Known for her ‘interactive’ concerts, Shah, whose audience also comprises young audiences, says collecting stories is something that has always fascinated her…reports Asian Lite News
She makes it clear that whenever she does ‘Akhtari’, her curated tribute to the revered Begum Akhtar, there is a conscious attempt not to copy her. Singer Vidya Shah feels it is important to maintain one’s individuality instead of imitating.
“I am extremely grateful to my mentors who taught me to imbibe and not copy. Of course, it is quite daunting whenever I sit down for ‘Akhtari’, and wonder if it must have been a foolish night that I came up with this,” smiles Shah.
Adding that while the world of music is strange, and one has to sing the same thing, it also works at a very personal level, the singer, who trained under Shanti Hiranand in Thumri, Dadra and Ghazal says the best part is the stories.
“Through Shanti ji, I connected to Begum Akhtar at multiple levels. While everyone loved her work, there was a feisty and feminist side. That side of an artist, especially in the pre-independence era… the respect that I have for her grew immensely,” says Shah, who was recently in Chandigarh to perform ‘Akhtari’.
The singer, who also trained under Padma Shree awardee vocalist Shubha Mudgil in Khayal Gayaki, says the biggest thing she learned from her is how to create a niche while being immersed in music that is structured. “There may be 500 people singing Yaman. But how do you make it yours? Mudgal internalizes music, something that inspires me no end.”
Known for her ‘interactive’ concerts, Shah, whose audience also comprises young audiences, says collecting stories is something that has always fascinated her.
She remembers the time when someone came up, gave her cassettes, and told her what he was holding was ‘real’ music. “I heard so many voices but knew none… And there were some songs where names were being taken and it was revealing to me. And I wanted to find out who the person was behind the songs. There was very little about them and it bothered me. I started collecting stories, it became very interesting. I started particularly looking at the gramophone era because that’s the music I got. A lot of women had transitioned to bai ji’s. And then I wanted to share it with my audience as well. That is how the ‘Women on Record’ project was put together. And it was about the women who sang on the record and also about the women who are not on record,” says the singer who started learning music at the age of 12.
Talk to Shah about collaborations, she laughs and says she is very greedy, and that they push her creative spirit. Grateful that she had the opportunity to pursue formal education, which also got her closer to lyrics, she says, “I have worked with William Dalrymple on his books as well. There are so many interesting folk narratives which I have tied with music.”
Someone, who spent a lot of time in Madhya Pradesh and collected folk songs, Shah is currently working on a production with the classical dancer, Ananda Shankar Jayant. “It will be Bharatnatyam Hindustani ragas in sync.
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
One of UK’s finest sitarist Roopa Panesar In concert at London Barbican. A preview by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International
British-Indian star sitarist Roopa Panesar will present a concert of deeply soulful music at the Barbican Centre in London on Saturday 18th February 2023, from her new spring album, ATMA. Translating as ‘The Soul’, ATMA beautifully portrays life – love, loss, grief, separation and ultimately the bliss of union.
After a period of personal loss, Roopa wrote the music for ATMA which was recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios. The music echoes feelings associated with challenges of life, with the intention to uplift. At a time of personal and global turmoil, Roopa Panesar reflects via her music.
Roopa Panesar will perform in a wide range of styles from Hindustani classical music, western classical, jazz and world music. Roopa will be joined at the Barbican Centre on February 18th by leading Indian classical and jazz musicians, bringing the full panoply of Indian music to this vibrant cultural centre.
Roopa Panesar has performed for King Charles III formerly HRH The Prince of Wales at VJ75 Day as broadcast for BBC1 Television. Roopa has toured India, the USA and performs consistently in the UK.
ATMA live concert is produced by Asian Arts Agency in association with the Barbican Centre London.
The album ATMA is funded by Asian Arts Agency as part of its Breaking Barriers ‘Innovate’ Music Commissions and recorded at Real World Studios. ATMA follows on from Roopa Panesar’s critically acclaimed album of morning ragas called SUBHA (2022). ATMA will be available at the Barbican on 18th February 2023 ahead of its national and international release on March 24th 2023 through Asian Arts Agency.
NCPA stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Home is a film about Fulmani, a resident tea plantation worker, and her impending retirement. In order to keep her home after she retires, Fulmani must send her daughter Aarti to take her place at the plantation…reports Asian Lite News
It’s an exciting time since the spotlight is now shining brightly on the performers on stage. The NCPA produces, performs, and hosts world-class theatrical productions that delight, challenge, and inspire. And the stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.
Coming up in February:
Reality Check (The Show Must Go On) I An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Cinema Collective
The NCPA has revived the Reality Check?film?series, which was started in 2014, to promote and encourage documentary filmmakers in India, whose work reflects life and culture in the country today in a provocative blend of creativity and integrity.
After decades of dormancy, the aging icons of Parsi theatre return to the stage, putting aside their walking sticks and wheelchairs. Plunging into rehearsals, this documentary chronicles the resilience of a singular cast of characters that want nothing more than to go out with a bang. For most of them, it will be the last time on stage after careers spanning over half a century. As the film tumbles headfirst into the creative chaos of rehearsals, we get an intimate portrait of the bonds shared between veteran stars and youngsters, along with a distinct flavor of their sensibilities, marked by a particular brand of not-so-subtle humor that is uniquely their own. The actors want to put up the best show they can. In a way, this film is also very much about celebrating old age. About how people considered well past their prime, still have so much to give, while being their flawed and joyous selves. A great tragedy befalls the cast on the eve of the final show. Will it change everything? Or will the show go on, despite all odds?
Date – Friday, February 3
Time – 5.00 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. (Followed by a discussion)
Venue – Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Free Entry, on a first come first serve basis
Documentary Film Screening| English, Hindi & Gujarati | 60 mins
Lavanyavati (Premiere Show in Mumbai) I An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Kali Billi Productions
Lavanyavati is a performance devised in collaboration with Lavani and Tamasha artists. In this performance, we follow the journey of Lavani through the years. The dance form, which is part of Maharashtra’s folk tradition, has evolved over time with changes in social, political, and cultural developments as well as changing audience preferences. It has not just survived but thrived through these changing times and has become a part of contemporary cultural identity. Starting from the traditional form of Tamasha and Sangeet Bari performed mainly in rural areas and smaller towns of Maharashtra, it has also reached audiences in metro cities like Mumbai.
Exploring the meaning of Lavanyavati (one who performs Lavani), we start our journey from the early 1800s till today. In this performance, we look at Lavani and Lavanyavati through the lens of legacy, gender, and modern feminism.
The performance is devised in the form of documentary theatre. Along with live performances of Lavani songs, we share stories, archival material like family photographs, video interviews, and contemporary works like our collaboration with the Agents of Ishq and Paromita Vohra.
Dance Performance in Documentary Theatre |Marathi, English| 90 mins
Date – Saturday, February 4
Time – 5.00 p.m. & 7.30 p.m.
Venue – Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here
Dekh Behen (99th & 100th Show) I An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Akvarious Productions
A big fat Delhi wedding is underway. Merely hours before they need to put up their rehearsed item number, five bridesmaids catch up, gossip, eat, drink and bitch about their identical outfits. But that is not the only thing they have in common. They all dislike the bride. Akvarious Productions presents an all-female cast and crew in a bittersweet comedy about daughters, girlfriends, mothers, sisters, and wives, and getting through one wretched shaadi ka function.
English/Hindi Play | 100th Show| 18+| 70 mins
Date – Sunday, February 5
Time – 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Venue – Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here
One Week And A Day I The Indian Express Film Club screening in association with NCPA & Embassy of Israel
One week and a day is a bittersweet drama about families, neighbors, and the glue that keeps people together. A grieving father steals medicinal marijuana from a hospice, skips work, and hangs out with his estranged neighbor’s son, while his wife tries to get back to her daily routine as she fights off school teachers, stray kittens, and dental clinic workers.
Hebrew Language with English Subtitles | 98 mins
Date – Tuesday, February 7
Time – 6.30 p.m. (Followed by a discussion)
Venue – Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Free Entry, on a first come first serve basis
The film screening will be followed by a discussion with Shubhra Gupta, Film Critic, and The Indian Express. The Book Of Dust I An NCPA National Theatre Live (London) Presentation
Elevator pitch: Set 12 years before the epic His Dark Materials trilogy, this gripping adaptation revisits Phillip Pullman’s fantastical world in which waters are rising and storms are brewing. Two young people and their demons, with everything at stake, find themselves at the center of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra Belacqua, and in that child lies the fate of the future.
Screening | English | 3hrs | 6yrs+ Date – Wednesday, February 8
Time – 6:00 pm
Venue – Dance Theatre Godrej, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here
Comedy for Comedy’s Sake I An NCPA-Off Stage Presentation in collaboration with Comedy Ladder
Valentine’s Day is for Love but also for broken hearts. A breakup is part of life, and if you haven’t had your heart broken, this is a great place to learn how it may happen and how to deal with a broken heart. Come and watch some very funny comics talk about their past relationships and share their experience. Comedy | English, Hindi | 16yrs + | 1hr 30mins
Date – Tuesday, February 14
Time – 7.00 pm
Venue – Dance Theatre Godrej, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here
Readings In The Shed – Letters of Love I An NCPA Off-Stage Presentation?
When was the last time you wrote a love letter? Or penned a quick note to your beloved? In these times of beeps and pings, ink and pen messages seem to be losing their relevance. Until you come across an old trunk or a shoebox, scoot the dust bunnies off, that is. And lo and behold, they emerge…on yellowed paper and in faded ink, words that are, or deserve to be, immortal. Join us as we dig through the archives of some famous folk to uncover love stories that have lived on. Readings in the Shed presents the fifth edition of Letters of Love?
Storytelling | English, Hindi | 2hrs
Date – Tuesday, February 14
Time – 7.00 p.m.
Venue – Tata Garden, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here
Aurat Aurat Aurat I An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Motley Productions
An all-female cast enacts selections from Ismat Chughtai’s autobiography, and three other writings (Ek Shauhar ki Khaatir, Aadhi Aurat Aadha Khwab, and Soney ka Anda) which are essays rather than stories, reflecting Chughtai’s abiding concern for the state of womanhood, her impatience with empty rituals and her anger at the condescension women are subjected to.
Drama| English, Hindi| 2hrs | 12yrs
Date – Saturday, February 18
Time – 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Venue – Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here
Bhagi Hui Ladkiyan (Theatre Group from Delhi) I An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Aagaaz Productions
The play explores the actors’ gendered bodies and their relationship with the self, others, and public spaces-the piece uses objects, physical theatre, and cartography to devise a thought-provoking experience.
These stories begin on a random day. These are first-hand retellings of day-today in Nizamuddin Basti. The spectator is invited to enter the performer’s world through the everydayness of the narrative. The stories begin to twist into tales of how gender and sexuality play out in the lives of the four actors. Conversations about family, trust, consent, personal space, and gender dynamics begin to surface. Their questions and confusions about their identity and how they are perceived within the boundaries of their home and their community, come forth through their words and actions.
The play attempts to highlight the contrast between the confining yet comfortable quality of the home space and the liberating aspects of the outside world. The differences between ‘who I am’ and ‘how people see me’ guide the explorations that the performers embark on. The audience is invited to experience the happenings through a gender-sensitive lens.
Drama | Hindustani | 1hr 5mins | 13yrs+
Date – Sunday, February 19
Time – 7 p.m.
Venue – Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here Taking Sides I NCPA Presents the Company Theatre production
The play is set in post-World War II Germany, during the period of ‘denazification’. While on the surface the play is about the investigation of a world-famous music conductor of that time-Wilhelm Furtwangler-it takes on larger discussions and motifs spanning music, art, culture, life, politics, morality, ethics, and more. Drama | English | 2hrs 5mins Date – Saturday, February 25
Time – 5.00 p.m. & 8.00 p.m.
Venue – Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Book Here
Short Film Corner I An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with White Wall Screenings
Home I Hindi film with English subtitles (13 mins)
Home is a film about Fulmani, a resident tea plantation worker, and her impending retirement. In order to keep her home after she retires, Fulmani must send her daughter Aarti to take her place at the plantation. But this decision comes at the cost of her daughter’s future, which she had hoped to protect from an exploitative and back-breaking labor system.
Home 2 I Hindi film with English Subtitles (12 minutes)
One afternoon, 7-year-old Inaya is suddenly unable to recognize her own parents and starts feeling like a captive in her home. Her parents call the therapist to uncover the mystery of what happened to their child. Soul-Kadhi I Hindi film with English subtitles (13 mins)
In the upside-down realm of the night, an orphan daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law develop an uncanny bond. Secrets are spilled, recipes shared and late-night thoughts exchanged that will set them free…literally.
Date – Friday, February 24
Time – 6.30 p.m.
Venue – Little Theatre, NCPA
Tickets – Free Entry, on a first come first serve basis
NCPA’s Indian Music Line up for February
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. Coming up in February:
L. Subramaniam
Sama’a : The Mystical Ecstasy
Festival of Sufi Music (4 events)
Rangreza: a musical presentation based on Sufi poetry
When: Friday, February 10, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets: Book My Show
Concept & narration: Suhail Akhtar Warsi
Singers: Girish Sadhwani and Pooja Gaitonde
About the performance: The pain of separation from the Creator is at the core of Sufi lyrics and music. Themes and styles established in Arabic, Persian and Punjabi-Sindhi poetry have had an enormous influence on poetry and music throughout the Sufi world. While saint-philosophers like Rumi, Lal Dedh, Kabir and others, have fervently expressed their love and longing for the Divine through their poetry, we find similar thoughts also being echoed in works of others like Mir, Ghalib, Tukaram, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and many Bhakti poets across ages in numerous languages.
Rangreza portrays hues of the ultimate truth as revealed by numerous philosophers from Amir Khusrau, Baba Bulle Shah and Meera Bai, to Guru Nanak, Shahbaz Qalandar and such others who wrote in various dialects such as Awadhi, Saraiki, Behawalpuri, Multani, Hindustani, Hindavi and Punjabi.
In a style that has a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary musical elements, the presentation will showcase the similarity of thoughts underlying the diverse poetic works, highlighting the universality of the truth.
Ovi Ovi Gumphali
An Ode to Rumi: Presentation based on the Poetry of Mevlana Rumi by Kabir Bedi
When: Saturday, February 11, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets: Book My Show
Concept & design: Jai and Taru Talwar
About the performance: Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi (1207-1273), popularly known as Mevlana Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, theologian and Sufi mystic who composed one of the crowning glories of Persian literature, which profoundly affected the Persian cultural sphere of Khorasan.
Although originally written in Persian, Rumi’s poems have been widely translated into many international languages including Urdu and Punjabi. Rumi’s works transcend national and ethnic borders and seem to be relevant even today across varied cultures.
Blessed with a sonorous voice, Kabir Bedi, one of India’s best-known international actors, will read a selection of poetry penned by Rumi.
The presentation will be divided into five parts: The Seeker, Finding Love, Tasting the Divine, The Awakening and Union with the Divine.
Suhail Akhtar Warsi & Pooja Gaitonde
Rumiyana: a journey within
Presented by The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust
When: Sunday, February 12, 3.30 p.m. & 5.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Tickets: Book My Show
Direction & design: Dadi D. Pudumjee
Text & animation: Shaaz Ahmed
Music: Sandeep Pillai
Language: English
Duration: 60 mins
About the performance: Rumiyana is a multimedia musical puppet theatre performance based on Mevlana Rumi’s work, Masnavi, whose influence transcends national borders and unites people of all races, nationality, and gender across the globe, owing to the universality of his thoughts.
Enacted by two performers, the master and the student, the performance is synergised with dancers, puppeteers and visual theatre with specially composed music.
The dialogue of the story which is narrated at the threshold of a door unfolds a journey within, to unravel the path outside. Four stories emerge out of a single narrative to tell a tale of seeking and receiving, from being the light to spreading light to shining bright – the Unity of vision.
The presentation with animations and projections explores the concept of pluralism, and unity of all existence, as one. It uses the metaphors of soul, body, and shadow to realise the idea of the true self. It promotes unity, love, and peace, by the celebration of diversity, for there are, as many ways as there are seekers.
Raga Rang – Parthiv Gohil
Within: songs of the sacred
By Sonam Kalra & The Sufi Gospel Project
When: Sunday, February 12, 7.30 p.m.
Where: Tata Theatre, NCPA
Tickets: Book My Show
About the performance: Delve into a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Sufism as Sonam Kalra, a multifaceted singer and composer, seeks to blend the many voices of faith, through poetry, prayer and music to create one universal voice of faith.
In this presentation, prayer and poetry from different languages and religions come together to create a sound that touches every soul. The mystic poetry of Sufi poets like Kabir, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrau and Zaheen Shah Tajji are presented to highlight the one absolute truth; that God is within. Where the call to Allah finds resonance in the ever-soothing Sikh morning prayer and Vedic chants, where the poetry and ideologies of Sufi mystics from across the world find common ground across time and region, and where Indian classical sounds seamlessly flow into the Western accompaniment.
Thus, the lines between religions are blurred through the beauty of note and music, revealing that no matter what the language of the lyrics or the ethnicity of the sounds, there is but one language, the language of faith.
And that is the universal truth.
Ovi Ovi Gumphali: Celebrating Marathi Language Day
An NCPA Presentation In association with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra
Concept & Presentation: Dhanashree Lele
Supported by Preeti Joshi, Deepti Joshi
Music Arrangement: Vikram Muzumdar
When: Friday, February 24, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA
(Event to be presented in Marathi)
Entry – Free on a first come first served basis Sonam Kalra
About the performance: Marathi, like many other languages, is endowed with a rich vocabulary. Oral tradition associated with it also shows a wealth of literary forms. Ovi is one such form used as a medium of expression, mainly by the so-called “illiterate” women folk while they engaged in the drudgery of household chores. Couched with the most appropriate words capable of expressing finer shades of emotions, the verses of ovi are meant to unequivocally state the Universal truth in the simplest manner. Moreover, plain yet sonorous tunes to which they are set, make a mesmerising impact on listeners. Today, while many Marathi words are going out of vogue from colloquial usage, the ovi literature seems to still retain some priceless age-old expressions.
Dhanashree Lele is an impressive orator, award-winning author, scriptwriter and multilingual compere renowned for her scholarship in Sanskrit literature and spiritual subjects.
Organised on the occasion of Marathi bhasha divas, this event aims to showcase a range of literary forms from the oral tradition of Maharashtra. Besides presenting some ovis with their original tunes, the event will also feature allied forms like bhav geet, bhakti geet etc., including a few that have been used in Marathi films.
NCPA stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.(photo:IANSLIFE)NCPA stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.(photo:IANSLIFE)NCPA stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.(photo:IANSLIFE)NCPA stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.(photo:IANSLIFE)NCPA stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.(photo:IANSLIFE)NCPA stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Raga Rang: Raga-based songs from Hindi films of yesteryears
Parthiv Gohil & group
In association with Sahachari Foundation Events
When: Saturday, February 25, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Tata Theatre
Tickets: Box office opens on 29th of January, 2023
About the performance: This thematic presentation showcases gems of poetry and musical works featured in old Hindi films that are based on classical ragas and raginis. These timeless melodies continue to enthral listeners even today.
Having trained with several reputed masters like Laxmipati Shukla and Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Parthiv Gohil went on to become a playback singer performing for a host of films like Devdas, Saawariya, Vada Raha and others. His other projects include participation in the iconic song Phir mile sur mera tumhara and MTV performance with reputed artistes. Notable among the numerous awards received by Parthiv include best playback singer for the Gujarati films in 2007 & 2009. Parthiv and his group will present a special selection of geets and ghazals written by iconic lyricists and composed by legendary film music composers of the yester years.
The song, presented by Jackky Bhagnani’s record label JJust music, rouses the emotion of patriotism…reports Asian Lite News
The first song from the upcoming film ‘Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh’, titled ‘Vaishnav Jan To’ was unveiled on Wednesday.
The song composed by music composer A.R. Rahman was originally written by Late Narsinh Mehta and has been sung by playback singer Shreya Ghoshal.
The film has been directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and marks his return to cinema after almost a decade.
Speaking about the song, Rahman shared, “Rajkumar Sir is a legend and working on a music for him was a great experience. ‘Vaishnav Jan To’ is also one of the special songs because it was Gandhi Ji’s favourite.”
He further mentioned, “This song brought a sense of peace whenever I worked on it and I am sure it will bring the same peace and love in the hearts of my audience as well.”
The song, presented by Jackky Bhagnani’s record label JJust music, rouses the emotion of patriotism.
Rajkumar Santoshi’s daughter, Tanisha Santoshi shared, “Everything about ‘Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh’ is a treasure I will always cherish. ‘Vaishnav Jan To’ was my first song. Since it is in the Gujarati language I had to prepare for it days in advance. Also, there was an added pressure of the legendary singer Shreya Ghoshal ma’am lending me her vocals along with A.R. Rahman sir’s music so I had to give it my best.”
“The song didn’t have any dance steps obviously so I had to make it as expressive as possible through my emotions and eyes. But all in all, it was an exhilarating experience for me,” she added.
‘Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh’ presents a unique concept of opposite ideologies shared by Mahatma Gandhi and his assassin Nathuram Godse. Presented by Santoshi Productions LLP, the film is a PVR Pictures Release, produced by Manila Santoshi.
‘Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh’ will release in cinemas on January 26, 2023.
The conference featured the winning poster, poetry, and drawing entries submitted by young people from across the globe in relation to the conference theme…reports Asian Lite News
“Music to promote physical health in children and adolescents.”- a global initiative to raise awareness of obesity and build a platform for positive child health outcomes through music.
The 6th Annual World Music Conference received the blessings and good wishes from His majesty King Charles III.
The World Music Conference (WMC) organised by the British Carnatic Choir is the flagship event in the Midlands. It brings together professionals of all age groups, race, and career backgrounds, to share values, practices, and knowledge, with the aim of promoting peace and unity.
Childhood Obesity is a common risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases, The global incidence of obesity in younger individuals, is on the rise, despite the modifiable nature of the disease-causing behaviours and habits. As such, obesity is a growing public health concern.
The aim of the conference is to help raise awareness of childhood obesity incidence and increase awareness of creative education to tackle this, i.e., using music to empower young individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices, reducing the incidence of obesity, and obesity-related disorders.The conference theme focused on the impact that music can have on obesity prevention and control, considering the three main modifiable risk factors
Psychological factors
Physical Activity
Diet and Nutrition
We wanted to encourage kids to make autonomous choices that will improve their health for a lifetime. Music, movement, and dancing are fun ways to help them learn. This was achieved using an interdisciplinary platform of leading musicians, healthcare professionals, teachers, and most importantly, children, to share and exchange experiences and information surrounding the conference theme. The conference featured Keynote speakers and guest speakers – Miss Sruthi Ramakrishnan, FRAS, Dr. Shagun Bindlish, Dr. Akil Taher, Professor Samuel Quinto, FRSA, Dr. Pallavi Vedantam, Ms. Riddhi Doshi Patel, Professor Sandeep Ranote, FRCPsych; they emphasised the importance of healthy lifestyles in young people and how music can help in achieving this.
The conference featured the winning poster, poetry, and drawing entries submitted by young people from across the globe in relation to the conference theme.
“Participants, including young people, were encouraged to learn and gain insights into the importance of music and its role in adopting a healthier lifestyle and how helps us all to establish a strong sense of personal identity. We are delighted to receive the excellent support from various professional organisations from across the U.K. and elsewhere to address and convey this important message to far and many.”
Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan, MBE, FRSA, FRAS, Founder, Director, British Carnatic Choir, Founder, Curator, World Music Conference
Dr. Chithra Ramakrishnan, MBE, FRSA FRAS – Founder Director, British Carnatic Choir.
“Another 12 months has passed us by so quickly and the time has come to celebrate this year’s wonderful annual World Music Conference. The focus as always is on younger members of our community, but with a particular emphasis this year on physical health, mental well-being and the power of music and dance to motivate children to make sound lifestyle choices. I know that this will be a reliably inspirational event and I send my very best wishes to everyone involved.”
Mr. John Crabtree, OBE, His majesty’s Lord lieutenant of the West Midlands
His Majesty’s Lord lieutenant of West Midlands, Mr, John Crabtree, OBE
The conference is organised by the British Carnatic Choir, under the patronage of the UNESCO UK, in partnership with Consul General of India in Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, ABCC, and a host of premier institutions and corporates from across the UK and abroad. The UK National Commission for UNESCO is proud to support this year’s World Music Conference and the important mission of its 6th event – to promote the impact of music on weight-related child health.
“We warmly commend the organisers & participants in supporting this global movement about the influence of music on health and its powerful potential to communicate these ideas positively. UNESCO’s role is to help build understanding between people and countries and the World’s Music Conference clearly contributes this goal.”
James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary General, UK National Commission for UNESCO
MS. Riddhi Doshi Patel- Guest Speaker
“I am delighted that Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan has organised another excellent conference to raise awareness of obesity and build a platform for positive child health outcomes through music on 10th December 2022. I congratulate Dr Ramakrishnan and her team for organising this excellent conference in addressing the huge challenges faced by young people and using music as a medium to promote physical health in children and adolescents. I wish the event a great success.”
Dr Paul Sabapathy, CVO CBE, Her Majesty’s Former Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, Patron, British Carnatic Choir
The conference also hosted the virtual annual awards ceremony: 8th British Carnatic Choir Awards for Arts and Culture 2022. The British Carnatic Choir (BCC) Arts and Culture Awards reflect the wealth of great art and culture around us and the people who add more value and bring a positive change in our society. The awards are designed to recognize artists, scholars, art organisations and individuals in support of museum, heritage sites and cultural entrepreneurs who have excelled through their creativity and commitment.
The distinguished awardees for 2022 are:
Mr. Alfons Karabuda –accomplished Swedish composer with more than 30 years of experience in the music industry. He is the President of the International Music Council and chairman of the Polar Music Prize Award Committee and member of the board.
Professor David Wilson –Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film and is an expert advisor to the UK Commission to UNESCO on the development of creative cities. He is an international ambassador for the creative cities programme, regularly speaking and presents at film, business and community events on culture and sustainable development.
Dr. Sandeep Ranote, FRSPsychDr. Pallavi Vedantam- Can music influence what we eat?
Conductor Charalampos Makris – Conductor and Director of Studies at Palli Philharmonic School of Music, Cephalonia, Honorary Conductor of the Korean K Orchestra, member of the coordinating committee of the Hellenic Philharmonic Society, and advanced theory Professor at the Conservatory of the Holy Metropolis of Peristeri in Athens.
“The World Music Conference is the flagship music conference of the West Midlands, music to promote wellbeing in youngsters and adults and looking particularly how music can be part of a lifestyle to address obesity in young people. The conference has had acclaim across the world and international leadership, as well as music practitioners
I wish everyone involved in this year’s event all the very best.” Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, “As a Patron of the British Carnatic Choir, I wish great success to all the members and the panel involved with the World music Conference.” Cllr Maureen Cornish, Lord Mayor of Birmingham.
Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival concludes its 6th edition(ianslife)
Farhan Akhtar, who performed on the last day of the festival said: “It was great performing at the Vedanta Udaipur Music Festival…reports Asian Lite News
The sixth iteration of Vedanta Udaipur Global Music Festival, India’s largest festival of world music, concluded between December 16 and December 18, 2022.
It attested to the performances of more than 120 prominent musicians from around the world. By providing the local artists with a global stage to display their skills, this year’s musical celebration put a special emphasis on the resuscitation of long-forgotten musical instruments like the Sarangi.
On the first day of the festival, local performers performed Sarangi alongside well-known artists like Jasleen Aulakh, Parvaaz, Abakorao with their well-known Latin compositions, and Papon.
The second day featured performances by violinist Nandini Shankar, Italian Launeddas instrument demonstrators Bruno Loi and Jonathan Della Marianna, Kamakshi Khanna, Katia Guerreiro, renowned Portuguese Fado singer SENZA, Zimbabwe’s Blessing Bled Chimanga & Dreams, the hugely popular The Raghu Dixit Project, and the energetic Spanish band Habla de mi en presente. The Sarangi players’ performance and the disclosure of the Vedanta Talent Hunt findings took place on the same day.
The final day of the music festival featured performances by Australian Srijani Ghose, Anoushka Maskey, actor-singer Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, and Aabha Hanjura. The Electric Percussions Orchestra from France, Albaluna from Portugal, Naveen and Vedang, India’s top solo acoustic guitarist Dhruv Visvanath, Amrit Ramnath, and Farhan Akhtar all gave performances on the final day.
Speaking of the event, Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder Director of Seher, said: “Our team at Seher has worked relentlessly for several weeks to organize this festival, and the warm reception we received was worth the effort. We are thankful to each artist and the people of Udaipur for helping us make our dream a reality. We have already started making plans for the next edition, and hopefully, we will be back soon.”
“The Vedanta Udaipur Music Festival this year has surpassed our expectations. The footfall was very encouraging, and every artist performed their best. The reception that the Sarangi performance received was admirable, and we hope to continue inspiring local artists with future collaborations,” Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited said.
Farhan Akhtar, who performed on the last day of the festival said: “It was great performing at the Vedanta Udaipur Music Festival. I felt like the audience could connect with every artist and their unique style. The local musicians were inspiring and their performance motivates us of the need for more such efforts and platforms.”
The Vedanta Talent Hunt was part of the event and served as a venue for regional artists from Udaipur and surrounding districts to display their skills. It offered its devotees hope and assisted in reviving the dying craft. The winning performers performed on the afternoon stage of the event’s last day, and Arun Mishra and Sanjeev Bhargava gave the awards during the certification ceremony that evening.
The performers were awed by how Doha has undergone a complete makeover in a few years. The musical soiree was part of the Darb Lusail Festival…reports Asian Lite News
Celebrated names in Bollywood music regaled excited fans most of whom drove in heavy traffic to reach the Lusail stadium – the venue of the final match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to be played on December 18.
While Salim-Sulaiman entertained audiences and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan regaled them, a vivacious Sunidhi Chauhan electrified the fans.
The 80,000-capacity Lusail stadium on Friday looked resplendent in its golden hue while performers inside put up a scintillating show to entertain international audiences, a chunk of which came from South Asian countries.
The Bollywood Music Festival, organised by Qatar2022, was kicked off by composing duo Salim-Sulaiman, who along with their troupe brought the crowd to its feet as they belted out popular Bollywood numbers.
The close to 35,000 spectators that came to watch the show had bought tickets despite the condition that only Haya card holders were allowed to attend the event. Another condition allowed tickets to be bought only on the FIFA website.
The performers were awed by how Doha has undergone a complete makeover in a few years. The musical soiree was part of the Darb Lusail Festival.
Salim-Sulaiman are popular composers and Sunidhi Chauhan is a famous playback singer, while Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a top name in the music scene in Pakistan. Khan is also a popular playback singer in Hindi cinema.
On Friday 4th Nov morning (IST) at 8.30am or Thursday evening (PST), Livdemy (global musical platform) is hosting a virtual launch of Naada Instruments, reports Rahul Laud from Asian Lite.
Ace musician Mahesh Raghavan will host Jordan Rudess, keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire for platinum-selling Grammy-nominated prog rock band, Dream Theatre, to talk about journey of his creation – GeoShred.
Mahesh will be accompanied by Madan Pisharody, rising GeoShred players from India, Siddhiie Kapshikar student from London and other players who will be on the session of Jordan Rudess.
While GeoShred previously has worked with sounds from SWAMEngine, that are sampled, with this release, they’re releasing 14 new sounds that are prepared through rigorous Physical modelling of the instruments. This is the brainchild of Suthambar, a PH D in Computer Science from IISc Bangalore. These new sounds, termed Naada Instruments, include traditional acoustic instruments like Carnatic Violin, Shehnai, Sarangi, Veena, Banbury (Flute) and more.
Initially created as an iPad based effects processor unit, GeoShred is an app on iOS devices. GeoShred brought the touch gestures to slide between notes. Mahesh Raghavan applied his own learnings of Carnatic classical vocals and Western Classical piano was able to use the app to express the Indian melodies, that typically uses bends and slides also known as gamaks and meends. Over the years, Mahesh has pioneered playing both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music on iPad while keeping the Indian intonations and expressions intact, and has gathered a worldwide following.
Mahesh’s concerts with Shravan Sridhar on violin have attrcated the youth in India and their gigs held at unassuming places have triggered huge interest towards Indian classical music among the youth.
It goes without saying that GeoShred sees a huge potential audience in India with Mahesh who is perceievd as one of the brand ambassadors of this app. There are very few professional players today in India . But the sound it creates is soulful and thats probably what has touched millions of hearts.
This session will be live simultaneously broadcast on YouTube and Facebook. However, to interact with all the artists and pioneers above, you can only do it on LivDemy.
