The truly unique video was shot in the surreal locales of the Joshua Tree National Park in California by renowned DOP Christopher Pearson…reports Asian Lite News
Sanjay’s musical journey started in the late ’80s when he played with one of the few Indian original music bands singing in English, the Les Boys. Later, he joined Rock Machine, which was renamed Indus Creed. These bands were hugely popular and played at almost all major concert venues in India. Sanjay was also featured in a special video on Doordarshan, the National Network, where he played drums and sang the song 21st Century. The video was aired for six years consecutively.
In between numerous concerts and a graduation in Commerce, Sanjay won a theatre acting award for the English adaptation of the Greek Sophocles “Antigone” from Mumbai University. However, he decided to turn down theatre offers and pursue his passion for music.
In 1994, Sanjay joined Divya, India’s premier Indo-Jazz fusion band, where he got the opportunity to perform at major international jazz festivals alongside Jazz greats such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Dave Valentin, Ernie Watts, and Eric Marienthal. Sanjay considers composer and keyboardist Dinshah Sanjana, who headed the band, as his musical guru. Dinshah taught Sanjay the nuances of dynamics and time signatures that were a rarity at the time.
Talking about his recent work, Sanjay Maroo, told us about his recent single, “Holding On”.
Sanjay released his much-anticipated track “Holding On” on the 27th of April 2023. The R & B ballad coveys a deeply routed philosophy of faith and reflects all the experiences and ups and downs he has gone through in his journey. The song urges people to keep holding on and never give up.
The truly unique video was shot in the surreal locales of the Joshua Tree National Park in California by renowned DOP Christopher Pearson.
With the current surge in mental issues and suicide rates globally, Sanjay Maroo felt the need to put out this track which hopes to inspire those suffering to face realities with the message of Holding On!
One of the most prominent art organisations in the UK, Kalakar Arts have been producing a series of live musicals titled “Tale of Tawaifs”, based on the famous female Indian courtesan’s lives and music, for the last 2 years.
Each musical is presented with impeccable music, dance, spoken words and acting and each has attracted a full house audience, wherever they have performed.
After the resounding success in Leeds on 24th May, Kalakar will be presenting the last two concerts of the series “Umrao Jaan”, a mystic tale of a Tawaif (Courtesan) in Birmingham and Manchester.
A heart breaking story narrating Umrao Jaan’s life through drama, dance and world class singing, the 1981 famous Bollywood film has been enriched by creative updates from an extensive research on Indian Courtesans.
Written and Directed by the one of best Indian Classical Vocalists Vidushi Chandra Chakraborty (Founder and CEO of Kalakar Arts UK), the ensemble cast will perform on Hindustani Classical, Semi Classical as well as the popular songs from the movie to create a cultural extravaganza to remember.
The extraordinary show also features Roshni Sarker, Atreyee Bhattacharyya, Paramita Ghosh, Gairika Mathur, Arnisha Bardhan, Kamanbir Nandra, Shantanu Goswami, Anuiruddha Mukherjee and Amith Dey.
The shows will take place on 10th June at MAC Birmingham and on 11th June at Players Theatre, Manchester.
The session will focus on the subject of qaida, and the content and modalities that could lead to its meaningful exploration…reports Asian Lite News
Indian music with its rich legacy of over three millennia, has always had a pride of place in the art world. The NCPA embraces all the major strands of Indian music and continues to feature a wide spectrum of artistes – from up-and-coming to top-ranking and living legends. The range of genres is equally diverse – from pure classical, and semi-classical to devotional, light, regional, folk and cross-over music. The unique thematic element associated with each property makes it exclusive. Over the past decade, NCPA’s thematically curated Indian music festivals have been appreciated by artistes as well as audiences worldwide.
Upcoming Events in June 2023:
A presentation by the students of Shrutinandan – NCPA Centre for Excellence in Music supported by the Tata Group
When: Saturday, June 3, 6.30 pm
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Entry:Free Admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
About the event: Three reputed organisations: Shrutinandan, National Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Tata Group, have been pioneers in their respective fields. Driven by a shared goal, last year, these Organisations decided to come together to create a Centre for fostering excellence in Indian music.
Over the past year, a selected group of children have been training under the expert guidance of maestro Ajoy Chakrabarty, who is well-known for developing a methodical approach to grooming young musical talent.
The evening will showcase recitals by three beneficiaries of Shrutinandan –NCPA Centre for Excellence in Music, supported by the Tata Group, along with their two teachers: Meher Parlikar & Ayesha Mukherjee, who are also senior students of Ajoy Chakrabarty. Additionally, to illustrate the efficacy of the training methodology used, programme will also include an A-V presentation and live recital by a group of young artistes trained at Shrutinandan, Kolkata.
NCPA-CITI Music Workshop –Qaida and its Improvisation
Supported by Citi
A free online workshop by Yogesh Samsi When: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 11.30 am
About the workshop: The drum pair called tabla is the most widely used, and perhaps, the youngest percussion instrument in the North Indian (Hindustani) tradition. On account of its extraordinary ability to produce a variety of tonal effects, besides art music, the tabla also has a dominant presence in light, popular, film and world music scene. Among svarious forms that constitute repertoire of the tabla, qaida is perhaps the most important; in the sense that it is vital to both performance and training, invariably demanding detailed attention and long hours of practice. Despite the restriction in terms of having to follow fixed rules, there are, literally, countless possibilities in which it can be improvised.
The session will focus on the subject of qaida, and the content and modalities that could lead to its meaningful exploration.
About the show:Ghazal is a special form of poetry that lends itself to be set in a musical frame; further enhancing its emotional appeal. Chandan Dass was trained under maestros: Moosa Khan and Mani Prasad. Having been heavily influenced by the legendary ghazal exponent, Ghulam Ali Khan, he took to the world of ghazal and composed music for all his albums. With several award-winning albums to his credit, today, Chandan Dass is one of the prominent exponents of ghazal. In this recital, Chandan Dass will present a bouquet of ghazals composed by some classic poets like Bashir Badr and Nida Fazli, along with works of contemporary poets like Payam Saeedi, Ibrahim Ashq and Azeem Malik.
NCPA-HSBC Music Workshop on Tappa
Supported by HSBC A free online workshop on zoom By Neela Bhagwat When: Saturday, June 17, 2023, 11.30 am Duration: 60 min followed by a Q-A session How to Register: Book My Show (Opening Soon) For more information, please write to indianmusicworkshops@ncpamumbai.com About the workshop: The musical form of tappa is believed to have evolved from the folk music of Punjab. It is believed that proponents of khayal, which is a popular form of art (classical) music, developed it, lending an element of sophistication. No wonder, tappa is often included in the repertoire of khayal singers. Ghulam Nabi, also known as ‘Shori Miyan’, a musician in the court of Nawab of Awadh, is accredited as the prominent composer of this form. In Bengal too, the form was patronised, albeit with a local flavour. Today, practiced mainly by vocalists of Gwalior and Banaras gharanas, the lyrics of tappa are based on the theme of love. Melodically, it has an unusual form featuring rapid but short complex tans and ornamentations like khatka, murki etc., executed with sudden and abrupt jumps. The talas used are also peculiar and uncommon: Sitarkhani, Punjabi, Pashto etc.
In this presentation, she will briefly trace the history of tappa and its foray into the classical music arena, with examples of some extant varieties. The exposition will highlight characteristics of composition and exploration of tappa as practiced in the Gwalior tradition today, with suitable examples couched in different ragas.
Citi-NCPA Urja – Presenting young talent Supported by Citi When: Friday, 23rd June, 2023, 6.30 pm Where: Little Theatre, NCPA Duration: Around 90 minutes Entry: Free Admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
About the artists:
Nandini Shankar (violin) – Known for her ability to make the violin sing, Nandini Shankar has inherited the legacy of the gayaki ang from her gurus—her grandmother, the illustrious violinist N. Rajam and her mother, the renowned violinist Dr. Sangeeta Shankar. She began her training in the violin at the age of three and gave her first ever public performance at eight. She has since performed in Indian classical music festivals around the world, toured over 15 countries for concerts and performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York. She is a part of Sakhi, an initiative by Kaushiki Chakraborty, and inStrings, an Indian fusion band formed by Sangeeta Shankar. She teaches Indian music and composition at Whistling Woods International, a premier film institute in Mumbai. Academically, Shankar is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds an M.A. in Music from SNDT University. She has received the Jashn-e-Youngistan award at the hands of the Vice President of India in 2018.
Mitra Bhattacharyya (vocal) – Since she was a child, Mitra Bhattacharyya has trained with her mother, the noted classical vocalist Durba Bhattacharyya, and has been taking advanced talim in the specialised nuances of Hindustani raagsangeet from her father, the renowned classical musician Shantanu Bhattacharyya. She has also received guidance from Meera Banerjee, Ali Akbar Khan and Ajoy Chakrabarty. She has performed on stages across India, Italy, the U.S.A. and Canada. Bhattacharyya is a student of Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University in Kolkata and trains younger children in the fundamentals of raagsangeet at Aalor Pathe Raga Dhwani.
The 9th Annual Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival brought artists, professionals and young music aspirants together from across the globe…reports Asian Lite News
Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival launches Young Indian Cultural Ambassadors Award (YICA) Awards in lieu of India’s 75th year of independence under the patronage of UNESCO UK.
The Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival is the most popular annual festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance held in the West Midlands. ShruthiUK is delighted and proud to receive patronage for the 9th Annual Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival (BTF) from the United Kingdom National commission for UNESCO.
I am delighted that the 9th annual Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival (BTF) – an exceptional celebration of Indian classical music and dance to commemorate the birth of the Singing Saint and composer Thyagaraja, has the Patronage of the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
This festival brings people together and in the words of UNESCO’s constitution, helps bring greater, “mutual understanding and a truer and more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives”. James Omer Bridge, FRSA, Secretary-General and Chief Executive, UK National Commission for UNESCO.
Panel Discussion- Reflections on the beauty of Indian Ragas-Panellists- Vid.Balu Raguraman, Sujatha Murthy, Dr.Lakshmi Balraj, Dr.Palghat Ramprasad and moderated by Dr.Chithra Ramakrishnan, MBE FRSA FRAS
The 9th annual festival, organised by ShruthiUK, is a celebration of Indian classical music and dance to commemorate the 176th birthday of the South Indian Singing Saint & composer Thyagaraja. The vibrant and colourful festival and colourful reminds us of our rich Cultural heritage and our respect towards the legendary composer for his contribution to Carnatic Music.
The 9th Annual Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival brought artists, professionals and young music aspirants together from across the globe. The festival has always been a great platform to encourage upcoming and talented young people to showcase their talents in the Indian art forms to a wider audience.
Dr.Chithra Ramakrishnan, MBE FRSA FRAS- Founder,Curator,Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We look forward to the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival – the annual festival of Indian classical music and dance in honour of Saint Thyagaraja taking place on 13th-14th May 2023 virtually.
The festival has received patronage from UNESCO-UK and is being supported by several local institutions as well as businesses from right across the UK and indeed around the world. This cultural collaboration brings together the British Indian community from around the Midlands and the wider UK as well as supporting the strengthening of the longstanding links between Britain and India. I am pleased to take this opportunity to send my best wishes to Shruthi UK and the BTF Team for a successful Thyagaraja festival.”
Ameya Naik- Hindustani vocal
The festival like every year had an overwhelming response which turned to be a two- day festival featuring over 100 performances of Indian Classical music by professionals and young people from across continents showcasing their brilliant talents with great enthusiasm, to honour and pay homage to the great Singing Saint Thyagaraja.
The BTF 2023 was hosted in partnership with the UNESCO UK, Consul General of India, Birmingham; The Nehru Centre, London; West Midlands Combined Authority; Mayor of Solihull, Birmingham City University, Aston University, The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, along with a host of other premier national and international partners.
Divya Rajan- Bharatanatyam performance
“We are delighted to be an Education partner of ShruthiUK, championing its amazing work with children and young people to enrich their lives through the power of Indian culture and music. The Birmingham Thyagaraja festival 2023will doubtless be another huge success and it is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the charity’s wonderful work.” Professor Peter Francis, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Birmingham City University.
The festival commenced with the welcome address from Cllr Ken Meeson, Mayor of Solihull; Andy Street, CBE, Combined Mayor of West Midlands; Sir. John Crabtree, OBE, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, His Excellency Dr Shashank Vikram IFS, Consul General of India in Birmingham, Mr. Amish Tripati, Minister (Culture), Indian High Commission, UK & Director, Nehru Centre, London and Dr. Paul Sabapathy, CVO CBE, His Majesty’s Former Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands and Patron of ShruthiUK.
“Festivals such as the BTF, further strengthens the cultural and economic links between India and the UK, making it culturally diverse and distinct. This gives us an opportunity to celebrate and showcase India’s unique cultural heritage through the Indian art forms with great respect and fervour globally. Such festivals take pride in its national identity and share the Indian arts and culture to wider communities and make it culturally diverse, distinct and sustainable in the years to come.
Anaghan -Mridangam rendition (South Indian percussion)
Curating the festival required a lot of coordination and planning and much emphasis was given to provide an opportunity for the youth to showcase their talents. The festival in the virtual platform enabled us successful partnerships and connect with key professionals and organisations from across the globe. Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan FRSA, Founder & Artistic Director, ShruthiUK, Curator, Birmingham hyagaraja Festival
A huge thanks to all our esteemed Sponsors, Global Patrons, Ambassadors/Youth ambassadors and our participants involved in putting together this amazing festival this year.
YICA Awards 2023
In lieu of India’s 75th anniversary of independence, the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival launched the YICA Awards with a hope to recognise the positive contributions of amazing young art professionals globally, who inspire other young people and make our world a better place to live.
The young Indians honoured and recognized with the YICA Awards 2023 are -Divya Rajan- Bharatanatyam dancer from Massachusetts, Boston Siddharth Devarajan, South Indian Percussionist (Mridangam) from Chicago U.S. Kamakshi Ambatipudi, Indian classical violinist from Hyderabad, India Rasika Sivakumar, South Indian classical vocalist (Carnatic) from New Jersey, Philadelphia Ameya Naik-Indian classical vocalist (Hindustani) from Noida, Delhi, India
Names of YICA Awards 2023
Celebrating Women and honouring women achievers -2023
Every year, at the BTF, in lieu of International Women’s Day honours women achievers at the awards ceremony, recognizes outstanding women, who have made a positive impact and contribution to the society through their skills and passion.
The inspiring women honoured during the BTF 2023 were: Pauline Black, OBE DL, English singer, actress and author.Shah Begum BEM, Outreach and Impacts Manager. of the United by 2022 Charity. Pru Porretta MBE, Coventry’s official Lady Godiva Professor Julie McLeod, Pro Vice Chancellor -Learning and Teaching at Birmingham City University.
The Patron and the governing members of ShruthiUK and the festival would like to express their heartiest congratulations to all the inspiring women who were honoured this year. The festival was supported by Birmingham City University and Aston University as our Education Partners. Several young people took great pride in showcasing their talents representing various forms of Indian classical and folk music and dance.
Dr. Chithra Ramakrishnan, MBE FRSA FRAS delivered the Vote of Thanks. P.S. Shruthi UK is a South Asian arts organisation, established in Leeds in 2005 and now based in Solihull. This is a non-profit organisation promoting South Indian classical music and dance in the Midlands and elsewhere in the country.
Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan FRSA FRAS is the Founder and Artistic Director of ShruthiUK, and Curator of Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival.
Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival is the annual festival of Indian Classical /Folk music and dance celebrated in the honour of the great South Indian Saint and Composer Thyagaraja since 2015.
Singer Ankur Tewari to mentor emerging artists.(Photo:IANSLIFE)
One of the most exciting things about this platform is that I get to meet new artists and understand what they are saying. I feel it’s amazing to collaborate and meet new musicians and see their work…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe
In its first leg in India, Ballantine’s Glassware True Music sets the stage for emerging talent to unleash their true potential in the music industry, and collaborates with musicians Tesher, ManjMusik, and Ankur Tewari to mentor emerging artists.
It is a global platform that goes beyond genre or fame, it represents music communities and the people that make them thrive. In India, Ballantine’s Glassware True Music is set to recognise young artists across trending music genres, empower them to find their voice in the music industry through mentorship and workshops, and give them a platform to unleash their true potential. It has collaborated with Big Bang Music, a new-age music label dedicated to finding superstars in the non-film music space, bridging the gap between pop culture and independent music.
Ankur Tewari, the duo singer of Dil Beparvah, speaks to IANSlife about his current partnership with Ballantine’s Glassware True Music. Read Excerpts.
Tell us about your process of creating music.
The creative process is about expressing what you are feeling, which essentially means you have to be open to feeling things. You need to kind of open yourself to the idea that you can express what you feel and then try and build a story from there. It’s kind of an unknown territory where you kind of submit yourself and then see what happens. You don’t really know how it’s going to turn out but you pretty much try and put yourself in the subconscious state where you can give a form to what you are feeling.
From among your extensive discography, is there a song that is particularly close to your heart? Why?
One of the first songs that I wrote, Sabse Peeche Hum Khade, is a song that stayed in my setlist for a very long and it kind of opened many doors for me.
How do you think the music scene has evolved over the years?
I mean, it’s become a very interesting market. There’s more money being put in and there’s more system to it than there was earlier, and I feel that it’s still evolving – and evolving in a good way.
What convinces you to take on a project?
The heart in it. The more the heart in a project, the more I’m attracted to it.
Ankur Tewari debuts as a host on TV.
What upcoming projects are you currently working on?
I’m essentially working on a few projects, in 2023, you will see this film called ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’. And then I’m also working on ‘The Archies’.
What urged you to join hands with Ballantine’s Glassware True Music?
One of the most exciting things about this platform is that I get to meet new artists and understand what they are saying. I feel it’s amazing to collaborate and meet new musicians and see their work.
In your opinion, what is the most unique thing about the property?
I feel that the interesting thing is the access that everyone gets to each other – like the access that I get to the artist and the access that the artists get to me in such a formal yet informal kind of setting. I wish something like this was around when I started making music.
How does the platform help bring aspiring talent to the forefront?
Just the idea that somebody’s putting money behind a new artist is exciting and I feel that it should continue.
How was the process of mentoring budding talents like Anoushka and Akshath?
Both Anoushka and Akshath are working on very exciting songs – they have such clarity of thought, they’re very bold, and they’re out there. It’s amazing to hear new voices and the stories they’re telling – it’s exciting to hear what kind of work they are putting up.
Talk to him about his long years of collaborating with Vishal and how they solve creative differences, and the musician says they always put passion for music above everything else, and that has been the driving force behind the collaboration…reports Asian Lite News
Popular singer and composer, Sheykhar from the Vishal-Sheykhar duo stresses that Classical has been the foundation of his musical journey and feels lucky that his father introduced him to music at a young age, and he was able to receive mentorship from Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh.
“My vocal training began under the tutelage of Niyaz Ahmed Khan, and the years, I spent learning from him have been invaluable in shaping me as a musician. Classical music teaches discipline, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of music theory and technique, all of which are critical skills for any musician,” Sheykhar tells, adding today he continues to learn and grow as a musician, building upon the foundation that was laid for him by my early training in classical music.
One of the most successful music composers, Vishal-Sheykhar has been streamed more than three billion times on YouTube, has had 72 number-one singles, and been featured on more than 350 film soundtracks.
Sheykhar, who introduced himself by being part of the music reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’, feels that there are not many platforms for singers to showcase their talent. Adding that while a few years back, there were more (platforms), they have decreased significantly, feels music reality shows provide an excellent opportunity for singers from small cities, villages, and remote areas to audition and showcase their talent to the world.
“It is truly amazing to witness how they have helped talented individuals from all over the country to make a name for themselves. It is heart-warming to see how these platforms have helped individuals prosper in their careers, doing film singing, and album work.”
Talk to him about his long years of collaborating with Vishal and how they solve creative differences, and the musician says they always put passion for music above everything else, and that has been the driving force behind the collaboration.
“Whenever we have had any creative differences, we have always approached the situation with an open mind and a willingness to find a solution that works for both of us. Our drive for creating great music has allowed us to navigate any challenges that come our way and continue to produce wonderful music together.”
Sheykhar, who was recently in Noida for Global Schools-Sheykhar Ravjiani School of Music, says he was invited by Atul Temurnikar, Chairman and Co-Founder, Global Schools Foundation, to conduct a workshop in Singapore for three years from the year 2016. It was during the pandemic that they decided to start their own music school GIIS Sheykhar Ravjiani School of Music (now known as Global Schools-Sheykhar Ravjiani School of Music), starting off with Zoom sessions, and he had the opportunity to visit a few campuses in Singapore, Dubai, Pune, and now Noida.
“Our focus is on providing the best guidance and training to our students so that they can achieve their full potential and succeed in their careers as musicians.”
For composing music, Sheykhar draws inspiration from his surroundings and personal experiences and believes it is important to constantly evolve and adapt to changes in the industry.
“Whether it is the way scripts are written, songs are made, or work culture is shifting, it is paramount to embrace the evolution of the entertainment industry.”
Interestingly, during the lockdown, he challenged himself to write one song every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It was a routine that I started from day one, and over the past two-and-a-half years, he has amassed a considerable collection of music.
“Three months ago, I decided to take things to the next level and started my own record label called Garuudaa Musiic — which has been a long-standing dream of mine and is envisioned to become the most powerful creative platform where I can collaborate with dynamic independent singers, lyricists, and music producers,” he concludes.
Asked if the creative satisfaction ever gets lost in the numbers game, Badshah said: “Sometimes, yes. It’s actually a benchmark of where you are right now. But they should not define your music making process…reports Durga Chakravarty
It wouldn’t be wrong to call him number one as all his songs from ‘Genda Phool’, ‘Paani Paani’, ‘Jugnu’ to his latest ‘Sanak’ among many others have been chartbuster hits. Rapper Badshah says he loves to shock people and wants to bring madness into their life with his hip-swaying numbers.
You’ve already made it big by being the number one musical artist, moving ahead where does Badshah see himself?
Badshah, who has even collaborated with “Prince of Reggaeton” J. Balvin with the song ‘Voodoo’, said: “Adding Madness to people’s life. I always love shocking people.”
“Right when you think, this is it and you just raise the bar. That’s what I love and that’s what I’m always looking towards.”
Too much swag is synonymous to Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia.
Does it ever get tiring to put up an act?
“I have to be really convinced before putting a song out.That is why, even if it is tiring, I put all my energy and creativity into it. And before every show, I always Hug my team before going on stage,” added the rapper, who is considered one of the highest-paid artists in the country.
Badshah, who is a big fan of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and coined his stage name from the actor’s 1999 film ‘Badshah’, started his career in 2006. Since then he has belted out hits such as ‘DJ Waley Babu’, ‘Kar Gayi Chull’, ‘Genda Phool’ and ‘Players’ to name a few.
Asked if the creative satisfaction ever gets lost in the numbers game, Badshah said: “Sometimes, yes. It’s actually a benchmark of where you are right now. But they should not define your music making process.
“They should not affect your thinking process as an artist. But of course, it helps you to know where you stand, not the numbers, but there are other stats as well,” added the rapper, who was seen performing in Bhubaneswar for Seagram’s Royal Stag presents Royal Stag Boombox, a first-of-its-kind musical experience.
“Like I love Bhubaneswar because I get a lot of love from this place. This is a fact that I came to know because of these stats. You use them to your advantage probably,” said Badshah, who has appeared in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 in 2017, 2018 and 2019 as one of the highest-paid celebrities in India and as the only rapper in the list.
Talking about bringing together Western and Indian sensibilities to his work, he opines that as a musician one may feel they compete with each other at times. However, ultimately, these cultural differences become superficial, and the music transcends all of them…writes Sukant Deepak
He says playing the drums requires all four limbs to work together in synchronicity, creating a unique voice that is specific to the individual. That when one is on the drums, it is all about surrendering control and becoming a physical vehicle for the instrument to play through the person.
Adding that one develops a relationship with the drums, and “if you have a good enough connection, they will treat you well, but if not, they may not talk to you”, Ranit Barot, one of India’s best-known says, “When every day I look at my drums before playing them, it encourages me to play more. You believe that each drum has a unique sonic marker that you absorb into your brain, and that you spend your whole life chasing the sound you hear in your mind, which is why you keep playing.
“Overall, it seems like I have a deep respect and reverence for the drums and the art of drumming. Playing the drums is not just about technique, but also about developing a relationship and connection with the instrument. I did not necessarily find the drums, but rather they found me.”
Festival Curator of the one-day ‘Mahindra Percussion Festival’ held in Bangalore on March 18, Barot, who guitar legend John McLaughlin calls as “one of the leading edges in drumming”, feels it (the festival) has the potential to showcase the diverse range of drumming and musicianship in India and beyond, including folk, tribal, and contemporary styles. “By highlighting these traditions, the festival can shed a spotlight on indigenous cultures from Latin America and even Native American Indian cultures.”
Talking about bringing together Western and Indian sensibilities to his work, he opines that as a musician one may feel they compete with each other at times. However, ultimately, these cultural differences become superficial, and the music transcends all of them.
Stressing that after reaching a point where all the cultural differences disappear, one is in a place that has no nationality, no color, and no face, he says, “It is a place where everyone is resonating at the same frequency, and it’s just bouncing ideas off to each other. It’s amazing how music can bring people from different parts of the world together, regardless of their background or culture. It’s a tool that helps us transcend our human limitations and connect with each other on a deeper level. So, in the end, music trumps all music, and it’s something that we can all enjoy and appreciate regardless of our differences.”
Optimistic about the contemporary independent music scene in the country, the musician who has worked extensively in the film industry believes it to the music industry what independent films are to the movie industry. “OTT platforms are getting a lot of good content, just as indie musicians are talking about real-life stories that resonate with audiences, particularly younger listeners.
There are many indie artists out there, and I’ve seen my daughter perform in front of crowds of 8,000 to 12,000 people, which is a testament to the growing attraction of original music that’s not driven by glamor or flash. I’ve been playing drums for over 45 years, but I know that it’s not just me that’s drawing such big crowds.”
Also, a film score music composer and a longtime associate of A.R. Rahman, the musician, who is legendary dancer Sitara Devi’s son asserts he never felt any pressure from her to pursue a career in music, in fact, she wanted him to become a doctor. “My mother’s attitude, desire, and relentless nature to be the best influenced me the most. Her name didn’t get me the job; it was my merit that got me where I am today. I attribute my success and my hard work to my mother’s influence.”
Working with John McLaughlin was a life-changing experience for Barot as it refined him as a musician and gave him immense confidence. Adding that it taught him how to approach the drum set in ensemble playing and how to write for Indian musicians, he says, “Indian music is ragga-driven, and when you combine it with the Western harmony, it takes a lot of knowledge to make the two worlds meet seamlessly. John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension gave me the best education I could get in this regard. Gary Husband and Etienne Mbappe, the other two members of the band, also informed me equally about all aspects of being in a rhythm section and soloing.”
“It was a complete experience that taught me how to be complete without having to play too much or have any excess baggage. Everything I am today would not have happened if I had not been part of that band,” he concludes.
These stalwarts came together to curate an extraordinary musical sangeet experience attended by the iconic Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Sonam Kapoor, Elli AvrRam, Anita Hassanandani, Ekta Kapoor, Sophie Choudhary, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Sajdeh to name some of the stars that graced the red carpet…reports Asian Lite News
Indian weddings are characterised by a wide range of exquisite rituals and contemporary components that are beautifully woven into the history and legends of the country. The concept behind “Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy,” is to honour this ethereal bond. These bespoke weddings are created with personalisation at their core and come to life with excellent cuisine, exquisite decor, and unmatched service excellence.
Marriott International through a musical evening in collaboration with the most eligible bachelor of the country Tiger Shroff, ace director and producer Karan Johar and the very talented guru of contemporary dance Shiamak Davar, put up an elegant evening filled with music, grandeur, glamour and some great dance moves! Karan Johar was the gracious host for the evening in his classic style along with Shiamak Davar, whose troupe put up a dazzling dance show which had the audience mesmerized and grooving.
These stalwarts came together to curate an extraordinary musical sangeet experience attended by the iconic Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Sonam Kapoor, Elli AvrRam, Anita Hassanandani, Ekta Kapoor, Sophie Choudhary, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Sajdeh to name some of the stars that graced the red carpet.
With much fanfare, the guests were greeted to a red-carpet experience. The rustic gold bridal theme was incorporated into the decor, which was then interspersed with floral arrangements that were also in keeping with the overall theme. Celebrities were spotted enjoying and being entertained in true Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy manner throughout the night’s high-octane moments.
Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International said, “We are thrilled to have hosted the biggest musical wedding celebration of the year. Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy is slated to make your wedding experiences, even grander, bigger and luxurious. This reimagined rendition will heighten your dream wedding experience with impeccable planning and execution conducted by the most expert wedding makers of the country: Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy. We are extremely grateful to Tiger Shroff, Karan Johar and Shiamak Davar for putting together a great evening for our esteemed guests and making this celebration a special one.”
Karan Johar commented, “Luxury hospitality is synonymous with Marriott International, and I am proud to have partnered with them to bring forth this rendition of Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy. Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy is known to make dream weddings with utmost detailing, customisation and luxury at the heart of it. From venues to menus to decor, these shaadi specialists work round the clock to make your dream wedding a reality. Tonight, was a grand celebration which witnessed the offerings of Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy in its full glory and I am very impressed to say the least.”
Commenting on the association Tiger Shroff said, “Ecstatic to be part of this grand celebration called Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott is a reputed name when it comes to curating luxurious experiences and Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy helps couples celebrate the most cherished day of their life with bespoke experiences. Weddings are a huge affair in India with a lot going into making this special day as novel and as memorable as possible. Executed with impeccable personalisation, weddings are made special by Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy. I am happy to be part of the biggest sangeet of the year. This celebration and association will always be very close to my heart. Wishing the most eligible shaadi makers of the country lots of luck.”
“Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy is a great concept and I am delighted to have collaborated for this magical evening. It was a Shiamak-style performance, an extraordinary combination of Indo-contemporary mixed with folk & traditions. I am glad to have put together the special Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy look for the evening,” said, Shiamak Davar.
Kunal Chauhan, General Manager, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar said “We are very proud as JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar continues to be the most sought after wedding destination in the country today, from Sangeet functions to the Pheras & Reception! A star studded event like Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy further reinforces our Marriott commitment to immaculate execution of bespoke menus and decor and most importantly personalized service to deliver a fairytale wedding. After all weddings are about creating magical memories, the rest is to be left to us, the wedding experts!”
India is perhaps the most musical and musically diverse region in the world. This diversity is evident in the folk traditions associated with different regions. Through this festival, we try to showcase the folk traditions of different regions. This year the focus is on Madhya Pradesh…reports Asian Lite News
With a complex history spanning more than three millennia, Indian music has always held a prominent position in the world of art.
The NCPA features a wide range of artists, from up-and-coming to top-ranking and living legends, and incorporates all the major genres of Indian music. Pure classical, semi-classical, devotional, light, regional, folk, and crossover music are among the many styles that are represented. Each property has a special theme component that makes it stand out. Artists and audiences around the globe have praised NCPA’s thematically curated Indian music festivals over the past ten years.
Upcoming Events in March 2023:
AYE MOHABBAT – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF BEGUM AKHTAR
Curated and presented by Tushar Bhatia with Sraboni Chaudhuri, Shivani Vaswani, Aditi Banerjee, and the group’s Main sponsor: Oilmax Energy Pvt. Ltd. ‘Aye Mohabbat is a concert dedicated to the legendary singer Begum Akhtar (1914-1974). The presenter, music composer, and sitarist, Tushar Bhatia, has researched extensively and produced a number of albums of Begum Akhtar for HMV, Music India, and Sony music. The singers, Sraboni Chaudhuri, Shivani Vaswani, and Aditi Banerjee are well-trained established singers.
The evening will showcase some popular ghazals, Dadras, and Thumris from Begum Akhtar’s repertoire covering multiple languages, from Urdu, Bhojpuri, and Awadhi, to Bangla. The song selection will include masterpieces like ‘Aye Mohabbat, ‘Diwana banana hai to’, ‘Koyaliya Mat Kar Pukar’, ‘Mere Humnafas’, and others. Highlighting the uniqueness of her works, Tushar Bhatia will also share personal interactions with people close to her, along with some interesting anecdotes about this celebrated master musician.
When: Friday, March 3, 2023, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets: Book My Show
HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL VOCAL MUSIC by Harish Tiwari of Kirana Ghara In association with Kilachand Foundation
Initially trained by Thakur Chaubey, Ajay, and Nandlal Baranashi, Harish Tiwari was privileged to be groomed in the Kirana Gharana style by the great doyen Bhimsen Joshi. Endowed with a strong voice that is heavily reminiscent of his legendary guru’s; his singing has remarkable impressions of his mentor’s inimitable style. Harish Tiwari is a lecturer in music at Delhi University and has been a regular performer in AIR, Doordarshan, and prestigious music festivals across India.
When: Saturday, March 4, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre
Tickets: Book My Show
LIVING TRADITIONS: FESTIVAL OF MADHYA PRADESH an NCPA presentation supported by government of Madhya Pradesh, Directorate of Culture
India is perhaps the most musical and musically diverse region in the world. This diversity is evident in the folk traditions associated with different regions. Through this festival, we try to showcase the folk traditions of different regions. This year the focus is on Madhya Pradesh.
Living Traditions: Day 1
Kabir songs by Jagdish Boriala group
The works of Kabir (c. 1425-1505) and other saint poets have had a pride of place in the cultural heritage of the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. These are preserved and propagated through the oral tradition of the Malwa region. Couched in Malwi language, the musical renditions are based on diverse melodies, reflecting a folk flavour characteristic of the region.
Raee Nritya by Devki Ram Kushwaha Group
Raee is a popular dance form prevalent in the region of Bundelkhand and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Performed by veiled female dancers, it is meant to celebrate victory in war. The movement of the body and feet are accompanied by vocal music and instruments like Algoza, Mridang, and Daphali.
Bundelkhandi Folk Drama by Sandeep Srivastava Group
Translated from Kafan Aur Pus Ki Rat, a play originally written in Hindi by the great novelist, Munshi Premchand, Sadhau Ghisu Mare Na Madhau is a theatrical adaptation presented in the folk style of Bundelkhand.
When: Friday, March 10, 2023, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets: Book My Show
LIVING TRADITIONS: DAY 2
Bagheli Folk Song by Roshni Prasad Mishra Group
Baghelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh has had a long tradition of performing songs that are associated with different rites of passage from birth to death. The group will present a few songs such as Sohar, Anjuri, Mundan, Barua, Madba, Banna-Banni, Karma, and others associated with various stages in human life.
Gangaur Folk Dance by Vishal Sakalle Group
Performed during the first month of the Hindu calendar (Chaitra), the festival of Gangaur celebrates the union of lord Shiva (Gan) and his consort, Goddess Gauri or Parvati. Bedecked in colourful costumes, both married and unmarried women dance merrily to the accompaniment of rituals and folk songs, seeking the blessings of the holy couple.
Bagheli Folk Drama by Neeraj Punder Group
Based on a traditional belief that a child born with its feet coming out first, has magic in its feet, Latmarba is a folk story of one such person, Jiyaman. At first, unaware of his ‘miraculous’ power, he struggles through life. However, upon realizing the gift that he is endowed with, his life changes forever. Presented through the medium of Bagheli songs and dance, this folk drama conveys a socially significant message.
When: Saturday, March 11, 2023, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets: Book My Show
GURU IN RESIDENCE
Master-Class on ‘Bandish’ in Hindustani music conducted by Ajoy Chakrabarty In partnership with HSBC. Under this educational initiative, a senior guru is invited to impart advanced training to a select group of music practitioners. Ajoy Chakrabarty, doyen of Patiala Gharana, will conduct a workshop on ‘Bandish’ in classical and semi-classical music. An eminent vocalist who has had the privilege of training with great masters like Gyan Prakash Ghosh and Munawar Ali Khan, Ajoy Chakrabarty has been a guru to several students at the ITC-SRA and Shrutinandan, Kolkata.
When: March 14 to 16, 2023, 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Where: West Room 1, Above Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA
Registrations: In Progress – Applications are invited from vocalists of Hindustani music (Khayal and/or Thumri). Preference will be given to those with at least a ‘B’ grade on the AIR.
For Participants: Rs 1500/- (including GST) for 3 days, For Observers: 300/- per day
