‘Kalidas Samaroh’ gets off to a melodious start

By Biraj Dixit :

“I am just a ‘sadhak’ holding a 2000-year old lamp.” On Sunday evening, the entire Kavivarya Suresh Bhat auditorium was aglow with this 2000-year old lamp as maestros, artistes, connoisseurs and audience all felt its warmth in plenty. The light that the ancient gurus had ignited, whose flames were nurtured by greats like Mahakavi Kalidas and is today being held with all gravity by contemporary genius like Mahesh Kale, blessed its very pulsating energy upon music lovers of Nagpur. It was only to bask in this glow that a huge crowd had turned to be part of the ‘Kalidas Mahotsav’, the three-day event that started on Sunday. “I am just a ‘sadhak’…” as well-known singer Mahesh Kale tried to dispel eulogies, the cheering crowd seemed to know better.

Energy Minister Dr Nitin Raut lighting the traditional lamp to inaugurate three-day Kalidas Samaroh at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat auditorium, on Sunday. Mayor Sandip Joshi, Divisional Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Girish Gandhi, District Collector Ravindra Thakre look on. (Right) City’s singer Sukirti Uike presenting a classical rendition.

For the uninitiated, the next almost two-hours were enough to make them aware of the depth of his ‘sadhana’. Assuring the crowd that their wishes will be fulfilled later, Kale first escorted them into own great world, starting with raag ‘Malkauns’. Demonstrating his own prowess, the maestro went deep, slowly unraveling the many shades of his voice, its silken texture and his own range and command. And to each demonstration of class, there was a hall full of connoisseurs ready to raise the tempo with their applause. “Mukh mod mod muskat jaat,” and “Aaj more ghar aayena Balama” added to enchantment, with the singer further unraveling his masterly skills increasing the verve to great heights with increasing crescendo.

Bharatnayam dancer Arupa Laheri gave a striking presentation. (Right) Noted Classical singer Mahesh Kale

captivated the audience with his magical renditions at the jam-packed hall. (Pics by Anil Futane)

Through songs like ‘Shabdanchya palikadale’ and ‘Sukhachya kshanata’, Kale further explored the opportunities to present the soft, philosophical yet passionate depths of his voice. He concluded with the ‘Abhang’ ‘Kaivalyachya Chandanyala bhukela chakor…’ providing a very apt end to his performance and to the evening. The evening was full of magic. As well-known Bharatnayam dancer Arupa Laheri took to stage, the thunderous applause re-established her connect with the city that had given her a loving response last year too. Starting with ‘Anjali’, Arupa went ahead to present the theme of the festival Kalidas’ famous drama ‘Vikramorvashiyam’. Picking poet Dinkar’s poem, Arupa presented the ‘Navaras’ through the life of beautiful Urvashi.

Her very graceful moves, beautiful ‘bhaav’ and passionatate presentation won hearts again. Through the ‘Ardhanarinateshwar’, she further consolidated the belief in her command as a dancer. But the first performance of the evening told one and all loud and clear that when it came to art and music, this city was behind nobody. City’s very own Sukirti Uike confidently took to stage and created a spell of sort with ‘Ganesh Vandana’. Through ‘Payaliya Jhankaya’, she established herself, exploring nuances and showing her command over her art. The concluding ‘Thumari’ -- ‘Yaad piya ki aaye...’ -- was a thoroughly heart-winning performance. Dr Nitin Raut, State Energy Minister, presided over the inaugural ceremony of the festival organised jointly by Kalidas Samaroh Ayojan Samiti, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Sandeep Joshi, Mayor; Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Commissioner; and Ravindra Thakre, District Collector; and Dr Girish Gandhi also shared the dais on the occasion. The evening was later graced by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways; his wife Kanchan Gadkari; and Vilas Muttemwar, former Member of Parliament. Sudhakar Telang, Deputy Commissioner, made the introductory remarks. Renuka Deshkar and Shweta Shelgaonkar compered the programme.

Today’s Performances: The performances on Day Two of the ‘Kalidas Samaroh’ include ‘Panchtattva’ show by Saptak. It is conceptualised by Renuka Deshkar. Shailesh Dani has composed music, Swati Bhalerao has choreographed the show. ‘Vaidya’ Mrunal Jamdar, Dr Sandeep Shirkhedkar, and Dr Yogesh Murkute will participate in the event. Sitar performance by Samanway Sarkar, and Katthak performance by Sharvari Jamenis will be the other performances on Monday.