Pt. Tulsidas Borkar (Samwadini)

Attended a concert of Padmashree Pt. Tulsidas Borkar (Samwadini) accompanied by Mandar Puranik (Tabla) and Siddhesh Bicholkar (Swar mandal) at 39th Sangeet Samrat Alladiyakhan music festival on 9th April 2016 with Ravi.

Tulsidas Borkar (P.Madhukar Gharana) hails from Mumbai and is disciple of Pt. Vishnupant Vashta, Swararaj Chota Gandharva & Pt. Madhukar Pednekar.

Chosen Raag for the concert was Raag Hamsadhwani (हंस ध्वनी), which is a Melkarta Raag. He presented two Bandishes composed by his Guru, P.Madhukar.  First in Jhap Taal (झप ताल) and second in Teen Taal (तीन ताल).

He then presented Sargam geet (सरगम गीत) composed by Murli Manohar Shukla in drut Teen Taal (तीन ताल). Then he presented a beautiful Thumri, however he did not tell the Raag. It was probably Pilu (पिलू).

He then presented a famous Abhang 'Tirtha Vittal kshetra Vitthal (तीर्थ विठ्ठल क्षेत्र विठ्ठल)'.

Then he switched to Natya Sangeet. He played 'Chand maza ha hasra (चांद माझा हासरा)' of his Guru Chota Gandharva, followed it up with another one of Dinanath Mangeshkar and concluded with a composition of Bal Gandharva.

Last item of concert was Mishra Dhun (मिश्र धुन). He emphasized on presence of Bhav (feelings) in Mishra Dhun.

On special request of organizers he acceded to play D.V.Paluskar's 'Thumak chalat Ramachandra (ठुमक चलत रामचंद्र)' and how well he played!

Tulsidas ji's arrival was welcomed with a big applause. This Bhishmacharya of harmonium has agile fingers at the age of 81. He demonstrated how to optimize pushing bellow (भाता).

Tabalji and swar mandal played a perfect accompaniment.

Harmonium solo concerts are very rare. To get to attend one of Tulsidas ji is rarer. It is said that, to watch him play is a treat and learning experience for students. Obviously it was a house full concert. All the artists who performed before him on the day were present in audience.

Trivia: Most of the harmonium players in this samaroh were disciples of Pt. Tulsidas Borkar. This was his first concert after getting Padmashree.

Entertainment rating 9.25/10.

Ravindra Chary (Sitar)

Attended concert of Ravindra Chary (Sitar) accompanied by Satyajit Talwalkar (Tabla) organized by Anubhooti at India Social and Cultural center, Abu Dhabi, on 30th May 2014.

Raag of the concert was Raag Yaman.

First Raviji presented Aalap, Jod, Chanda and Jhala. Followed by Gat composed by Ustad Shahid Paevez in Rupak taal.

He then presented a very old Bandish from Kirana gharana in Teen taal.

Composition of Ustad Wahid Khan (grandfather of Ustad Shahid Parvez) was next presentation.

From there they entered seamlessly into Sawal-Jawab (सवाल-जवाब). The artists got a standing ovation for it.

Finally he switched to light music and played dhun (धुन). It was a medley of Assamese, Rajastani, Afghani dhuns.

Raviji is an excellent Sitar player and he demonstrated his finess and command. I came to know that he is an equally good harmonium player. His humility was evident when he expressed gratitude that a top artist like Satyajit is accompanying him and appreciated the hospitality of Anubhooti.

Raviji drew first applause within a minute of starting the concert. And the applauses continued till the end. He has composed a special Bandish on the day of concert in Raag Yaman and titled it 'Anubhooti' in honor of the organizers. It was a privilege, however he forgot to play it. Audience was disappointed.

Satyajitji demonstrated why he is considered one of the foremost tabla exponents today. His economy of movement fascinated me. He played a bouquet of variations with bal (बल) on different bol (बोल). This was a learning experience for students of Tabla. He also drew repeated applauses.

Both artists were visibly enjoying playing with each other and that doubled the joy of audience. People congratulated the artists and organizers. Audience was not ready to come out of the mood for a long time.

Sounds system was optimum. With four programs going on at the same time sound engineer was stretched.

A magical concert. It was an Anubhooti (अनुभूती).

Entertainment rating 9.75/10.

Disclaimer: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.