Swardeep sandhya (स्वरदीप संध्या)

Attended a concert titled "Swardeep sandhya (स्वरदीप संध्या)", a concert of Marathi songs. Vishwajeet Borwankar, Arohi Mhatre, Jeetendra Tupe were the singers and they were accompanied by Amit Gothivrekar (Keyboard), Sachin Bhangre (Side rhythm) and Ratnadeep Jamsandekar (Tabla, Dholki, Dholak and Dhol). The program was anchored by Amit Kakde. This concert was organised by Maharashtra mandal Abu Dhabi on 9th Nov 2018 at Abu Dhabi Islamic Cente. I attended the concert with Thangaokar, Mane, Patil, Sambhaji, Oak, Kamble families, Aditi and Mihika.

Concert started with Ganesh vandana, 'Sur niragas ho (सूर निरागस हो)' from Katyar kaljat ghusli by Jeetendra.

Arohi sung Ali mazya ghari hi Diwali (आली माझ्या घरी ही दिवाळी). Vishwajeet then presented Man mandira (मन मंदिरा) again from Katyar kaljat ghusli. He sung it in his style. Audience applauded and provided clap rhythm for this. Jeetendra sung a very famous song of Sudheer Phadke Toch chandrama nabhat (तोच चंद्रमा नभात). Arohi sung Zulvu nako hindola (झुलवू नको हिंदोळा) and followed it with Brahma Vishnu ani Maheshwar samori basle (ब्रह्मा विष्णू आणि महेश्वर) from film Amhi jato amuchya gava which transformed into Bhakti medley with Khel mandiyela (खेळ मांडीयेला), Kanada Raja pandharicha (कानडा राजा पंढरीचा), Abir gulal (अबीर गुलाल) and Zenda rowila (झेंडा रोविला).

Vishwajeet presented Baglyanchi malphule (बगळ्यांची माळफुले), originally sung by Vasantrao Deshpande, composed by Srinivas Khale and written by Va. Ra. Kant. Arohi then sung Suresh Bhat's gazal Tarun ahe ratra ajuni (तरुण आहे रात्र) composed by Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar. This sad song was an odd note in otherwise festive atmosphere. Although the song is excellent and Arohi sung well,  it could have been avoided. To celebrate the occasion of Bhaubij, Arohi presented Wedya bahinichi wedi hi maya (वेड्या बहिणीची वेडी ही माया) on demand.

Adiwasi geet section was the last section before interval. They presented three songs. Jambhul piklya zadakhali (जांभुळ पिकल्या झाडाखाली), Amhi thakara thakara (आम्ही ठाकरं ठाकरं), Lingobacha dongur (लिंगोबाचा डोंगुर). Percussionists got free rein in this section.

First song after interval was famous Lakh lakh chanderi (लखलख चंदेरी). This one was a low key affair. Mala wed lagle premache (मला वेड लागले प्रेमाचे) was next. One very old and one new song.

Concert then moved to masti mood with Ajay Atul section. Vishwajeet and Arohi presented famous song Jeev rangala (जीव रंगला) from film Jogwa. Ajay Atul got national award for this song. Arohi presented my favourite Gorya gorya galawari (गोऱ्या गोऱ्या गालावरी) from film Tuzya mazya sansarala ani kay hawe. This was probably the best song of the concert. Mauli mauli (माऊली माऊली) drew immense audience applause and audience co-sung the chorus. Attach baya ka bawarle (आत्ताच बया का बावरलं) was presented next.

Then they presented a unique song. Awdhoot Gupte's qawwali of Ganapati bappa in movie Morya. This is first ever Ganapati qawwali. Vishwajeet sung this qawwali. I had not heard this qawwali earlier. It was good.

Concert of Marathi songs can not be complete without Lawni. Lawni was imperative. Ratnadeep got his 5 minutes of fame in the opening Dholki piece. It was followed by percussion sawal jawab followed by immortal Tuzya usala lagal kolha (तुझ्या उसाला लागल कोल्हा). Four ladies and little girls from audience danced impromptu on this rhythmic lavni. This set in motion various dance performances by audience including yours truly.

It was gents' turn to display their dancing skills on song Navri natli (नयरी नटली). Ladies joined in too, then how can children remain behind?

This was followed by rapid fire Gondhalala ye (गोंधळाला ये). Theme song of movie Jogwa. Another song of Ekveera Devi. Baghtoy rikshawala (बघतो रिक्शावाला) and Mhawryacha laglay naad (म्हावऱ्याचा लागलाय नाद). Audience gave way to their natural instinct of dancing,  even if they did not know how to dance. It was an enjoyable moment.

Concert ended with the Marathi song that has become a national hit, Zing zing zingat.

Vishwajit is a good singer. The firat in his voice and his classical training is evidenced in his singing.

Jeetendra involved the audience by encouraging them to clap,  wave hands,  wave mobile torches etc. He also sung well.

Arohi started on very shaky ground. She appeared rusty and out of touch. I was worried, but she gradually caught up as the concert progressed.

Purcussionists and key board player provided the accompaniment aptly. Ratnadeep packed away Tabla at interval and played dhol and dholak mostly. Ajay Atul effect!

Amit Kakde did a decent job as anchor.

In general first half was dedicated to melody and second to fast and rhythmic songs that make you shake a leg.

Temperature in auditorium was chilly. Audience got first hand experience of what it would feel in a refrigerator.

All in all an enjoyable evening.

Entertainment rating 7.5/10.