– by Sampada Mudgalkar Jatkar

5th September 2024

Even though it’s been two weeks since the Bahaar 2024 festival hosted by GMV, NA, the vibrant music from the electrifying concert is still echoing in my ears. It was truly a spectacular event. The venue was beautifully adorned with traditional Indian motifs, capturing the cultural essence of the evening’s musical offerings. A prominent photograph of Pandit V.D. Paluskar, a revered figure in Indian classical music, was displayed as the event commenced with a prayer composed by him, “Jay Jagdish Hare.” This opening moment brought to mind Plato’s famous quote: “Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the Universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety, and life to everything. It is the essence of order and leads to all that is good and just and beautiful.”

Elegantly dressed in traditional Indian attire, Ketki Oak Marathe gracefully took on the role of Emcee, adding a touch of warmth to the event. GMV, NA had the privilege of hosting Dr. Vikas Kashalkar, an accomplished khayal vocalist from the Gwalior, Agra, and Jaipur-Atrauli Gharanas, as the chief guest for the night. A renowned musicologist and teacher, Dr. Kashalkar honored the evening by felicitating the artists, further enriching the event’s atmosphere.

The evening commenced with a mesmerizing performance by Maestro Kala Ramnath, a violinist of international acclaim. Ken Hunt, a prominent music critic known for his expertise in world music, once remarked about Kala Ramnath, “…If Mozart had been transported to the South Asian subcontinent, this is what he and improvised Western classical music might have sounded like. This comparison is not thrown in to befuddle or impress. Kala Ramnath is a musician of giant-like qualities…” At GMV, NA, patrons were treated to a display of extraordinary skill as Kala Ramnath performed Raag Madhuvanti, Raag Patdeepki, and a Chaiti during the first half of the evening. Her ability to glide across the violin’s fretboard with a uniquely vocal style was captivating. The performance featured a seamless blend of Western bowing techniques with the essence of Hindustani classical music. Accompanied by Shri Samir Chatterjee on tabla, the dynamic exchange known as “Sawal-Jawab” between Kala and Samir was particularly engaging, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience.

After enjoying a delectable selection of kachoris and steaming hot chai during the intermission, patrons were once again immersed in the world of Hindustani classical music by the captivating voice of Manjusha Patil Kulkarni. Manjusha praised GMV, NA for their dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Indian classical music through such concerts and expressed optimism for the future of Hindustani classical music. Before starting her performance, Manjusha openly admitted to feeling nervous performing in front of one of her Gurus, Dr. Vikas Kashalkar, who was present in the audience. She vowed to do her utmost to deliver an outstanding performance.

Manjusha’s set began with Raag Bhoop, followed by Raag Sohoni, and concluded with two thumris in Raag Pahadi and Raag Bharavi. Her heartfelt voice, creative expression, and mastery of melodic and rhythmic elements demonstrated her dedication, hard work, and reverence for her art and her gurus. She was marvelously accompanied by and Prashant Pandav on tabla Praneet Marathe on harmonium.