Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak)

Attended a concert of Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 29th Jan 2016. Attendance was more than 130.

Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak) is a Nrityavisharad and is trained in Lucknow and Jaipur Gharana. This was her first international performance.

She started with Shiv vandana (शिव वंदना) composed by Pt. Bindadin maharaj and choreographed by Pt. Rohini Bhate.

Then she presented Uthan (उठान) and Amad (आमद) in vilambit Teen taal (विलंबित तीन ताल) followed by two types of Paran (परन) in madhya lay Teen taal (मध्यलय तीन ताल) followed by Toda (तोडा), Tukde (तुकडे), Kavitt (कवित्त) and Ginati (गिनती) in drut Teen taal (दृत तीन ताल).

She then presented an Anwat Rachana choreographed by Rohini Bhate (रोहिणी भाटे) that included a Tarana (तराणा) followed by Samadhun Geet 'Lagan lagi (लगन लगी)'.

Concert concluded with Abhinay paksha (अभिनय पक्ष) a Geet on Radha Krishna (राधा कृष्ण) 'Zulat Radhe Navalkishor (झूलत राधे नवलकिशोर)' written by Pt. Bindadin maharaj, composed by Pt. Birju maharaj (बिरजू महाराज) and choreographed by Pt. Rohini Bhate. It was the best item of the concert.

Vrushali displayed good expressions and fluid movements. She made full and effective use of stage. Her acting in the last item was fantastic. She created the visuals of Krishna growing up through her acting and dance.

Vrushali used recorded music for the program thus making it a really solo performance. Organizers distributed a leaflet explaining her presentations thus making it easy to understand. Vrushali narrated between the presentations and despite dancing she was not breathless.

She is a dancer with potential.

Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclosure: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

Jogiraj Sikidar (Vocal)

Attended a concert of Jogiraj Sikidar (Vocal) accompanied by Nandkishor Banchhode (Tabla), Shashwath Sunilkumar (Harmonium) and Shreekutty & Meenu  (Tanpura) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 29th Jan 2016. Attendance to the concert was about 100.

Concert started with Raag Yaman. He first presented 'Salona mora saiyan (सलोना मोरा सैयाॅं)' in vilambit Ektal (विलंबित एकताल). He displayed fine lower octave singing.
It was followed by 'Eri hari piya bina (एरी हारी पिया बिना)' in drut Teen taal.

He then presented a madhyalay bandish 'Kanha re Nand nandan (कान्हा रे नंद नंदन)' in Raag Kedar.

Then he presented a Thumri 'Ab ke sawan ghar aaja (अब के सावन घर आजा)' in Mishra Desh and Tilak Kamod in Banaras Gharana style.

He then presented a Gazal (गजल) 'Tere karib aake (तेरे करीब आके)' in Raag Nand (नंद).

Concert concluded with Kabir's Bhajan (भजन) 'Mat kar moh tu (मत कर मोह तू)' in Raag Bhairavi (भैरवी).

Jogiji humbly requested for audience's permission to start the concert. He made good use of aalap and tarana. He is a very fine singer and probably deserves more recognition than he gets. He displayed variety in the alap, tarana, lower and higher octaves and a blend of Gharana. The way he was encouraging the accompanists underlined the fact that he is a very good teacher too.

Shashwat has lightning fast fingers and demonstrated his understanding of the mood of concert. He was applauded by the audience.

Nandu started slow but picked up as the concert progressed and came at par. His Tabla play with harmonium was applauded.

Tanpura artists needed prodding by Jogiji for vocal accompaniment.

Sounds system was optimum however more gain was needed for Tabla.

Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclosure: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.