PADMASHRI HARIHARAN LIVE UNPLUGGED CONCERT REGALES INVITEES AT KANTEERAVA STADIUM

Sunday, the 27 Dec 2015, had an entertaining evening in Hariharan Live Concert at Kanteerava Stadium..an AFH initiative must be thanked (Art For Humanity) !!

Someone close sent vvip passes to make it more meaningful !!...but I had to say it was just one of many indoor concerts wherein I've heard Hariharan perform much better.

Must admit not being judgmental, female voices were a great disappointment and not even a patch on him, though the sound system and video coverage were fantastic..!

However, most invitees were unaware what for the 'Art For Humanity' meant after all and the initiative. Organizers should've taken care of creating awareness in Public mind by elaborating in detail about the admirable initiative, else the very purpose itself remains unfulfilled.

Thanks for Organisers nevertheless for not going overboard with overbearing endless speeches by dignitaries..!

In future, also may the organizers avoid major gaffe like one of the gentlemen on mike introducing hon'ble
Union minister Sri Ananthkumar to the audience as Chief Minister !! though it went unnoticed ..!

Let them not get offended by my opinion, but it's been my earnest request to be more professional in approach as I also honestly feel to be a part of AFH indirectly by my participation.

‘Bangalore Dreams Live’ @ BlueFrog, Church Street

Dr.Jyotsna Srikanth wows invitees

 

She’s unmistakably one of the most unassuming Global Star of certain stature, but just guess right when she ticks off messages to her connoisseur friends here while setting on a visit to India, especially her trip this week to Bangalore would certainly bring most fans to her concert considerably and that’s a true connect indeed.!!

I feel, it was so sweet of her to send a missive to me on messenger a week before like she does to many. My neighbor Ganapati Hegde and me made it right on dot for a memorable Bangalore Dreams concert.

Hardly very few musicians figure out this idea. It is here Dr.Jyotsna Srikant literally enjoys her music via discerning. Neither does she commit this secure act to play to the gallery. Perceptive would not only listen to her choice while she makes it a point to play their favorites in a medley or in a different form.

‘Bangalore Dreams’ organizers very aptly named the world music concert by none other than our own innovative & celebrated violinist, the very affable Dr.Jyotsna Srikanth.

Born and brought up in Benguluru, India, Jyotsna went on to receive her MBBS and MD from Bangalore Medical College, India, currently lives in London. Jyotsna has trained herself under her mother, Ratna Srikantiah and later under Guru R. R. Keshavamurthy, a doyen of classical Indian violin. She’s also learnt western classical and achieved her grading from the Royal School of Music, London. Amidst this, she approached V.S. Narasimhan, a solo violinist who works with the notable Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja for advanced training. She certainly needs no introduction now globally..!!

Europe’s leading violinist from the Carnatic classical tradition, Jyotsna Srikanth’s initial foray into music came in the film industry, playing under the direction of film composers such as Hamsalekha and Ilaiyaraaja.

Her recitals combine a deep understanding of traditional music with jazz and contemporary touch. This rare balance between tradition and modernity has helped her carve a unique niche, captivating audiences across the globe. She established a foundation, Dhruv Arts to promote Carnatic Music in United Kingdom, as well as raise funds for charity. Jyotsna continues her Carnatic music career as a soloist and as an accompanist, and has performed with masters such as Dr M. Balamuralikrishna. She enjoys a large fan following across the countries and is popular with her world tours.

December 22, 2015, she played with our own Ace Key Board/Piano Player of Bangalore, Shadrach Solomon, now almost an integral part of Jyotsna’s ensemble. Accompanying on Drums with her was N.S. Manjunath. These Trio created a sinuous atmosphere while playing all those Carnatic Kruthis set on World Music beats. Whether it is “Raghuvamshasudha” or the “Sallapa”, Raag Jog or the evergreen songs of Legendary Illaiyaraja or A.R. Rehman in a medley, Jyotsna just sailed effortlessly as ever, her quintessential trademark.

Jyotsna composes music rooted to Indian-Jazz and interweaves this with flamenco, electronica, funk, Indian, Celtic folk and Bollywood – the musical genus shift shall depend on the festival, Mela, Auditorium and audience.

KEY BOARD & PIANIST SHADRACH SOLOMON

Hailing from a family of music lovers, it did not take long for Solomon to garner love for music from his father. Shadrach Solomon is an accomplished pianist, performer, music director, arranger and composer in his own right. His formal education in Western Classical Piano started at age 6. This was an intense study in Piano Pieces, Sight Reading, Scales, Ear Test and Viva. His indefatigable enthusiasm swiftly took him through five grades passing each one of them in distinction with deft management by Trinity College of Music, London. After having acquired a degree in Engineering in the field of Electrical and Electronics, he has now completely devoted himself to music composition and direction. What metamorphosis he’s been able to bring about over years of dedication in the field of music is there for us to see.

PERCUSSIONIST N.S.MANJUNATH

Ace Percussionist Pandit Suresh Talwalkar’s disciple, young N.S.Manjunath has been on the music circuit for quite a while now, practicing concept of handling loops, grooving along hitting the cords and reciting Indian drum syllables in both Hindustani and Carnatic forms. Very much keen on reproducing syllables on the drum kit, Manjunath truly inspires majority key performers with lot of fervor by energetic innovative percussion display, was a key ally to Jyotsna’s breathe stopping numbers.

USTAD FAIYAZ KHAN'S HAUNTING GHAZALS AND THUMRIS REMINISCE MEMORIES

Sri Ramu Kanagal abode “Ace Director Sri Puttanna Kanagal Grihasthoma" - just behind Devagiri Temple, 2^nd Stage, Bangalore 2015 witnessed a rare in-house Ghazal-Thumri BHAITAK on last Saturday, the 12 December 2015. Talented Tabla Nawaz Trilochan Kampli and his few like-minded friends organized such an event on a short notice.

Popular Sarangi Exponent & Karnataka Pride, also a well-known singer-composer Ustad Faiyaz Khan enthralled connoisseurs by passionate Ghazals and Thumris in his inimitable style. Commendably accompanied him at their best on Harmonium were well-known Composer/singer Ravi Murur and an electrifying Trilochan on Tabla. Ghazal gayaki shall sound more enriched if these accompaniments sync so well as showcased in Bhaitak.

Evening mehfil commenced with an evergreen Ghazal of Late Legendary Mehdi Hassan “Ranjish hi sahi”, Ustad Faiyaz Khan explained nuances of Ghazal and Thumri Gayaki, followed them up by famed Urdu poetry of Ahmed Faraz, Momin and many more with great ease.

Without a doubt, Ustad Faiyaz Khan won the hearts with remarkable Talaffus and clarity of elucidation in his inimitable style. I personally opine, he stands among the very few topnotch Ghazal presenters of the country as he’s known to be so adroit to classical singing and Saarangi Vaadan of which he happens to be a key exponent, needless to mention here. Imaginative raag- alaap elaborations  add vehemence and flavor to subtle gayaki.

Those familiar to Hindustani music could feel the intrinsic foretaste of most popular raags like, Yaman, Keervani, Bhageshri, Charukkeshi, Bahar, Bhimpalas, Des, Mishra Bhairavi, Revathi and so on in a Ghazal concert. Whether it is famed Thumri composition ‘Woh Jo Hum Mein Tum Mein Karar Tha’, the more effervescent popular Ghulam Ali Ghazal ‘Chupke Chupke Raat Din’ or 'Mastana Piye ja Yuhi' Faiyaz Khan bore a stamp of his class in each rendition. Be it “Shola Tha Jal Bhuja Hun” or the final rendition a robust famed  “Chadtha Sooraj…Dhal Jayega” that spiraled spiritedly.

Hallmark of true musician lies in the fact that vocals presented perfectly set the audience moods to euphoric heights on it’s own. All that he offered this evening were globally very much popularized by Great Legendary performers of sub-continent.  Yet, Ustad Faiyaz Khan never ever left a semblance of doubt at all in his classy performance that could only reminisce good old chronicle!

Ghazal Gayaki can either be too insightful, lithe, romantic or intense, relative to clairvoyance from the heart, melody, ethos and pathos, being the major attributes for majority renditions. Else, the identical Ghazal renditions would end up like a simple Geet in filmi style. This is where Faiyaz Khan scores by impeccable timing and succinct sargams, bringing about perfect tehrav in semi-classical-classical approach for which he’s known for. His peers have instilled in him all  qualities needed for an perceptive vocalist that he’s today..! 

Years of dedicated Sarangi play and resonant voice restore an exemplary range, support perceptive singing, sets him and the rest apart. Innovative and slender Raag-Alaap in Ghazal-Thumri Gayaki brings to fore all redolent expressions together in a nutshell wherein Faiyaz Khan truly lugs an indelible impression.

Rather notwithstanding, one of the most underutilized vocalists in Ghazal genre, owing to lack of opportunities created or despise about a rich Legacy in this region, Ustad Faiyaz Khan stands among an all time Ghazal greats of our country positively, while he spins magic by soulful Gayaki ang.

Perceptive audience witness such a lovely and an almost perfect chord between Harmonium & Tabla accompanists though, he hardly renders to the gallery. Percussionists and Harmonium players bring sheen to the whole exercise. Unless a singer connects to those discerning ears, he can’t enjoy singing to such an extent so as to explicate difficult Urdu enunciation.

Many Ghazal maestros perform Ghazal concerts often in Bangalore whereas our own talents like Ustad Faiyaz Khan have in them abundantly to offer in rank and modus operandi. May many more such concerts follow suit in ensuing days is my zealous wish.

VISIT TO GOD'S OWN COUNTRY KERALA DURING NOVEMBER 2015

VISIT TO GOD'S OWN COUNTRY KERALA DURING DIWALI  IN NOVEMBER 2015

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple fully lit during auspicious Diwali day and series of endowment concerts going on continuosly by renowned Carnatic vocalists.

The Punnathur Kotta in Guruvayoor, Kerala Devaswom maintains a unique elephant sanctuary, the only one of its kind in the World. 

It has 60 elephants now. These jumbos are the offerings of the devotees to the Lord. A large number of pilgrims and tourists visit this fascinating spot every day. In this vast compound, there are road facilities for pilgrims and tourists to go around.

Punnathurkotta was once the palace of a local ruler, but the palace grounds are now used to house the elephants belonging to the Guruvayoor temple, and has been renamed Anakkotta  (meaning "Elephant Fort"). There were 86 elephants housed there, but currently there are about 66 elephants. The elephants are ritual offerings made by the devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa (Lord Sri Krishna)

The present elephant sanctuary is in Punnathur Kotta about 3 kms north of Guruvayur temple. Punnathur Kotta is the ancient palace of the Punnathur Rajas, now in the possession of the Devaswom. There is also an ancient temple where Lord Siva and Bhagavathy are worshipped.

It is a 16 acre compound which Devaswom purchased in 1975, which was under receiver rule of Trichur sub court. Till that time elephants were kept in this Kovilakam compound (present Sreevalsam) to the south of the temple.All the elephants were shifted to the Punnathur Kotta in a grant procession lead by Gajarajan Kesavan, all the elephants from the Kovilakam marched to Punnathur Kotta on 1975 June 25. Many elephants of Guruvayur have become the part of history. The sweet memories of Gajarajan Kesavan - literally the king of all Elephants- still enthrall the hearts of the elephant lovers worldwide. The mammoth physique, his intelligence and devotion to the Lord were very famous.This facility is also used to train the elephants to serve Lord Krishna as well as participate in many festivals that occur throughout the year. The oldest elephant is around 82 years of age and is called 'Ramachandran'. The rituals ofGajapooja (Worshipping Elephants) and Anayoottu (Feeding Elephants) are observed here, as an offering to Lord Ganesha.

The legendary elephant "Guruvayur Keshavan" was housed here. The compound also has a naalu kettu, a traditional rectangular home with a central courtyard, which belonged to the Punnathur Raja. It is poorly maintained and presently houses a training school for Papans (Mahout). This complex also contains a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy.The visiting hours are 8.00AM to 6.00PM. The entry fees are Rs. 10/- per adult & Rs. 5/- for Children. An extra Rs. 25/- is charged for to use a camera and Rs. 1000/- inside the complex.

Athirapally And Vazhachal

The two picturesque and majestic waterfalls, Athirapally and Vazhachal are located just five km apart, on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges. 

The Athirapally falls join the Chalakudy river after plummeting down a gigantic 80 ft. The cool spray that covers a large area near the falls makes Athirapally a scenic location. The picturesque Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river. Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district, Kerala on the southwest coast of India. 

Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. There is another waterfall on the way from Athirappilly to Vazhachal Falls, in close proximity to the road and is locally called “Charpa Falls”. Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is nicknamed "The Niagara of India".Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and has continued through 2011.

River

The 145 kilometres (90 mi) long Chalakudy River, originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi.

Wildlife

A near threatened great hornbill

Forest wildlife in the area includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. The unique 180 metres (590 ft) elevation riparian forest in the Athirappilly - Vazhachal area is the only location where all four South Indian species of hornbills — the great hornbill (the state bird of Kerala), Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, and the Indian grey hornbill are found living together. If the proposed 163-MW Athirappilly hydroelectric project is built, these unique birds may vanish from these forests because it will submerge the hornbills' habitat.

VIRENDER SEHWAG MAKES INDIA PROUDER BY HIS DIGNIFIED EXIT

Last nail onto most celebrated old guard coffin..!!

Virender Sehwag calls quits

 Crowd puller Viru gave the Red Cherry hell of a whack as it stood effortlessly hit, his blitzkrieg goes unmatched in terms of daredevilry.

One of the most feared batsmen of Modern Day cricket. 

He truly sent shivers into enemy's camp on his day...

Lent most colorful shades to cricketing shots.

He is the reason why spectators thronged to watch live Test cricket in stadiums..!!

Remarkable for a young Najafgarh-Delhi suburb lad starting his cricketing career as an occasional spinner and lower order bowling all-rounder..!!..!!..

Truly a remarkable batsman on focus after the likes of Vivian Richards faded away..

Not surprisingly, many likened his batting to Sir Vivian Richards for the unorthodox lazy stance at the crease and the hitting prowess backed by brilliant hand-eye coordination

Very few modern day batsman like gifted ABD can be as murderous as Viru.
By the time I wrote these lines, Viru scored a scorching century against Karnataka at Mysore in a Ranji Trophy 2015 outing. 
ABD backed it up for South Africa @ Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai by a superlative century..!

We luv you Virender Sehwag

Truly Can't be no lesser mortals like him..

India has won maximum games whenever Viru tonked opponent bowlers. 

Won 29 Man of the Match awards in all during his international career.

Unassuming, affable and modest for a man bludgeoning 17,000 plus runs in All forms of official modern time cricket.

He whistled gently before hitting a six on course of his record triple ton..!!

Truly said in his case: 20% coaching effort & 80% Viru's heroics.. 

Most of his cricketing shots were not from copybook..

He's our Man of the Moment.. 

Give him a thunderous applause. 

He deserved more, but plummeting reflexes were not on his side to help the cause

ZOMATO MOST POPULAR USER FRIENDLY AWARD 2015 BESTOWED TO 'TAAZA THINDI' EATERY @ BENGALURU

ZOMATO BANGALORE 2015

Highest User friendly Popularity Award goes to 
'TAAZA THINDI' EATERY

 Here goes an accomplishment diary of 
'TAAZA THINDI' Eatery

Zomato Bangalore has recognized our earnest endeavor “TAAZA THINDI’ Eatery for being most User friendly while bestowing ‘ZOMATO 2015 Highest Popular User Award’ in an official recognition to the Creator ,Chief Promoter and our beloved CMD Gopadi Srinivasaa Rao. A grand evening function was held in his honor @ RITZ CARLTON  5-STAR Hotel, Richmond Road, Bangalore 560001 on 

17 September 2015.

Should a customer be on the sentinel for most fresh food safety guaranteed preparations in Bangalore South eatery front, it ought to be this ground floor eatery Should you mind truly believe for pictures seldom bear testimony, a visit to this newbie shall 
put to rest all doubts in your mind of what were you looking out of late.

Lot many raised their eyebrows wondering if business could be conducted this way around, but yes for sure 'TAAZA THINDI' is so refreshing, buzzing nonstop and happening..!

Painstakingly outfitted with all that is needed to operate an invariable service and all over well-equipped with spik and span food pre-preparation counters, these spots ooze freshness and develop instant vibes with customers and onlookers alike. We thank our patrons to have been so supportive to our endeavor

Have a go and satiate your hunger by tasting goodies @ TAAZA THINDI Eatery @ Address: 1004, 26th Main road, Jayanagar 4’T’ Block, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041 Phone: 076762 08899

Sitar and Vocal singing regale live invited audience

Sitar and Vocal singing regale live invited audience

@ Ananya Sabhangana, Malleswaram,Bangalore

12 SEP 2015 EVENING

Distance and time have never been an impair to my moods shouldI truly set out on some live music listening spree and as it went on an otherwise mind-numbing day work wise.

 Parveen Begum (Ustad Faiyaz Khan’s Late wife) Memorial quarterly music programme offered two masterly concerts to the invited audience at Ananya Sabhangana, Malleswaram, Bangalore, was also a tribute to Renowned Music Doyen and Karnataka Pride Padmavibhushan Late Sri Mallikarjun Mansur’s 100^th birth centenary Anniversary. It’s a matter of great pride, for the unparalleled Musical Wizard of Kirana Gharana, being dotingly remembered by all those discerning platforms throughout the state and elsewhere. 

Nevertheless, I would be however meting out great injustice to all performing artistes if I don’t venture out on  few words of appreciation one shot in exchange of their rigorous training for years and years - may not suffice too. So much so, I deem it an honor to share my views and experience.

Sanjeev Korti on Sitar

He honed his Music proficiency for  Eighteen years of rigorous sitar training from Ustad Shafique Khan. An exponent of Gwalior Gharana, he undertook tutelage initially from mother Smt.Shailaja, a devotional singer. Evening Raag Marwa was the most perfect exposition that  elaborately displayed his deftness. His  control on strings is therefore reminiscent of both gayaki and tantrakari ang.  Raag Marva was so mellifluously played.

Sri Sanjeev Korti has performed at many prestigious concerts - aired and telecast in AIR and Doordarshan. He is also known to have composed good music exhibiting his inherent artistic talent that shore up his command over the sitar instrument. He’s also ably accompanied many dance concerts and has scores of aspirants in his music school in Bangalore. On percussion Tabla, Rahul Phopli was most apt and suited to Sanjeev Korti’s imaginative raag-alaap with so much ease and soft play.

Pandita PRIYADASHINI KULKARNI – Hindustani Vocal

Acclaimed for her purity of traditional music honed in Guru-shishya parampara, Pandita Priyadarshini Kulkarni has been a very conscious student of music enriching herself talent through many sources. 

Her initial training was with Annasaheb Gunjkar from Aurangabad and later, Nath Neralkar, a prominent Kirana gharana singer and teacher. Meeting Music Doyen Late Mallikarjun Mansur's son and pupil Rajshekhar Mansur in 1993 stimulated her to learn the Jaipur-Attrauli Gharana though she is proficiently influenced in multi gharanas 

Known to bring about the best of unknown ragas, Late doyen Mallikarjun Mansur had astonishing breath control in creativity. 2015 being Centenary birth year of Sri MAllikarjun Mansur, Priyadarshini Kulkarni had immense satisfaction while she presented an intricate Chota Khyal in  Raag GAURI and then Raag Tilak Kamod  in traditional purity redolent of her Gharana to venerate the singer unparalleled in skills. A Masters Degree holder in Music, Priyadarshini fondly recollects to have benefited immensely from her various mentors. The voice modulation, purity of music and twirling gayaki ang, Priyadarshini’s performance tenuously reminds me of Pandita Kishore Amonkar in shades.

Still a learner under Pt.Udayaraj karpur, Sumit Nayak accompanied to his limited capacity on percussion, but Sarfaraz Khan on Sarangi (Disciple son of Ustad Faiyaz Khan and the revered Pandit Ramnarayanji) holds great promise as I have heard him few times now in solo performances too. Promising budding singer Kavana Hegde was on Tanpura.

Presenter Sri Vijayendra Athanikar and Organizer in Chief Ustad Faiyaz Khan most aptly spoke on the quarterly series of music baithaks conducted  under the aegis of Parveen Begum Memorial that also happened to be a befitting tribute to Musical Wizard Late Sri Mallikarjun Mansur.

An ardent adherent of pure good music, I try not to comprehend the non-existent characteristics on a particular day performance while anything untoward may happen. I don’t try to judge performances either. For me, the mental succor is vital, but for an artiste it gives gooseberry bumps should something go wrong or if some accompanying artistes give a miss or two in the milieu. At the end of it, what matters to audience is whether or not the performance was pleasurable, but for the artiste feels vice-versa. Senior Percussionist Pt.Udayaraj karpur wasn’t apparently in position to play with a swollen finger leading the organizers to arrange substitutes that may have hypothetically affected the morale of main performer on view. Keeping in view of the limited audience, matter is trivial I guess. There’s always a next time for things to fall in place. The music remains eternal in those who enjoy the substance.