PERCUSSION WIZARD LATE PANDIT CHATURLAL TRIBUTE

Neither the peak hour Bangalore traffic nor the late evening drizzle or sudden stiffness in my neck, none of these made me not to parley till Indiranagar Club on Saturday, 01 August. It was nerve-racking experience, just to be on time that was not to be, to witness one of the rarest recitals by none other than Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt on (Mohana Veena) followed by Sri Kadiri Gopalnath (Saxophone)and Sri Ronu Muzumdar (Flute). Of course, the young and energetic Pranshu Chaturlal was the common percussion accompaniment whose Grandfather and celebrated percussionist, Late Sri Chaturlal, the entire electrifying tribute went from the cheerful wizards.

Should I long to attend such frequently happening concerts nowadays in the city, there ought to be an added exaltation and for me, VMB is the reason. The more I attend his performances, more the desire to listen to this impeccable performer who by now almost remembers most in the discerning audience by name. Just imagine how powerfully his divine music connects.

Pandit Vishwa mohan Bhatt started his evening offering by Raaga Kalavathi, elaborately playing in most redolent tempo akin to Mohana Veena instrument, hallmark being the sawal-jawab nature with the percussionist on view as the tempo is in position. What sets him apart is the melody personification and the ease with which the Raaga is presented. Other features of his recent presentations add up to the aura while he rips open his soft and powerful vocals while his instrument is on play. 

That he’s so adroit in singing wows the audience. Raag Gaavti was one such wonderful treatment while he differentiated the notes in comparison with Raag Jhanjhooti. Also on spectacle was a foot tapping number from his much acclaimed Grammy Award winning album, much to the likes of insightful audience. Each moment brought out array of emotions that very few such gifted artistes are able to bring about the connect. Pranshu Chaturlal matched Panditji’s regaling act note to note. I fondly recall to have witnessed the previous Chaturlal Tribute concert held at Chowdaih Hall last year.

Next to follow was a Jugalbandhi between much celebrated & our own Sri Kadri Gopalnath on Saxophone and Sri Ronu Muzumdar on Flute. The popular duo Stalwart combination played with such vim and vigor only expected of, till it almost lasted upto 11 PM. Raagamaalika composition was the highlight with most well known Raagas like Bhimpalasi to Revathi were on view to mention a few. Manifestation of purity in music by all these celebrated stalwarts is something the Gennext must savor all through and Bangaloreans will have to deem themselves so propitious, for many these memorable events happen so often in immediate vicinity.

Latest being the Tribute to Tabla Wizard Late Chaturlal and his grandson Tabla Maestro young Pranshu Chaturlal, Shruthi Chaturlal and their clan have been able to incise the most powerful musicians of our country on one platform under the aegis of Ministry of Culture , MANTRI Group and other sponsors, is commendable effort indeed. Most memorable part was to spend brief joyous moments with Pandit VMB who I wished last week, meeting up my kins Nagaraj AIthal P.R and Dinesh Kumar B.V after a very long time.

Last but not the least, speaking to someone like my sweet friend Deepa Kishan who virtually brims with so much of confidence and instills adoration. She also weaves the web in organizing VMB’s Bangalore Sojourn always meticulously, but for her insistence, my today’s plans would have fallen flat.

WISE WORDS - WATCH YOUR LIFE - SOMEONE UP WATCHING YOU..!

Wise words

WATCH YOUR LIFE

*Your life - your likes - you decide!!!*

A long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered.

Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.

Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."

The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health , time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.
One day when we look back , we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.

Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition . Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play , Family and Personal time . You have to decide how you want to balance your Life.

Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.

• So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature.
• Life is fragile, Life is short.
• Do not take Life for granted.
• Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!
• Watch your thoughts ; they become words.
• Watch your words ; they become actions.
• Watch your actions ; they become habits.
• Watch your habits; they become character .
• Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. 
• Smile in pleasure, smile in pain; 
• Smile when trouble pours like rain;
• Smile when someone hurts U, Smile coz someone cares 4 U.
• Keep Smiling:)

JOG FALLS IN FULL SPATE DURING AUGUST 2013 - AN ODE TO UNBELIEVABLE GIFT OF NATURE

JOG FALLS IN FULL SPATE DURING AUGUST 2013

AN ODE TO UNBELIEVABLE GIFT OF MOTHER NATURE

With what deep murmurs through time’s silent stealth

Doth thy transparent, cool, and wat’ry wealth

Here flowing fall,

And chide, and call,

As if his liquid, loose retinue stay’d

Ling’ring, and were of this steep place afraid;

The common pass

Where, clear as glass,

All must descend

Not to an end,

But quicken’d by this deep and rocky grave,

Rise to a longer course more bright and brave.

PHOTO  COURTESY : SREERAM A.SHIMOGA AND ASSOCIATES

COSMOS  ATMA

Brilliant  initiative to nurture and hone talent depository

09 AUGUST 2013 @ JSS Auditorium, Jayanagar, Bangalore

Yester-evening, someone very close called me to attend a music jam session at JSS Auditorium, but there was something else in store to offer. COSMOS, normally known to handle realty ventures, has opened a new leaf to reconnoiter on budding talents in the field of Theatre, Music and Arts. A brilliant idea and first of its kind should my memory be right, the newly unveiled Academy has thoughtfully selected a very special panel headed by none other than an effervescent and versatile Sri Praveen D Rao and advisory to run affairs smoothly. 

Key beneficiary, the quintessence pure music of all genres in true sense, beckons high hopes for the Gennext if the promising syllabus forerunners are to be accepted as true. Truly, a brilliant idea that many would have thought, but few thinking brains have at last made it happen already.

Two Thumbs up.!

SHRUTHIYAAN FUSION ENSEMBLE PERFORM AT BANGALORE

Memorable “Shruthiyaan” Fusion Concert @ Chowdaih Memorial Hall, Bangalore
14 JUNE 2013 EVENING @ CHOWDAIH MEMORIAL HALL, BANGALORE

It is not everyday one gets to listen to such wonderful Art and Music ensemble on solitary platform. What  ‘Shruthiyan’ achieved before an invited audience is a masterly act, while commemorating the Tabla Wizard Sri Chaturlaji's colossal contribution to Indian music..

First place, there happened a Live Sand Art Creation by our own Master Harikrishna virtually heaved ‘wows’ from the audience for sheer magnificence. Solo Tabla performance by none other than Pandit Chaturlalji’s protégé Sri Pranshu Chaturlal displayed his prodigal talent in deft beats 1, 7 and 8, Madhya laya Teen Taal  in 16 beats while winding up by Legendary Chaturlalji’s favorite number Shiv Tandav. Ustad Ghulam  Waris superbly complimented Pandit Pranshu Chaturlal. This was followed up by a well orchestrated Fusion Ensemble..

In one of the very rare appearances in Bangalore, Father-son duo, Hindustani Legend Pandit Sri Ajay Pohankar and prodigal Sri Abhijit Pohankar regaled the invited audience with their sensitive musical chemistry, followed by renowned composer-singer Pandit Sri Roopkumar Rathod’s silky vocal numbers that virtually tilted the scales of a memorable musical evening to dizzy heights…

Bengaluru longs for more of such ensembles in future .

HARIDASA HABBA @ GAYANA SAMAJA, BANGALORE

HARIDASA HABBA

Aegis of HARIDASA SAHITHYA SAMPADA ORG ,BANGALORE

Venue:

GAYANA SAMAJA, BANGALORE 29 APRIL – 05 MAY 2013

VOCAL RENDITION BY

PANDIT JAYATHEERTH MEVUNDI – 30 APRIL 2013 6.45 PM

Haridasa Sahithya Sampada calls for lot of attention to  detail. To conduct Haridasa Habba each passing year with great vim and vigor is laudable. So much so, it is befitting to recall great works of selfless peers that spread social message, hone ethos and pathos of life and orient transformation to mankind that truly induces fresh air,deep rooted to all generations. Haridadasa Sampada deserves accolades for this wonderful ensemble of sorts, beginning daily with Pravachanas followed by Haridasa Sahithya rendition performance by renowned performers of our Motherland.

Among many performers during week long event, I guess I had the privilege of listening to Pandit Jayatheerth Mevundi, renowned Kirana Gharana exponent. Undoubtedly gifted, this  future Torch bearer of Hindustani Classical Musician from Hubli,Karnataka, crafted a a very rare classic presentation of Dasa Sahihya with an aplomb witnessed in his peers like Pandit Sreepathi Padigar, Legendary Sri Bhimsen Joshi and Sri Basavaraja Rajguru.

It would be grave injustice to Sri Mevundi’s masterly dexterity, should we see in him shades of similarities akin to many Legendary Stalwarts, but he puts to rest all the doubts in listeners’ minds by commencing the concert by a classical number “Guru Charana Kamala” in Shree Raga that swirled a pure magic. Each popular Haridasa Sahithya like Kandu Dhanyanaadhe Gurugala, Tunga Theeradi Ninda Suyathivaranyaare, Kailasa Vasa Gourisha Eesha, Jaana Lakshmanage Praananatha Paliso, Baare Bhagyada Nidhiye, Nanobba Paradeshi, Madana Mohana Maadhava, Naraka Janmada Bhayavo, Pandari, Tappadu Nodade Bandeya and one Marathi Abhang 'Parama Pada Paavana'..each one of them bore signature on years of training behind him. Whether it was Shree, Sohini, Jog, Nand, Bhageshri or Bharavi, he traversed through each raga in faultless manner.

Sailing effortlessly in perfect Sur, difficult Sargams and taans being his forte, the most promising & dedicated Torch Bearer of Kirana and Gwaliar Gharana as  hailed by the connoisseurs, he left the audience absolutely immersed in Haridasa Sahithya presentation in inimitable style. As he revels in those popular Daasa sahithya of Purandaradasa, Vijaya Vittala Dasa and many more, one is hardly left wondering at this virtuoso called  Pandit Jayatheerth Mevundi’s parochial talent that reminisces the regaling days of Greatest Legends of all time. Without doubt, in him we see the brightest star on the Indian music horizon for few more decades to follow, thus making "Haridasa Habba" an event to remember and savor each ensuing edition.

He was ably supported by Sriyuths Ashwin Walawalkar (Harmonium),Keshav Joshi (Percussions-Tabla), Praneshachar (Voilin) and others on Mridangam and Pakhwaj.

Vachana Sangeethotsava & 'Audio CD RaagRang' Review

‘Vachana  Sangeethotsava’  regales audience

Courtesy Akhila Bharatha Sharana Sahithya Parishat

13 & 14 April 2013 @ JSS Auditorium, Bangalore

Music Review on Audio CD 'RaagRang'  - Singer Jayadevi Jangamashetti

Though wished to derive more time for symposiums and performances during both days of event, I could only make it on 14 April morning and indeed, it was refreshing starter to listen to powerful yet soulful renditions of Smt.Jayadevi JangamashettI of Dharwad followed by Shri Shankar Hoogar.

Vachanas just flowed from Jayadevi's brilliant vocals, cutting through benumbed veins in the form of verses - Pranatheyide Bhakthiyide, Haadidarenu,Akka kelavva, Enna kaayavva,Kogile Chelva Kogile.

Needless to mention, Jaipur Gharana Exponent in Jayadevi Jangamashetti lent meaning to rare speedy display of powerful singing that reminisced  legendary likes of  Sri Mallikarjun Mansur and Basavaraja Rajguru.

I hasten to add furthermore. In her very recent Lahari audio CD release ‘RaagRang’,  Jayadevi Jangamashetti has presented Raag Jounpuri, Sawan Kalyan and Sohini in an immaculately powerful vocals.

Dharawad being the power house of Hindustani Classical music can be proud of talented Jayadevi who not only brings the best out of her chiseled vocals, but also, undoubtedly creates an aura of her own through layakari, sensible gayaki and tehraav. Intrinsic aptitude in reaching all 3 octaves with such ease without cutting through sensitive surili sargam web bears signature on  her undeniable talent. 

Way to go and a 'must buy audio CD 'RaagRang' for all connoisseurs of music...!

Archana Udupa wins best playback singer award for the movie “Bhageerathi”

Karnataka State Film Awards 2011-12 announced.

Archana Udupa wins best playback singer award for the movie “Bhageerathi”

“I've witnessed the moment she opened her eyes onto the horizon as a tot, seen her grow from a remote hamlet to metropolitan city’s contrast culture, could well sense what was going on her innocent eyes during  adolescence, but her aesthetic nature prevailed, her eye for detail in music very critically sensitive, can create wonders thro’ inborn trait for finesse in whatever form of music she delves, has all the uncanny makings of a star music director, capable of creating something extraordinary through her natural talent alone (listen to her own 'Baale Gaayana" and 'Sufiana Shariff' CD compilations) Honors tread late, but worthy can never be denied justice. 

Her rich accolades prompted me write these lines for choosing her the best playback singer for Karnataka State Film Awards – courtesy Ace Kannada writer - Director, Sri Baraguru Ramachandrappa’s movie “Bhageerathi”. Rest of the world and music fraternity recognizes her as singer Archana Udupa, but she's my pride as her proud mama...!!

One ought not forget the sacrifices made by entire family while honing her skills, wonderful support system and friends alike.

Though belated, The Government of Karnataka has at last, recognized the true talent in Archana Udupa that was long awaited. So was the case with talented vivacious multi lingual actress Bhavana too, bagging coveted best actress award and Sri Baraguru Ramachandrappa, the best lyricist respectively in their contributions in the same movie, thus spinning a triplet of sorts.

These beeline of awards clearly pump more adrenaline for multi-faceted denizen skills of Sri Baraguru Ramachandrappa and his future endeavors in the earnest”

HAMPI UNIVERSITY TO CONFER HON.DOCTORATE TO KANNADA PRIDE B.K.SUMITHRA

HAMPI  KANNADA UNIVERSITY TO CONFER “ NADOJA “  HONORARY DOCTORATE  ON “KANNADA KOGILE” B.K.SUMITHRA.

There now seems to be some order in those wise and gracious heads who matter while recognizing the true and selfless ambassadors of art, culture and literary world.

Karnataka can now pompously pride ourselves on certain specific achievements in respective areas despite odds going against. Should 2012 witness  Dr.Chandrashekara Kambar being conferred Jnanapeetha Award for his invaluable contribution in literary field, the dawn of 2013 saw well known Theatre personality, B.Jayashri being bestowed by ‘Padma Shri’, Cricket Legend Rahul Dravid by ‘Padma Bhushan’ and now, a nick name B.K.Sumithra who is selected by Hampi Kannada University for the coveted “Nadoja” Honorary Doctorate. For a while, there seems to be a windfall of goodies following suit.

“Kannada Kogile” B.K.Sumithra is such a household name in Kannada Sugama Sangeetha scenario for decades when people used to hem and haw from pursuing music. By conferring "NADOJA" Hon.Doctorate on her, Hampi Kannada University has made righteous choice. Her passion for music today is as greener and stronger as it was at a very tender age while she tirelessly embarks on travel to nooks and corners of the horizon to conduct various workshops to popularize music. Her undying spirit and enthusiasm has thus carried her onto Hall of Fame at last. May such tribe grow in zillions. 

DELECTABLE

DELECTABLE

Folks, read me on "Master's page here.

ASHWINI KUMAR

'BHAVA SAARANGA' featuring VARIJASHRI VENUGOPAL

02  FEB 2013

VENUE:GAYANA SAMAJA, KR ROAD, BANGALORE

‘BHAVA  SARANGA’

A PERFORMANCE BEYOND IMAGINATION

A VERY NOVEL FUND RAISER PROGRAMME “BHAVA SAARANGA “ WAS HELD AT GAYANA SAMAJA ON 02 FEB 2013, THE PROCEEDS OF WHICH WERE PRESENTED TO RECUPERATING & AFFABLE USTAD SRI FAIYAZ KHAN , THE RENOWNED SARANGI EXPONENT AND VOCALIST OF KARNATAKA.

What unfolded during 3 hour marathon musical ensemble was a pure delight of devotional songs soulfully rendered by our own prodigal, Varijashri Venugopal under an overwhelming orchestration that set the tempo for an unbelievable experience while listening to krithis of Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, Vadiraja and many more. True to belief and no wonder, should one ask for lesser from the brightest talent in her who could once  recognize nearly 350 Melakartha Raagas of Carnatic Music at the very tender age of three..!! Her almost flawless renditions were marked by Saadgi, Tehrav, Surili, dynamics  and perfect diction. Two renditions by Ustad Faiyaz Khan virtually left the audience in tears, giving poignant standing ovation on pathos and travails of life.

Truly, such experimentations while rendering devotional songs are a rarity as expressed by the person behind the idea, Sri Praveen D Rao who weaved a magical web on Harmonium. Other instrumentalists brilliantly complimented Varijashri’s vocals note to note. Her genius stands a class apart in the genre. By virtue of its content, this event was a fitting deference to Ustad Faiyaz Khan who lost his beloved wife and a kin during a recent fatal accident.

Those who couldn’t make it, truly missed out on an unbelievable musical experience, wherein the chemistry between Rasika and Gayaki proved proverbial. What is more heartening to note is  the future of music in the safe custody of these unbelievably very talented prodigy, Varijashri Venugopal, Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Sriyuths Venugopalaraju, Praveen D Rao,Gurumaurthy Vaidya, Pramath Kiran, Caleb, Srinivasachar, Bhutto, Satyamurthy and Smt.Charulatha Ramanujam…

Two thumbs up for a memorable musical evening that was full of devotion…!!

EXCERPTS COMPILATION BY ASHWINI KUMAR

Here goes success chronicle of Cakewala superstore and Eshanya Multi Cuisine Restaurant in 4 'T' Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore.

Should a customer be on the sentinel for aesthetics in Bangalore South eatery front, it ought to be this ground floor new bakery superstore and multi cuisine restaurant atop 4^th floor same complex.

Pictures seldom bear testimony, but a visit to these newbies shall put to rest all doubts in your mind of what were you looking out these days.

Lot many raised their eyebrows wondering if business could be conducted this way around, but yes for sure

Painstakingly done interiors all over fortified with spick and span food pre-preparation centers, these spots ooze freshness and develop instant vibes with customers and onlookers alike.

Have a go and satiate your hunger with bakery goodies at CAKEWALA and multi Indian cuisine   at ESHANYA The Restaurant , all in a solitary complex.

RAHUL THE REAL WALL AND A GENTLEMAN CRICKETER

RAHUL THE REAL WALL AND A GENTLEMAN CRICKETER

RAHUL DRAVID , WE MISS YOU

Privilege of witnessing his very debut Ranji Trophy outing, I was in awe of him then and am now too, yet I am one of his foremost fans. He is class apart out of the lot, a stickler for perfection beyond comparison and gentleman to the core. He had no airs of being a superstar of his stature, truly unbelievable for a person who has scored more than 28,000 runs in International cricket. In him , we found the epitome of thorough gentleman in a game called cricket which is so different today. 

Men come and go, but the Wall is the real Wall that he is and was. If at all someone asks me to name the best cricketer ever remembered for his contribution and posterity, Rahul Dravid stands first and the best in real terms. Hats off Rahul Dravid. You are a Gem. 

May your finesse and brilliance extend to other horizons too.Great luck sir.

We miss you on the cricketing field, but not off it…..!!!

Violin quartet perform together to enthrall invited audience

Voilin quartet perform together and create history

Venue:Gayana Smamaja, K.R. Road, Bangalore, Date: 11 August 2012  6.00PM

Occasion:Naadavaibhavam, release of  Ragapravaham CD composed by

Kumaresh & Ganesh

Felicitation: Padma Vibhushan Nadashri Dr.M.S.Gopalakrishnan

Here goes a rejoicing  and rare ocassion of watching India's 4 proudest contemporary Violinists namely Mysore Nagaraj & Manjunath alongwith Kumaresh and Ganesh who kept the audience in ruptures all through.

Imagine the audience mood when four of them performed first time ever, in front of  Octogenarian violinist and melody personified, Dr.M.S.Gopalakrishnan - conferred with 'Nadashri" Award mooted by Bangalore Gayana Samaja on the occasion.

I have been witnessing these four stalwarts performing since almost 3 decades, often catching them young. Today each one of them is a global performer par excellence.Watching them live on such an occasion reminds me of "Aasthana Sangeetha". Such was the power, purity and devotion, with each one of them complimenting the other note to note. All of them were on a roll.

May be, their performance haunts themselves each night for it's impact and bhava. It was an extrordinarily electric performance Bangaloreans shall remember always, longing for more......I compliment organizers, Bangalore Gayana Samaja for creating such an iconic moment...of course, my heartfelt gratitude to Sri Kumaresh for having chiselled out a novel idea. Rest is history..!