotted time! But here I am, back! And to those who visited here and missed me, a big ‘Mwah’!
While on my break, I had some interesting experiences. I was tucked away in the beautiful lap of nature. At KARE, a naturopathy centre overlooking the pristine, picture perfect Mulshi lake (near Pune). My feeling is, anybody who gets here to treat a medical problem starts right away upon arrival. One look at this scenic spot and you are washed clean! And for the likes of me who reach there for no specific reason, a Rejuvenation of mind, body and soul is the surprise package! Dr Prakash Kalmadi with his efficient team is ensuring people who enter their portals, will go home much healthier!
The Yoga, delicious health food and relaxed massages are a treat to the physical form. What impressed me most though, is the soft music being continously played in the background. Am a great believer in the healing powers of music. To me there isn’t a better therapy! Music not only eases the tension in your muscles (ain’t the heart too a muscular organ?) but brings about serenity even at the mental levels. And yes, music is a delightful buffet spread for the Soul!
As I had also carried my own choice of music, I offered to play some for everybody’s benefit. Just as we were all relaxing, the evening breeze caressing our cheeks, the melodious strains of Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia’s Bansuri filled the air. The voices automatically lowered in decibels and a meditative calm took over the place.
If only medical care centres, hospitals and the likes concentrated a little more on combining their treatments with music, the results would be astounding!
While on my break, I had some interesting experiences. I was tucked away in the beautiful lap of nature. At KARE, a naturopathy centre overlooking the pristine, picture perfect Mulshi lake (near Pune). My feeling is, anybody who gets here to treat a medical problem starts right away upon arrival. One look at this scenic spot and you are washed clean! And for the likes of me who reach there for no specific reason, a Rejuvenation of mind, body and soul is the surprise package! Dr Prakash Kalmadi with his efficient team is ensuring people who enter their portals, will go home much healthier!
The Yoga, delicious health food and relaxed massages are a treat to the physical form. What impressed me most though, is the soft music being continously played in the background. Am a great believer in the healing powers of music. To me there isn’t a better therapy! Music not only eases the tension in your muscles (ain’t the heart too a muscular organ?) but brings about serenity even at the mental levels. And yes, music is a delightful buffet spread for the Soul!
As I had also carried my own choice of music, I offered to play some for everybody’s benefit. Just as we were all relaxing, the evening breeze caressing our cheeks, the melodious strains of Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia’s Bansuri filled the air. The voices automatically lowered in decibels and a meditative calm took over the place.
If only medical care centres, hospitals and the likes concentrated a little more on combining their treatments with music, the results would be astounding!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Interval!
I leave on a brief holiday and should be back very soon!
Until then,
luv life; luv music
Geetha
Until then,
luv life; luv music
Geetha
Monday, May 11, 2009
Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
As is in an Ekta Kapoor serial, am gonna leap ahead a few years and come to the present!
As we go along, shall stop and have a few flashbacks as and when required!
Since the start of 2006, I decided to fly solo and make ‘Events’ an integral part of my professional life. Thus was ‘Aspirationz’ born!
Since my core strengths are artiste relations and event conceptualization, I direct all my energies mainly to these areas!
Have had the privilege of working with some of the best artistes for some of the best Corporates in the country!
A brief overview:
Feb, 2006 - Conceptualised and presented an evening of Indian Classical Music featuring Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma. The event was part of the “Business Leaders Summit” organized by the Barclays Capital, at the Ananda, Rishikesh and was based on the concept of ‘Basant Panchami’
July, 2006 – “Bollywood Hungama – Odissi Ishtyle” – for the Sangit Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of the Aditya Birla Group
July 2006 – Alka Yagnik Musical Show – for Bank of Baroda as part of their 99th Foundation Day Celebrations
July 2006 – “Sonakshi – a fusion concert” - for the Sangit Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of the Aditya Birla Group
October 2006 - “Bollywood Hungama – Odissi Ishtyle” – for the Archana Trust’s Diwali Celebrations
November 2006 - “Bollywood Hungama – Odissi Ishtyle” – for BG India at the inaugural function of the BG House, Mumbai
February & June 2007 - “Sonakshi – a fusion concert” – for BG India
July 2007 – Jugalbandi concert – Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia & Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma – for Bank of Baroda’s Centenary Year celebrations
November 2007 – ‘Koshish – a musical crossover’ by Shubha Mudgal – for Indian Banks’ Association
November 2007 – ‘Urban Raga by Pt Ajay Pohankar & Abhjit Pohankar – for the Sangit Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of the Aditya Birla Group
March 2008 – Classical Music concert by Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia for Hiranandani Builders & Sri Guruji Art Academy, Thane during the visit of Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
March 2008 - “Sonakshi – a fusion concert” & a dance program based on film music by Jai & friends – for BG India
March 2008 – ‘Rang Hori’ by Shubha Mudgal – for Anand Rathi Financial Securities.
June/July 2008 – Workshop on “Musical Instruments of India” – for Essar Steel in Mumbai, Hazira & Vizag
July 2008 – “Hari Rang, Hari Sang” – Pt Chaurasia’s 70th birthday celebrations with a unique concept featuring Pt Chaurasia, Sonu Niigaam & live musicians. Here we also got Mr & Mrs Bachchan to launch Panditji’s biography!
July 2008 – Shankar Mahadevan Bollywood Musical Show – for Bank of Baroda as part of their 100th Foundation Day Celebrations
November 2008 – “Sonu Niigaam – Live in Concert” – for Sangit Kala Kendra’s ‘Aditya Birla Awards’ night
March 2009 - “Sonu Niigaam – Live in Concert” – for Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Cricket Club of India
March 2009 – ‘Ta – Dha’ – an evening of rhythm & melody by Taufiq Qureshi and friends, for Mrs Neerja Birla, Aditya Birla Group
Forthcoming:
May 2009 – ‘An introduction to Indian Instruments’ – a lecture-demo addressing the spouses of ex-pat employees of BG India
July 2009 – ‘Ta – Dha’ – an evening of rhythm & melody by Taufiq Qureshi and friends for the JT Performing Arts Centre, Cochin
As we go along, shall stop and have a few flashbacks as and when required!
Since the start of 2006, I decided to fly solo and make ‘Events’ an integral part of my professional life. Thus was ‘Aspirationz’ born!
Since my core strengths are artiste relations and event conceptualization, I direct all my energies mainly to these areas!
Have had the privilege of working with some of the best artistes for some of the best Corporates in the country!
A brief overview:
Feb, 2006 - Conceptualised and presented an evening of Indian Classical Music featuring Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma. The event was part of the “Business Leaders Summit” organized by the Barclays Capital, at the Ananda, Rishikesh and was based on the concept of ‘Basant Panchami’
July, 2006 – “Bollywood Hungama – Odissi Ishtyle” – for the Sangit Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of the Aditya Birla Group
July 2006 – Alka Yagnik Musical Show – for Bank of Baroda as part of their 99th Foundation Day Celebrations
July 2006 – “Sonakshi – a fusion concert” - for the Sangit Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of the Aditya Birla Group
October 2006 - “Bollywood Hungama – Odissi Ishtyle” – for the Archana Trust’s Diwali Celebrations
November 2006 - “Bollywood Hungama – Odissi Ishtyle” – for BG India at the inaugural function of the BG House, Mumbai
February & June 2007 - “Sonakshi – a fusion concert” – for BG India
July 2007 – Jugalbandi concert – Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia & Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma – for Bank of Baroda’s Centenary Year celebrations
November 2007 – ‘Koshish – a musical crossover’ by Shubha Mudgal – for Indian Banks’ Association
November 2007 – ‘Urban Raga by Pt Ajay Pohankar & Abhjit Pohankar – for the Sangit Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of the Aditya Birla Group
March 2008 – Classical Music concert by Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia for Hiranandani Builders & Sri Guruji Art Academy, Thane during the visit of Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
March 2008 - “Sonakshi – a fusion concert” & a dance program based on film music by Jai & friends – for BG India
March 2008 – ‘Rang Hori’ by Shubha Mudgal – for Anand Rathi Financial Securities.
June/July 2008 – Workshop on “Musical Instruments of India” – for Essar Steel in Mumbai, Hazira & Vizag
July 2008 – “Hari Rang, Hari Sang” – Pt Chaurasia’s 70th birthday celebrations with a unique concept featuring Pt Chaurasia, Sonu Niigaam & live musicians. Here we also got Mr & Mrs Bachchan to launch Panditji’s biography!
July 2008 – Shankar Mahadevan Bollywood Musical Show – for Bank of Baroda as part of their 100th Foundation Day Celebrations
November 2008 – “Sonu Niigaam – Live in Concert” – for Sangit Kala Kendra’s ‘Aditya Birla Awards’ night
March 2009 - “Sonu Niigaam – Live in Concert” – for Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Cricket Club of India
March 2009 – ‘Ta – Dha’ – an evening of rhythm & melody by Taufiq Qureshi and friends, for Mrs Neerja Birla, Aditya Birla Group
Forthcoming:
May 2009 – ‘An introduction to Indian Instruments’ – a lecture-demo addressing the spouses of ex-pat employees of BG India
July 2009 – ‘Ta – Dha’ – an evening of rhythm & melody by Taufiq Qureshi and friends for the JT Performing Arts Centre, Cochin
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thanks Zakirji!
The initial concerts I attended mainly featured Ustad Zakir Hussain and Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma teaming together. The musical chemistry between them is to be heard to be believed! Zakirji’s care coupled with his divine music drew me to these concerts each time. In a couple of years, I had landed a job in the Advertising world. Purchasing concert tickets wasn’t stressful anymore. In fact, I was now able to buy 3 and even take my parents along!
Sometimes if I missed buying my tickets and realized they were all gone, all it required was a call to Zakirji who would ask me to see him just prior to the show at the venue….and I'd follow him into the auditorium!
Today, if am here writing all this with a deep sense of gratitude and am given the honor of sharing the stage with Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, the entire credit goes to Zakirji! But for his intervention in my life, I’d never have known the dynamism of Indian Classical Music, now the elixir of my life!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
'Shivgandhar'
An evening well spent amidst some of the legendary artistes of the country.... Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma graced the ocassion as the chief guest. Pt. Ram Narayan, his son Pt Brij Narayan , Dr Sushila Rani, Pt Arvind Parikh, Pt Ashok Sharma, Zarine Daruwala and many others were also present to shower their blessings on Pt. Shivanand Patil. The evening commenced with a classical rendition in Raga Puriya Kalyan, an evening melody. The book 'Shivgandhar' was launched at the hands of Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma. Accompanied by chants, priests from the famous Siddhivinayak Temple felicitated Pt Shivanandji. All the dignitories were presented with a copy of the book and a delightful potted 'Tulsi' plant!
Today's Events
'Shivgandhar' - This evening am scheduled to attend Pt. Shivanand Patil's 50th birthday celebrations at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai. Shall update details upon return!
Had to refuse an invite from KNC Talent for an interesting concert as I'd already committed to the earlier event!
Concert Details below:
Event: Channel V-CONCERT FOR A CHANGE!
Host: KNC TALENT (KURIAN & CO.)
Start Time: Today, May 9 at 6:00pm
End Time: Today, May 9 at 10:00pm
Where: ANDHERI SPORTS COMPLEX
Watch Anushka Manchanda perform Live!
Had to refuse an invite from KNC Talent for an interesting concert as I'd already committed to the earlier event!
Concert Details below:
Event: Channel V-CONCERT FOR A CHANGE!
Host: KNC TALENT (KURIAN & CO.)
Start Time: Today, May 9 at 6:00pm
End Time: Today, May 9 at 10:00pm
Where: ANDHERI SPORTS COMPLEX
Watch Anushka Manchanda perform Live!
The First Step.....
Just the sound of Indian Classical Music was a sheer magnetic draw….. Akin to the “Naad” or Celestial Sound! The second day on this new path at the IMG Fest, St. Xavier’s College, compelled me to go up to Ustad Zakir Hussain and convey my compliments for the sheer magic his dexterous hands displayed! That moment was a pre-ordained one for me, as I was to learn over the years. His innocent question after the concert expressing his concern over me reaching home safe, led him to ask the many enchanted fans if any of them were going in the direction of my home. When Ustad Zakir Hussain asks, even travelers not headed that way, are more than happy to comply. Thus, I was always escorted home in a car under the distant but watchful eyes of Zakirji. Angels in the form of strangers dropped me to my doorstep, thus ensuring my presence at every subsequent concert!
A long journey had just begun…..
Friday, May 8, 2009
Humble Beginnings…..
I was a student at St. Xaviers College doing my post-grad in Mass Comm! Happened to come across a poster announcing the 3-day festival of Indian Classical Music. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to check it out. Rs 100/- for a 3-day season pass….unaffordable. Only alternative being, reaching the venue 2 hours prior to show time, standing in a queue to pick a daily ‘baithak’ ticket at Rs 20/-! The ‘baithak’ seats meant ‘gaddas’ being strewn along the ‘pillared’ corridor, barely providing a glimpse of the artiste on stage. Well, I consoled myself. Afterall, music was all about ‘listening’ and was best enjoyed with the ‘eyes shut’! I did manage to get there every evening in time to grab a ‘vantage’ point. Concerts then were more ‘real’ and went on into the wee hours of the morning! Just a small issue though…I depended only on public transport then…and at that hour all I was faced with were empty roads and empty tracks! But reach home I did…safe and secure! How? A little patience dearies…will get to that shortly! Meanwhile, my late night sojourns led to battles back home with Appa suspecting his dear daughter’s ‘passion’ for music! Thank God for Amma who came to my rescue!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Geetha's Musings
'While the mind struggles with the mundane, there's another me reaching for the stars'
'To know one's purpose in life is to know oneself. This knowledge is a leap of lifetimes which no clock or calendar can contain'
'To know one's purpose in life is to know oneself. This knowledge is a leap of lifetimes which no clock or calendar can contain'
For Starters.....
Geetam, Vaadyam Tatha Nrityam, Trayam Sangeetam Uchyate.....Sarang Dev, 'Sangeet Ratnakar'
Vocal, Instrumental and Dance, Together complete Music
This space has been created thanks to the prodding from friends who have always wished me well. After having done some private writings and then not so private writings in the form of sleevenotes for music albums, I presume it is time for me to share the happenings in my world, mostly artistic, with friends who might be interested.
Lets just begin with some Starters! Yes, my dear ones, the Foodie in me refuses to lie low! But for here, we shall restrict ourselves to Music being the food for the Soul!
There is no set agenda for this space as I intend sharing my views, thoughts and feelings, leaning mostly towards the art forms, both performing and fine! And occasionally, Spiritual! Cause, that is what makes Geetha Balsaara complete!
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