Swar Ninad

Mandar's concert report

Attended a concert titled 'Swar Ninad'. A program of Marathi songs. Singers Prathamesh Laghate and Mugdha Vaishampaian. Accompanied by Prashant Lalit (Keyboard), Parag Dhadphale (Tabla), Abhay Samant (Pakhwaj), Mahadev Phadte (Side rhythm and Tal). Program was conducted by Vighnesh Joshi who also played Harmonium. It was organized by Maharashtra Mandal Abu Dhabi at Indian Embassy Auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 27th May 2016.

Prathamesh and Mugdha shot to fame a few years ago when they were the part of fantastic five of TV reality show 'Little Champs'. Prashant is a composer and keyboard player. Vighnesh is a TV actor. Parag, Abhay and Mahadev are UAE's local talent.

Concert started with two naandis (नांदी). First was famous naandis of Balgandharva 'Pancha tunda narrundamaldhar (पंच तुंड नररुंडमालधर)' by both singers and second was 'Jay Shankara (जय शंकरा)' of Pt. Ram Marathe by Prathamesh. Mugdha presented Natyageet 'Khara to prema (खरा तो प्रेमा)'. Prathamesh was then given a choice of presenting any song or songs from famous Sangeet Natak 'Katyar Kaljat Ghusli (कट्यार काळजात घुसली)'.  He presented most famous 'Ghei chand makarand (घेई छंद मकरंद)'. He chose both versions. First slower and then faster rendition. Vighnesh invited farmaish but when one was made for 'Surat piya ki' it was not taken but he promised to present it later. Mugdha presented Sudhir Phadke's 'Jiwlaga kadhi re (जीवलगा कधी रे)'. This song has five Raags in it. It's called Patmanjiri (पटमंजिरी).

Then they presented a medley of songs from immortal 'Geet Ramayan (गीत रामायण)'. It includes 'Kush Luv Ramayan gaati (कुश लव रामायण गाती)',  'Setu Bandha re (सेतु बांधा रे)' & 'Ram jnmala ga sakhe (राम जन्मला ग सखे)'. I would have liked a couple more.

They then moved to Bhakti Ras (भक्ती रस) with Bhimsen Joshi's 'Maze Maher Pandhari (माझे माहेर पंढरी)' followed by 'Padmanabha Narayana (पद्मनाभा नारायणा)'.

The mood then changed to light and rhythmic songs. It started with 'Ali thumkat nar (आली ठुमकत नार)' followed by Lawni (लावणी), 'Ugawli shukrachi chandni (उगवली शुक्राची चांदणी)', 'Anand potat mazya maina (आनंद पोटात माझ्या माईना)' and on demand 'Radha dhar Madhu Milind (राधा धर मधु मिलिंद)'.

Coming true on their promise Prathamesh presented Vasantrao Deshpande's 'Surat piya ki (सुरत पिया की)' and appended it with a power packed Tarana. His tans and Aakar were delightful. This was easily the best song of the program and deservedly received standing ovation.

Concert ended with Bhimsen Joshi's Bhairavi (भैरवी)  'Aga Vaikunthichya raya (आगा वैकुंठीच्या राया)'.

Artists should be applauded for resisting the temptation of presenting relatively recent popular songs, despite having young singers.

Mugdha obviously had throat infection that impacted her voice. Despite it she sung well.

Prathamesh has a very good range and sings very well. He has no difficulty in achieving any note. He amazed the audience with his singing. However it appeared that he prefers forceful singing to delicate singing. Both of them are start in making.

Vighnesh was a surprise package. He entertained the audience with his witty and crisp commentary, that sometimes bordered impertinence, and his Harmonium. He proved his worth as regular Harmonium player. Conducting the program was a delicious topping. He not only played these two roles but also played mentor to the young singers.

Parag, Abhay and Mahadev were good and played their role to perfection. Prathamesh asked audience for a special applause for Parag. There was no separate mic provided for Pakhawaj so sound of Pakhawaj was subdued.

Other than a couple of minor irritations, sound system was good. Temperature in the auditorium was low making it slightly uncomfortable. It was a houseful concert. Some were even standing.

Entertainment rating 8/10.