The Indian classical music has been made richer by the contribution of many luminaries. One such legendary performer is Pt Pannalal Ghosh, who brought the humble wind instrument bansuri to the centre-stage. Known as the pioneer of modern bansuri, Ghosh took the Indian classical music instrument to new heights and also inspired many artists to follow in his wake.
Keeping his legacy in mind, Amulya Jyoti and Keshav Venu foundation have come together to organise a unique musical event titled Amulya Jyoti- Keshav Venu Sangeet Mahotsav. Noted flautists Dr Pt Keshav Ginde and Pt Rajendra Kulkarni will play in this festival that takes place this evening at Smt Shakuntala Jagannath Shetty Auditorium.
Alongwith Ginde and Kulkarni, 18 of their disciples will also play. A unique feature of this evening is ‘Rutu Chakra’, wherein different flute players will collectively present six seasons (rutu) with the corresponding 12 ragas.
Ahead of the concert, we talk to the performing artists to know their thoughts about Ghosh and bansuri. Ginde, who holds several records for inventing new types of Indian flutes which are as long at 4 feet, says that he has always been inspired by Pt Ghosh.
“I have so many memories of listening to his records endlessly and sometimes travelling long distances to catch up with his programmes that were aired on radio,” he says.
Reminiscing about his journey in the field of music and his association with Pt Kulkarni’s father, Ginde says, “What many people don’t know is that long ago when I was in Belgaum, Kulkarni’s father gifted me my first flute and my journey began. My cousins and uncles used to play Indian classical instruments like the tabla, but they never let me play because they feared that I may damage them. After seeing me broken-hearted, my mother suggested that I play the flute, because it was small and it could fit into my tiny palms.”
When asked about playing with the senior musician at the event, Kulkarni says that although Gindeji is senior to him, but when they start playing together their wavelengths match. “We are transported into the world of melodies,” he says, adding, “Our relationship goes back to our Belgaum days when Gindeji used to visit my father. When I get a chance to play along side him, I find it a learning experience. His charismatic personality comes across when he plays the flute.”
Kulkarni also mentions that although he never got a chance to meet the great maestro, he has stayed true to Ghosh’s legacy. “Pt Pannalal Ghosh was an idol in true sense of the term. He was able to inspire so many generations even after his death. It is extremely difficult to establish oneself when they are the first of their type in the music industry, but
Pt Pannalal had the courage to do so,” he says.
“I grew up listening to Pt Pannalal Ghosh on record, and to be very honest when one listens to him playing the flute, they are just transported to another place. The flute sounds so serene and wonderful, it is so soothing to listen to him,” Kulkarni adds.
Talking about the features of the bansuri, Ginde says, “When it comes to flutes, there a lot of options available in the market. The PVC and bamboo flutes are sustainable and can be used for a long time. But when it comes to electronic flute there is a fair chance that it won’t sound exactly like a bamboo one. It has a bit of electronic feel to it because of which the melody of the flute is slightly lost.”
To which Kulkarni adds, “The electronic flute it is controlled by a machine, but when it comes to the bansuri, it is the human breath that gives life to the melody and the tune. It is an experience in itself. The one thing that is common between music and the nature is the melody.”
The flautists will be accompanied by Atul Kamble on tabla, Govind Bhilare on pakhawaj, Aman Varkhedkar and Aditya Pawar on keyboard. In the music concert, there will also be a sitar recital by Dr Pt Nishindra Kinjalk, a flute performance by famous flautist Pt Parasnath and tabla performances by Dr Pt Arvindkumar Azad and Pt Aditya Kalyanpur. Pt Amar Nath will also be felicitated with Pt Pannalal Ghosh Venu Ratna Puraskar.
ST READER SERVICE
The Amulya Jyoti-Keshav Venu Sangeet Mahotsav will take place on November 17, 5 pm, at Smt Shakuntala Jagannath Shetty Auditorium, Dr Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Erandwane. Entry to the event is free and open to all.
On November 18, the flute enthusiasts will get an opportunity to participate in a workshop conducted by Pt Parasnath which will take place at Sargam Palace, near Hotel Sai Sagar on Baner Road. Entry to the workshop will be free and the registration can be done at the venue of Amulya Jyoti-Keshav Venu Mahotsav.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
A Hindi play Tirichh that will be staged in the city on Sunday evening throws light on the violent and voyeuristic urban Indian society. Written by Uday Prakash, Anshu Singh acts in the one-man show.
The story is of a son who tries to probe his father’s end. His father is bit by tiricch, a poisonous insect. But he travels to the city on an urgent work, when the venom ultimately takes his life. The boy follows his father to the city to find out what happens to him, and also in search of closure. Instead he comes face-to-face with cruel and increasingly numb society.
Tiricch has been jointly presented by Light Paper Creations Pune and Eternity Creations Mumbai. You can watch the show on November 18 at 5 pm at Dramalay, Prime Rose Mall, Baner Road.
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