Gandhar Bhalerao (Bansuri)
Attended Bansuri concert of Gandhar Bhalerao. He was accompanied by Advait Gokhale - Tabla and Sumey Gumaste - Flute accompaniment. This home baithak was organized by ADICM, Abu Dhabi. I attended the concert with Nandu on 16th Nov 2025.
Bada Khyal of th concert was 'Raag Ahir Bhairav'. It's an early morning Raag in Bhairav Thaat. This Raag is fabled to mimic the ringing of cow bells in the morning. Gandhar started the Raag with a serene aalap followed by Jod-Jhala. Tabla joined in with Taal Rupak. Audience appreciated the Raag by applauding the artists at all the right places.
He then played the most famous brandish of this Raag 'Albela sajan ayo re (अलबेला सजन आयो रे)' popularized by Ustaad Sultan Khan in 1970s and later repopularized by him in movie 'Hum dil de chuke sanam'.
He then presented Chota Khyal, a rare morning Raag Devgiri Bilawal, a Raag that is a blend of Yaman and Shuddha Kalyan with Bilawal in Addha Teentaal. I had never heard this Raag before. He said that this Raag is on the verge of extinction and it's the responsibility of the musicians of his generation to keep it alive. It shows his understanding of the situation as well as love for the Raag.
He then played a short composition of Raag Alhaiya Bilawal in drut lay in Teentaal followed by a composition from late morning Raag Shuddha Sarang of Kalyan Thaat in Teen Taal.
He played a small composition in Raag Hansadwani upon farmaish from the audience.
Concert concluded with Pahadi Dhun, that has become synonymous with Bansuri. He was humble enough to acknowledge that this entire composition in of Pandit Hariorasad Chaurasia and he has added nothing of his own in it.
Gandhar is a student of Vivek Sonar and Nishad Bakre. Gandhar appreciated the organizers for allowing him to choose what he wants to play and express himself freely. Credit to ADICM. He is humble and's has a sweet personality. He also acknowledged the audience for their knowledge.
Advait proved to be an able accompaniment to Gandhar. His Tabla tuning gave him some trouble. Sumey, Gandhar's friend and student, provided the support to give him the breather.
Concert was attended by around 40 persons. Excellent sound system, knowledgable audience, fantastic music and cozy atmosphere made the concert a memorable one.
A good concert.
