This is a gripping and deeply moving story about reviving humanity in inhuman times and it keeps you floating in the emotions…writes Sukant Deepak
Journey back in time and experience the refugee spirit as Priya Hajela’s “Ladies Tailor” (HarperCollins) captures you with all its romance, adventure and one mans iron will to not just survive, but thrive with new beginnings.
This is a story that captures a setting and a group of characters that represent the immigrant spirit, the refugee spirit, the spirit of never giving up on what you want and a spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship that to this day is the driving force in Delhi and Punjab.
“Ladies’ Tailor” is a book about Gurdev and his cohort, a group of refugees who travelled east from Pakistan after Partition. It is a story of falling apart and coming together. It is also a story of that which was torn asunder and will never be one again – a marriage, a country, a friendship.
The story will take you back in time and catch you by the scruff till your uncertain feet hang off the floor. It will also bring you back to the normalcy of fit and fashion, and of fabric and style. It will let you settle in and get comfortable with Gurdev and Noor’s romance and then take you on a speedy adventure in fast American cars behind enemy lines.
“It’s not what sets us apart but what brings us together that’s important. How we resist the forces that are intent on separating us is what defines us. How we recover from past transgressions is what carries us forward. Ladies’ Tailor takes a resolute look at stumbling and making amends, at holding close and letting go and at turning back in order to move on,” says Hajela.
This is a gripping and deeply moving story about reviving humanity in inhuman times and it keeps you floating in the emotions.
Priya Hajela is a fiction writer who lives in Pune and Goa with her husband and two dogs. Her son is a journalist and her daughter is in college in the US. She graduated with an MFA in creative writing from Goddard College in Vermont in 2017 after a 22-year career in the corporate world.
She has written and published several short stories – “An Affair”, “The Tattoo Artist” and “Daughters’ Revenge”. She also writes regular lifestyle features for The Daily Guardian, Delhi.
The Festival will also feature some of the award-winning historians like Tom Holland, Alex von Tunzelmann, David Olusoga, Edward Chancellor, and Katy Hessel, amongst others…reports Asian Lite News
The legendary Jaipur Literature Festival, which honours the value of literature, is scheduled to take place from January 19 through January 23, 2023. For its 2023 edition, the literary extravaganza will celebrate the best in fiction, non-fiction, food, history, current affairs and politics, AI and technology, translations, poetry, adaptations and music, language, climate crisis, noir, identity, medicine and health, and cryptocurrency and economy at Hotel Clarks, Amer, Jaipur. The event will feature a prestigious host of speakers, authors, and humanitarians.
The final set of speakers, announced today, comprises some of the world’s best thinkers, writers, and speakers, including writer Akshaya Mukul; author Alka Saraogi; author Amia Srinivasan; publisher Ananda Devi; Pulitzer-Prize winning author Caroline Elkins; academic David Wengrow; 2022 Hasselblad Award recipientDayanita Singh; member of Lok Sabha Feroze Varun Gandhi; Indian Monk and the winner of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award, Gaur Gopal Das; flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia; scriptwriter, lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar; author Jonathan Freedland; award-winning correspondent for The Guardian Luke Harding; academic and author Maryam Aslany; author Merlin Sheldrake; CEO of cult.fit Mukesh Bansal and Co-Founder and Chairman of Infosys Technologies Limited Nandan Nilekani.
Why you can’t miss the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022.(photo:IANSLIFE)
The much-anticipated list goes on to mention filmmaker Onir; historian and writer Orlando Figes; 2007 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism Literature and Creative Communications Arts P Sainath; Sahitya Akademi Golden Jubilee Award and the JLF Mahakavi Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Awardee Ranjit Hoskote; historian and academic Ruth Harris; economist and writer Sanjeev Sanyal; author and practising senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal; author and politician Shashi Tharoor; Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction,Siddhartha Mukherjee; internationally bestselling author Simon Sebag-Montefiore; writer and rapper Sumit Samos; author Toby Walsh; Director of the V&A, the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance Tristam Hunt; renowned pop singer Usha Uthup; writer Vidya Krishnan; political scientist Yascha Mounk; and translator of the winning novel of JCB prize for Literature 2022, Baran Farooqi.
The Festival will also feature some of the award-winning historians like Tom Holland, Alex von Tunzelmann, David Olusoga, Edward Chancellor, and Katy Hessel, amongst others.
The previously announced list of speakers includes eminent journalist, writer and translator Arunava Sinha; Sahitya Akademi Award winner Aruna Chakravarti; award-winning writer Ana Filomena Amaral; leading bi-lingual editor, writer and translator Manisha Chaudhry; Padmabhushan awardee Mridul Kirti; and former diplomat Navdeep Suri.
The 2023 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival will offer an immersive experience of literature, discourse, musical performances, art installations, merchandise, local cuisine and more to all art, literature and culture enthusiasts gathered to bask in the glory of the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’. Celebrating the uniting power of language, the Festival will provide an inclusive platform to all Indian and multiple foreign languages with sessions spread across 5 venues with over 250 speakers.
Sankari Mridha’s Bharatanatyam performance on 21st November at Sutton, Benhilton, Community Centre brought to life Poet-Saint, Tulsidas’s, ardent devotion to Lord Rama, conveyed through exquisite abhinaya (Expression), fluid movements and poses and excellent storytelling. The audience were taken through an immersive experience of the life and qualities of Rama
The Indian Forum, Sangam, hosted a cultural event on 21st November at Sutton, Benhilton, Community Centre brought to celebrate its 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary in 2022. This event was graced by the Mayor of Sutton, Trish Fivey, as the chief guest. The gathering of art enthusiasts was treated to a Bharatanatyam tribute to Lord Rama by Sankari Mridha, an excellent and renowned artist accompanied by a live orchestra. This was the highlight of the evening.
Sankari is a Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher who trained originally under Guru Jayalaksmi Eswar in Delhi, and has since then given several performances in India, Bangladesh and the UK. She further trained under Nina Rajarani MBE in the UK and assisted in teaching students at Shristi School of dance, KCWA and Southend Malayali Dance schools.
Sankari Mridha performs at Sutton
Sankari performed to the well-known bhajan- ‘Sri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana’ in Ragam Yaman Kalyan and Thalam Misrachapu narrating the personalities, stature and glories of Rama with grace and emotive power.
The verses of the hymn, depicted expertly by Mridha, describe Rama, who is the remover of worldly sorrows, he who is blessed with fresh lotus like eyes and feet, and his beauty is that of innumerable Cupids. An ideal son and man, Rama is valorous in his victories against demon dynasties and evil alike. Transporting the audience to a spiritual realm through the creation of Rasa (aesthetic experience), Sankari paints a picture of how Lord Rama was able to string Shiva’s Celestial bow, whilst so many other Kings, Gods and even Demons had failed, thus winning the hand in marriage to his consort Sita. Mridha brought to the stage the might, yet humbleness of Lord Rama through her expressions and devotion. The enactment of true friendship and love that Hanuman (The Great Monkey God) has towards Rama warms the heart of the audience.
Sankari Mridha performs at Sutton
The poem ends with reverence and humility – Tulsidas, or Sankari in this case, asks Rama to reside in the lotus of her heart, destroying all evil and desires. This emotion-packed, lighthearted performance leaves the audience wanting more.
Sankari’s mastery in the Bharatanatyam form of classical dance, intricate movements and emotional narrative impressed even Mayor Trish Frivey, who wants to continue to watch her dances in the future.
Sankari Mridha with Sutton Mayor Trish Fivey Sankari Mridha with the guests at Sutton
According to Soni, who hails from Udhampur district, various forms of painting, including oil, water colour and 3D, were exhibited in the exhibition.…writes Zubair Qureshi
The three-day Autumn Art Exhibition concluded in Srinagar on Sunday in an effort to depict the attractive autumn scene in the Kashmir Valley through colours and to attract the youth towards painting.
The exhibition was organised by noted artist Deepa Soni in collaboration with the Department of Handicrafts and Handlooms at the Art Emporium in Srinagar. While the art pieces of Deepa Soni were put on display in the exhibition, live painting sessions were also conducted in which many young artists from the Valley participated.
According to Soni, who hails from Udhampur district, various forms of painting, including oil, water colour and 3D, were exhibited in the exhibition.
“The main objective of the exhibition was promotion and dissemination of art. Through this exhibition, we want to integrate art and the latest techniques to inspire the younger generation and keep them connected with folk art. We are trying to offer a unique approach,” she said.
Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, said that the department is providing all possible support to those who are making such efforts in the Valley.
He said that Kashmir has had a great past and such art works are a clear proof of that.
“The new generation should come forward to preserve this wonderful heritage received from their ancestors. It is the need of the hour to make the whole world aware of this centuries-old heritage of the Kashmir Valley,” he said.
The drawings throw light on women multitasking to tide over misfortune and engaging in community and resource conservation…reports Asian Lite News
A book ‘Waves of Art’, which is a part of an artistic campaign launched by the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP), reveals the work of 52 artists from four countries.
The book has 71 lively artworks explicitly sketching the status and conditions of female workers, bringing forth both the miseries and power of the women in the fisheries sector of the countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.
BOBP, an intergovernmental fisheries advisory body aimed at highlighting the roles played by women, including their issues and achievements in aquaculture and fisheries in South Asia.
A book of 71 paintings reveal miseries and power of women engaged in fisheries
Artistes, who have taken part in this venture, are from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives.
The book contains works of professional artists, scientists and subject matter specialists in the sector.
The artistic representation grabbed the attention of many stakeholders and the public while the artists assembled to draw their paintings during the 8th Global Conference on Women in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF8) held in Kochi recently.
The book has a collection of works representing women’s unending battle with odds to make a living, poor working conditions posing risks of health issues, determination and strength to fight for empowerment, and power to conquer success — blending reality in the sector.
The drawings throw light on women multitasking to tide over misfortune and engaging in community and resource conservation.
The backbone of many coastal households, women are also represented as real warriors and powerful individuals in mainstream life.
The book includes life sketches of women as inland fishers, fish farmers, fish vendors, fish farmers, workers in post-harvesting.
“Artists from different countries voluntarily joined the campaign to attempt to portray the emotions, power, strength and achievements of women in the sector they chanced upon in their life”, said P.Krishnan, Director of BOBP, which serves as the think tank on transboundary and contemporary national issues of the member countries concerning fisheries management.
The book was brought in association with Arnawas Vasudev Charity as part of the Waves of Art campaign.
A book of 71 paintings reveal miseries and power of women engaged in fisheries
“As art is more powerful than the usual way of presentation, we decided to take the art route to create public awareness of this issue and to express solidarity to the women working in fisheries,” added Krishnan.
Cohen, who moved to France on an international scholarship in 2008, after studying musicology at Tel Aviv University released a single ‘A Paris’ in 2012 that garnered 4 million hits on YouTube and made everyone take notice of her…writes Sukant Deepak
It is the mix of cultures where she ‘finds’ herself. It is amid languages that she discovers what rhythms can do — first with awe and then, with gratitude.
The magic of cultural dialogue for Israeli singer-songwriter, actor and musician, who performs songs in Hebrew, French and Arabic stuck her quite late by her admission.
“And then, it (cultural dialogue) is not only my story but that of an entire generation and the traditions they carried,” says Israeli singer Riff Cohen, who sings in Hebrew, Arabic and French.
The artiste, who has a major fan base not just in Israel but across the Arab world, feels that coming in contact with people from different cultures acquaints one with multiple ways of seeing the world.
“Music opened my mind, it is such an apt way to find a language in and beyond words to express differently. The art forms facilitate imagination in me, it helps me emote in ways I never thought possible.”
Assimilation of different cultures in her work also has to do with the fact that her parents came from entirely different social realities. While her Algerian father came from a tough neighbourhood, Cohen’s mother was raised in Nice, France.
“One always tends to observe their parents closely. They both struggled a lot in different ways. However, I grew up different — with virtually no problems or stress,” says the artist, who was in India to perform at Jodhpur RIFF this year.
Cohen, who moved to France on an international scholarship in 2008, after studying musicology at Tel Aviv University released a single ‘A Paris’ in 2012 that garnered 4 million hits on YouTube and made everyone take notice of her.
“Interestingly, the French are open to everything international. When I was younger, I remember going to Israeli radio, and it just would not work out. ‘A Paris’ became such a huge song and it started playing everywhere,” says the singer, who has consistently given hits like ‘Helas’, ‘Marrakech’, ‘Malach’, ‘Elecha’ and ‘Boi agale lach’.
Cohen, who defines her music as a mix of Middle Eastern Urban Rock, North African folk, and Rai, and is influenced by Amazigh music, gnaoua and rai smiles that she does not want to sell her music by “being beautiful or her looks” — “I grew up in the nineties and I saw a lot of music on television. A lot of new concepts and ideas. I play with that and I see many different things. Also, power is tiring — why do you want to show you’re stronger than anyone? Show the vulnerability…”
Considering the region she comes from, it’s tough not to ask about the politics in her art.
“But I do not think there is any in my music… Maybe because I sing in Arabic…My father’s side of the family lived on a small island for almost 2000 years with people of different nationalities. So, yes, I am Arabic — this is my ‘genetic culture’. But everything comes together in a universal whole when I sing — including relationships and collaborations with others. I am really not into politics. I have deep love and respect for people in Israel.”
In India, she ‘sees’ music as more spiritual than anything else.
“Out here, everything has a different melody and a distinct dimension. When you’re in a divine situation, you experience something different. I can feel the harmony and vibrations in India.”
A collection of unique works, lot no. 2,3,4 by Salvador Dali will be showcased in AstaGuru’s upcoming international iconic auction. These works belong to a limited series of 78 custom decks of tarot cards known as Dali’s Universal Tarot which the artist started to work on during the early 1970s…reports Siddhant Shetty
The second half of the nineteenth century was a remarkable period in the history of modern art. Beginning in the 1860s, the western world saw the emergence of several important movements that sought to challenge the hitherto accepted academic realism style of art that was primarily based on mythology and religion.
Marked by non-decipherable figures, abstractionism, and unique application of colour, these movements would continue to evolve and transform into different unique idioms that gave a new voice to modern painting. In its upcoming ‘International Iconic’ Auction, auction house AstaGuru will showcase a medley of works by revered and iconic global artists. The stunning lineup of the auction scheduled on November 28-29, 2022, represents some of the most important moments in modern art history.
Baigneuse Assise by Pierre Auguste Renoir
Leading the auction line is lot no.8, a beautiful work by French Impressionist master Pierre Auguste-Renoir, who created an extraordinary artistic legacy with his fascinating canvases bearing sublime female nudes. Titled ‘Baigneuse Assise’ or the Seated Bather, the circa 1915, oil on canvas creation depicts the sitter in profile with a softly defined figure against a warm abstract dominated by a brown and green background that almost blends with the contours of her figure. Her curled hair, pink naked flesh, and the nonchalance of her unassuming posture in this idyllic masterpiece are exemplary of the intimate study of his models undertaken by Renoir. With variations of a rich mould of colours and sporadic thick impasto, the surface of the canvas evokes a dreamlike, almost ethereal harmony. This work was formerly in the collection of revered English playwright and novelist W Somerset Maugham who was also a passionate collector of Impressionist and Modern art.The painting also featured on the cover of his book ‘Purely For My Pleasure,’ published in 1962. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 4,34, 50,000 – 5,53,00,000.
Dali Tarots
A collection of unique works, lot no. 2,3,4 by Salvador Dali will be showcased in AstaGuru’s upcoming international iconic auction. These works belong to a limited series of 78 custom decks of tarot cards known as Dali’s Universal Tarot which the artist started to work on during the early 1970s. First commissioned to him by Hollywood producer Albert Broccoli, the tarot deck was meant to be used as a prop in the James Bond film Live and Let Die. However, the deal fell through, supposedly due to Dali’s exorbitant monetary demands, the artist remained intrigued with the idea and continued to work on the cards. Each of the cards is estimated to be acquired at INR 19,75,000 – 27,65,000.
BusteD’homme Et Femme Nus by Picasso
The reinterpretation of the female nude is one of the greatest legacy in the oeuvre of Pablo Picasso. Picasso’s groundbreaking works on this subject not only questioned the long-standing conventions, but also introduced a disconcerting new way of looking that rejects the majority of the constraints that had hitherto characterised the feminine body. A work by him, lot.no.5 executed with coloured wax crayon on paper in 1969 is also a part of the auction. It was exhibited at R.S. Johnson International Gallery in 1971. This work is offered at an estimate of INR 2,37,00,000 – 3,95,00,000. With 2023 being the year of Picasso’s 50th death anniversary, galleries and galleries and museums around the world are gearing up to celebrate him. Added to his monumental fame, this has heightened interest in his work.
Beautiful Hours Spin Painting IX by Damien Hirst
Lot no. 14, a work by Damien Hirst titled ‘Beautiful Hours Spin Painting IX,’ was originally unveiled as the cover for the album ‘See the Light’ by British rock band ‘The Hours’. The impactful imagery rendered in a psychedelic colour composition with high-gloss paint embodies the central theme of life and death, which has been a preoccupation and inspirational subject for the artist. The elements in the work, such as the skull, and a clock in the eye socket, become a metaphor for the fleetingness of life. Referencing from ‘Vanitas’, a common genre in paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries signifying the transience of life, these symbols appropriate the impermanence of bodily existence. And yet, weaved through the technique of Damien Hirst’s iconic spin painting, the work exudes a sense of joie de vivre. This work will be offered with an estimate of INR 2,37,00,000 – 3,95,00,000. Poinsettia by Andy Warhol
Lot no. 33 is a unique work titled ‘Poinsettia’ by iconic artist Andy Warhol and marks a departure from his popular body of work focusing on the culture of consumerism. At the same time, it also gives an insight into his personal side and his approach to aestheticising the surrounding elements and subjects that intrigued him. Bearing Poinsettia flowers, often referred to as the unofficial flower of Christmas, this work is an ode to Warhol’s endearment to the theme of Christmas. Resembling the Star of Bethlehem, the ubiquitous flower traces its attachment to the Christmas holiday through a 16th-century Mexican fable about a poor girl who decorated the church altar with weeds that miraculously sprouted into flowers. Sharing this festive merriment with a large legion of his friends during the early 1980s, Warhol executed over 20 paintings in different sizes featuring Poinsettia. One of these, the presented work, was created in 1983 by Warhol and gifted to his friend Christopher Mako. A photographer, author and artist, Mako met Warhol during his early twenties in the decade of the 1970s. He soon became one of the people in Andy’s inner circle who frequented The Factory and also produced several photographs capturing the pulsating world of the studio. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 1,10,60,000 – 1,89, 60,000.
Love Sculpture by Robert Indiana
Lot no. 30 is a rendition of famous ‘Love Sculptures,’ by Robert Indiana. First executed as a painting in 1965 and being displayed at a solo exhibition at the Stable Gallery, it became a career-defining piece for the artist. Inspired by his Christian Science church upbringing, Indiana created hard-edged paintings stacking each letter on top of the other in an angular, slightly tilted manner. He would then go on to use the image for various other mediums including the iconic sculptures and stamps known around the world. The image was also selected to be the Museum of Modern Art’s Christmas card, becoming wildly popular. In 1970, he created a 12-foot tall steel sculpture with the same word for the Indianapolis Museum of Art, followed by ‘Ahava’ in Jerusalem and ‘Amor’ in Spain. This work will be offered with an estimate of INR 3,16,00,000 – 4,74,00,000.
(Siddanth Shetty, Vice President, Business Strategy and Operations, AstaGuru Auction House)
Jalsa, the first musical in this series will be held at Bhartiya Bidya Bhavan, London on 03 December 2022.
To celebrate female pioneers in Indian classical music , – Kalakar Arts launches a new series of four musicals “Tale of Tawaifs”.Indrani Datta, Classical Kathak Dancer and Choreographer narrates the historical production.
Chandra Chakraborty, North Indian Classical Vocalist, composer & Director, Founder & CEO from Kalakar Arts UK
– A trailblazing London based arts organization has sought a perfect balance between heritage and entertainment. Kalakar’s Tale of Tawaifs series of musicals carry lyrics, dialogue, dance and drama that will transport the audience to a bygone era of artistic endeavour and romance. Jalsa, the first musical in this series will be held at Bhartiya Bidya Bhavan, London on 03 December 2022.Tickets available.
The organisation’s repertoire has been expanding and since the last few years they have launched and toured several productions including Saraswati – Daughter of Tansen, Akhtari – the musical based on the incomparable Begum Akhtar and various other solo and ensemble recitals. The organisation has made a name for celebrating Indian classical heritage and in particular female artistic achievements. Kalakar Art’s core team is primarily female and consists of practitioners who are simultaneously advancing their artistic and corporate work.
Kalakar Art’s new production is centred on the historic ‘tawaif’ culture who was a class of professional courtesans which originated in the Mughal era and began declining in the Victorian era. The Kalakar script development team led by Chandra have devised the series “Tale of Tawaifs” focusing on eight real life personalities to be presented through four new lavish classical musicals. The first in the series is “Jalsa”, an evening celebrating the pioneering achievements of Gauhar Jaan, the Gramophone Girl (born of Armenian heritage) and Indubala Debi, the Sangeet Samragyee who was closely associated with the National Poet of Bangladesh Kazi Nazrul Islam.
These infamous female artists each had to forge their own path against multiple sources of social and economic repression which came in the form of gender, class and racial bias. The ‘tawaif’s’ education and training often happened as a mixed result of both luck and circumstance depending on their sponsors and teachers or gurus who were willing to teach them. More than a hundred years ago, forward thinkers like Indubala saw education as vital to social and emotional emancipation which led her to helping many destitute children of Rambagan. Despite the public adoration and wealth showered on these female artists many of them faced isolation and neglect in their final years.
“Presenting these musicals, telling the stories through acting, singing and dance is my way of acknowledging the contribution these famous musicians have made in Indian Classical music” says Chandra Chakraborty, director of the production. “They were the pioneers of expressing the emotions of music through a dance movement called “bhao”. I am bringing that tradition back on stage. The audience will love every scene; they will be thrilled to hear the stories of success, fame, betrayal and so much more. I am so pleased to have the cream of Indian musicians in the UK joining me on this production along with Amy Freston, a famous Opera singer from Opera North,” she added.
Meera Vinay, Head of Indian Raga London and Executive Producer, said, “It’s a bold and earnest attempt to portray the life of extremely talented female musicians. I applauded Chandra and extend my full support.”
Shaheen Mitul, Backstage manager, stated “It is an honour to be a part of this unique musical Jalsa which celebrates the legacy of Gauhar Jaan and Indubala Devi”.
Shree Ganguly, the Poet an actor, said “Tale of Tawaifs- Jalsa” gives a voice to the women performers of past centuries, the Tawaifs who defied social norms for the sake of art and self-expression. It’s an honour to be a part of such a well-researched project. Truly, it was a pleasure to work with Kalakar.”
Gairika Mathur a reputed Oddissi Dancer who is part of the production said, “With such a stellar cast I am privileged to be a part of the musical grandeur.” Sangeeta Lahiri Srivastava an eminent Vocalist, shared, “I will be performing as Janki Bai Chappan Churi. I can’t wait to share the stage with so many great musicians and my Guruji Vidushi Chandra Chakraborty ji.” Satarupa Ghosh also a Vocalist, said, “I am privileged to perform as Gauhar Jaan in this musical. Jalsa will bring to life the stories- trials and tribulations and the music of these famous courtesans.”
In today’s modern world is the ‘tawaif’ culture buried deep in the stone walls of mahals and forts? Alas this ancient profession still exists in a real and digital form albeit without the presence of the noble patrons. An evening visit to certain parts of Kolkata’s Rambagan (where Indubala lived most of her life) or some of old Delhi’s historic lanes illuminates the stark reality to the enquiring visitor.
On this occasion our enquiring visitor was none other than Chandra Chakraborty herself who ventured under the arches of Delhi sultanate period and the cobbled lanes of holy Benares to unearth the triumphs and griefs of these incredible female voices. Each and every question on this intrepid research trip supported by the Delhi Police and Benares based music and academic elders succeeded to unlock the treasure trove of songs and stories lying dormant. Post research script development has transformed the research discoveries into a dynamic creative conversation for the heritage conscious and cultural seeker.
Artists include:
Chandra Chakraborty- Director of the production and performing as Indubala
Satarupa Ghosh- Gauhar Jaan
Chiranjeeb Chakraborty- Gaurishankar Mishra
Dr Vijay Rajput- Kalishankar Mishra
Sangeeta Lahiri Srivastava- Janki Bai
Indrani Datta and Gairika Mathur- famous Nautch Girls Pyari and Malka Bai from that time
Shantanu Goswami- Maharaja of Datia
Amith Dey- Amrit Keshav Nayak- lover of Gauhar Jaan, background music and harmonium accompaniment
Although it was many years before the publication of Hesse’s Siddhartha (1922) this masterpiece was to be derived from these new influences…writes Dilip Roy (AFellowofRoyalAsiaticSocietyUK, Dilip K Royisaresearcheronculturalsubjects)
It is a well known fact that in the last two centuries Germany’s contribution stands far greater in the field of Arts, Literature and Science than the whole of Europe combined. Germany has been the hub of literary tradition for centuries, whether it was Romanticism or Expressionism whilst remaining at the forefront of intellectual activity. The number of Nobel laurates produced also rank high. Among the few German names such as Goethe, Schopenhauer and Richard Wagner whose influence was felt on the whole generation of artists, musical composers and literary writers of the modern world.
Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) was a German poet and a novelist who won the Nobel prize in literature in 1946 for his inspired writings which, while growing in boldness and penetration, exemplify the classical humanitarian ideals and high qualities of style (Nobel Citation 1946) Hesse pursued an existentialist course in his writings, frequently alluding to psychoanalysis and Buddhist philosophy. His characters are often outsiders in search of purpose and spiritual depth and are trapped in societies filled with misunderstanding and ruin. Although he won the Nobel prize in literature, most of his novels failed to make impact on the readers until SIDDHARTHA appeared in 1922 which catapulted Hesse to international fame for in Siddhartha, Hesse captured the truth of the spiritual journey in a way his self awakening. The book Hesse’s ninth novel was written in German, in a simple lyrical and poetic style.
Gaienhofen was the place in Germany where Hesse’s interest in Buddhism was re-sparked. Following a letter to Kapff in 1895 entitled NIRVANA, Hesse had ceased alluding to Buddhist references in his work. In 1904, however, Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) and his philosophical ideas started receiving attention in Europe and Hesse discovered theosophy and Schopenhauer’s philosophy renewed his interest in India. Although it was many years before the publication of Hesse’s Siddhartha (1922) this masterpiece was to be derived from these new influences.
At the time Hesse was composing his famous Novella “Siddhartha” around 1920 he wrote the following words:
We are seeing a religious wave rising in almost all of Europe, a wave of religious despair and many are speaking of new religion to come. Europe is beginning to sense that the overblown one sidedness of intellectual culture is in need of correction, a revitalization coming from the opposite pole. This widespread yearning is not for new ethics or a new way of thinking, but for a culture of the spiritual that our intellectual approach to life has not been able to provide. This is a general yearning not so much for Buddha but for a yogic capability. We have learned that humanity can cultivate its intellect to an astonishing level of accomplishment without becoming master of its soul.
Despite Hesse’s wider interest in the world’s religions, no other spiritual discipline apart from Christianity influenced his life and work more than BUDDHISM. Many of his novels his characters became centered through developing an awareness of themselves and their own behavior with a kind of mindfulness that transcended the intellectual content of Buddhist philosophy. Hesse was struck by Buddha’s life a spiritual training of the highest order. It is in this discipline that we see reflected in Hesse’s writings and his own psychological struggles. His most influential work “Siddhartha” is arguably also his most optimistic work. Like the Romantics and Transcendentalists who had preceded him, Hesse was not interested in conveying the traditions that inspired him. Hesse’s use of invented term “Yogaveda” and went on to create his own exotic blend of Eastern spirituality a synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism. As Hesse grew more familiar with Buddhist doctrine he began to understand the subtleties that moved him out of his acute depression. For him the speeches of Buddha were “a source and mine of quite unparalleled richness and depth.” He wrote in his diary:
“As soon as we cease to regard Buddha’s teaching simply intellectually and accept with certain sympathy in the age-old Eastern concept of unity, if we allow Buddha to speak to us vision, as image, as the awakened one, the perfect one, we find in him, almost independently of the philosophic content and dogmatic kernel in his teaching, a great prototype of mankind. Whoever attentively reads a small number of countless speeches of Buddha is soon aware of a harmony in them, a quietude of soul, a smiling transcendence, a totally unshakable firmness, but also invariable kindness, endless patience.”
A very notable German composer of operas and tone poems, Richard Strauss (1864-1949) set three of Hesse’s poems to music in his Song Cycle “Four Last Songs” for Soprano and Orchestra was composed in 1948 a year before the composer’s death, the songs were rendered in a Wagnerian style has become very popular among the lovers of classical music.
Richard Strauss
The word SIDDHARTHA is made up two words in Sanskrit. Siddha (achived) Artha (what was searched for) which together means “he who has found meaning of existence.” The ultimate goal or Moksha. Siddhartha is also Buddha’s original name.
Siddhartha has been published in almost all major European and Indian languages also Hermann Hesse Society of India was established in 2005 under the auspices of the Government of India at Tellicherryin South India birth place of Hesse’s mother which in many ways contributed for attracting Hesse to Eastern thought and culture.
The piece ‘The Elephant’s Funeral’ which emerged after a pregnant elephant was fed a fruit packed with firecrackers…writes Sukant Deepak
The setting could not have been better. The aesthetic Guleria Kothi on the ghat in Varanasi. The balmy afternoon sun… Just before the performance, there was a buzz among those who had come to attend the recent Mahindra Kabira Festival presented by Teamwork — ‘Did you get a chance to listen to her album ‘Home’?’
Even for those who were googling, Carnatic vocalist Sushma Soma’s performance did complete justice to expectations, her vocals carrying everyone smoothly to an otherworldly space in the city of twisted labyrinths lost in the ambiguity of time.
Soma, born in India, who grew up in Singapore was four-years-old when she started learning music at the insistence of her parents who wanted her ‘connected’ to her roots. She may not have been very enthusiastic at that point in time but things changed — slowly but surely — especially after she spent half a year in Chennai, under the tutorage of Lalitha Shivakumar and now RK Shriramkumar.
For her, the classical space can amplify contemporary issues and concerns — like the piece ‘The Elephant’s Funeral’ which emerged after a pregnant elephant was fed a fruit packed with firecrackers.
Although admitting that it is not easy for a youngster not from a family of musicians to mark in the classical music world, the vocalist says her journey has taught her it is not just about classes but also about being in an environment that nurtures that side of an individual.
“That kind of home is extremely important. While that was not there, my parents enjoyed music. Yes, the nurturing part of it is tough, you need ‘that’ push. And I acknowledge the privilege that I grew up with,” Soma tells.
“All for collaborations, she feels the same help people like her to witness music from multiple lenses — what purpose is it serving and the connection it creates. And I want to explore the values of different music. It has been an interesting experience. Mostly, I have only worked with classical musicians and now it is with other genres too. It is important to ask — what is it doing to the music, what flavour is it creating? It can be fascinating for me to observe how I have created different narratives with different musicians and styles and conversations about this as well,” says the artiste, who was awarded the ‘Young Artist Award’, the highest honour for young art practitioners by The National Arts Council, Singapore, in December 2020.
Considering the fact government supports for arts in Singapore is “fantastic”, she attributes her growth to that fact. “The initial funding came from the council that supported the album. I think they recognise artists and that art needs to grow. While I am not in a position to comment on the government support in India as I did not grow up here, it is important that every government extends support to the arts. Not everyone grows up in privileged households. You also start thinking about music as a career only if can support the family. Of course, money is not the only thing, but let us acknowledge that the same gives you the freedom to follow your passion. The state must recognise talent and how they can help the person grow.”
Stressing that corporates have a major role to play too, the vocalist adds that there needs to be an evolved ecosystem where private players, as they do abroad, also contribute.
“Spending on art and culture is a way of giving back to society.”
When she was in Singapore, Shoma saw her gurus once or twice a week but things changed in 2005 when she came to India to learn.
“I would even eat lunch with her, it was not an hourly contract, and we were a part of each other’s lives. My current mentor welcomes me in the same way and it’s very sacred, we disagree and agree. There has always been a space for those conversations, to grow and learn and as well. Yes, I have read accounts of harassment. I hope there’s a space for people to get out when it is not healthy,” she concludes.
