Swar Deepotsav 2024 (स्वर दीपोत्सव २०२४)

Attended Swar Deepotsav 2024 (स्वर दीपोत्सव २०२४), a concert celebrating Diwali morning. Main singer of the concert was Hrishikesh Ranade and Swapnaja Lele. He was accompanied by Vikram Bhat on Tabla, Abhijeet Made on Octopad, Kedar Paranjpe (he was also the arranger) and Yash Bhandare on Keyboard. This program was anchored by Madhura Velankar. This concert was organized by Maharashtra Mandal Abu Dhabi (MMAD) on 2nd Nov 2024 at Al Jaheli theater, Armed Forces Club, Abu Dhabi. I attended it with Thangaokar, Banchhode, Mane, Patil, Sambhaji, Kamble and Oka families.

Diwali early morning or morning concert is a tradition of Maharashtra. The content varies from instrumental to classical to light music. But unless you send Diwali Pahat or Diwali Sakal concert, Diwali is incomplete. MMAD has kept this tradition alive in Abu Dhabi for all these years.

Pre-concert performance was by  MMAD member, Manas Jain. He played solo guitar and enthralled the audience.

Concert started with Ganesh vandan "Sur niragas ho (सूर निरागस हो)". The audience got involved in the concert from this first song and started clapping. It was appreciated by the artists.

Hrishikesh started with a medley. Nij roop dakhva ho (निज रूप दाखवा हो), Zala mahar Pandharinath (झाला महार पंढरीनाथ) and Kanada raja Pandharicha (कानडी राजा पंढरीचा). This medley was a tribute to Sudhir Phadke (Babuji). His next tribute was to Srinivas Khale with his immortal and difficult song "Bagalyanchi malphule (बगळ्यांची माळफुले).

Hrishikesh sang all these songs very well with additions with his variations. Not too many to make the song unrecognizable but enough to stamp his individuality.

Then entered Swapnaja Lele and presented two songs "Ka re duraavastha (का रे दुरावा)" and "Ruperi walut (रुपेरी वाळूत)". Singing Asha Bhosale songs is never an easy job, but Swapnaja did a decent job in first one. She sung second one very well.

Hrishikesh then sung his original song "kadhi tu rimzim zarnari barsat (कधी तू रिमझिम झरणारी बरसात)". Audience applauded as soon as he announced it. This was worth a 'once more' and they got it. Since this song from movie Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai was appreciated he sung two more songs from the sequels of this movie. "Saath de tu mala (साथ दे तू मला)" and "Tula pahta (तुला पाहता)". Audience was mostly quiet for these two songs as they are not as famous as the first one.

Madhura then presented a beautiful poem about Radha. But she didn't name the poet. Since Radha is a special topic next two songs had the same theme. First was "Radha hi bawri "(राधा ही बावरी)". The audience sung these lines in unison as chorus to the main singer. It created very good vibes. Second was the song that won multiple awards "Jeev rangla (जीव रंगला)". It's such a beautiful song. The singers did full Justice to it.

He then sung his own song that got him the Mirchi award. "Jata jata tipur chandne (जाता जाता टिपुच चांदणे)". It was a lesser known song, the audience response was Luke warm. However, he doing very well.

Swpnaja then presented a lavni "Reshmachya reghani (रेशमाच्या रेघांनी)". The opening dholki piece was played by Vikram on Tabla and was hugely applauded. Audience made him play it again after the song ended. Lavni always draws big applause and whistles in any concert. This one was no different. Although it was difficult to match with Asha Bhosale, the original singer, Swapnaja did well. Lavni is a rhythmic Marathi genre that everyone likes to listen but is frowned upon socially. 

That was interval.

First song after the break was "Swaye Shri Ram Prabhu aikati (स्वये श्री रामप्रभू ऐकती)" from Geetramayan. MMAD member Girish Pande joined them on stage for this song. MMAD member Sachin Raje joined in for next song "Prem he (प्रेम हे)". It was a nice gesture to involve the local talent by MMAD and kindheartedness by Hrishikesh.

Hrishikesh then sung the song "O Rama (ओ रामा)" that he had sung for the Hindi version of movie "Seeta Ramam". It was a little known but good song. They then presented a Kishore Kumar songs Yeh Jo mohabbat hai (ये जो मुहोब्बत है) , kehna hai (कहना है). Audience expected more of Kishore Kumar, but that was it. Madhura presented a beautiful Vaibhav Joshi poem on Lata Mangeshkar. It was followed by Piya rose naina lage re (पिया केले नैना लागे रे). It's a difficult song.

Madhura asked for a choice of audience between Sufi and Gazal. Greedy audience refused to choose and demanded both, so couple of Mukhda of each were presented. Gazal was Ghulam Ali's "Awargi (आवारात)". The Sufi song was "Teri deewani (तेरी दीवानी)". It's impossible to match the pitch of Kailash Kher but he did well. Hrishikesh sung these songs from a genre, that I haven't seen him sing much, with dexterity. 

Penultimate song was "Nigahein milane ko jee chahta hai (निगाहें मिलानेको जी चाहता है)". Although Swapnaja sung it technically correctly, the attitude of the original was missing. Final song was "Mauli mauli (माऊली माऊली)". Very meaningful words, excellent composition and the Bhaktiras make this song unique and difficult to replicate the recipe. This song is so good that it makes audience sway even when an average singer sings it. And when Hrishikesh sings it, it becomes a fitting finale for the concert.

It was an excellent concert in first half. Somehow, the break broke the flow. Although second half was good, artists appeared to be interested in wrapping it up. Although all songs were good and liked by the audience, what was missing was theme. There was no theme for the concert. Hence it appeared like a collection of beautiful flowers but not as a bouquet. Chance for improvement?

Al Jaheli theater Is a very good auditorium. Excellent acoustics, spacious, good layout and out of the city, so no parking issues. Stage lighting could have been better. Madhura and one keyboard player were in partial shadow.

Audience left the auditorium with contented smile on their faces and serene expressions. Such a concert gives satisfaction and sense of belonging. Congratulations to MMAD for the same. 

A very good concert.