Veteran Hindustani music vocalist Begum Parveen Sultana enthralled the listeners at the Nehru Centre auditorium with her commendable and soulful renderings, in a programme organised by Vivid Arts Entertainment, as part of the Uttar Dakshin series of concerts to highlight both Hindustani and Carnatic music and musicians, hailing from both north and southern part of India. The programme was held on 28th March with the support from Ministry of Culture, Government of India, ONGC, SBI and The Pioneer Arts Education Society
Prior to the performance, Begum said “The ‘roza’ is on but there are some people who I just cannot refuse, I have performed earlier too for Narhari and they are wonderful organisers, so am here to serve you with my music.” Begum Parveen commenced her recital with the raag Purya Dhanasri , along with two talented disciples, that included her daughter Shadab Sultana, with the number “Lagi Mori” with effortless ease and “raag vistaar”, creating an instant impression on the audience. Another number that dealt with romance and the dance of joy and happiness was portrayed in ‘Payal Janka,Piya Sangni”(dancing with my beloved). Begum also sang the playful number depicting the festival of colours, “Sakhiya Aaj Radhe Khelat Hori”.The celebrated vocalist concluded her impeccable performance with a devotional number, Brahmanand number in raag Vasant Pilu, ‘Mere Mathiya” that established the intimate relationship between the devotee and the Lord. The Begum was accompanied on the Tabla by Pt Mukund Deo and Shrinivas Acharya on Harmonium.
Incidentally, Begum was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri when she was hardly 26 and is bestowed with several awards and honours and has performed for some of the most prestigious festivals all over the world. Begum belongs to the Patiala Gharana and has seeked guidance from scholar musician Pandit Chinmoy Lahiri, who is known for his knowledge of nine gharanas. Begum specialises in Khayal,Thumri and Bhajans and is also known for her “jugalbandi”renditions with her Bengali husband Ustad Dilshad Khan who belongs to the Kirana Gharana. Begum was bestowed with the title “Cleopatra of Music” by MTV.
The next prolific performers of the evening was the dynamic siblings from Mumbai, Ranjani and Gayatri, the duo commenced their Carnatic music recital with an invocatory composition of Papanasivan, they were ably accompanied on the Mridangam by Delhi Sairam, Violin by Vittal Rangan and Ghatam by S. Krishna. To listen to both the sisters singing together with confidence, while interpreting commendable renditions, supporting and complimenting each other, that reflects on the high musical quality of their performance and their unique bonding, that makes their music an exhilarating experience for the listeners. The duo rendered the Tygaraja Kriti “Yentane Yentajochina” in Dhanasri ragam with complete intensity and sincerity. They concluded their performance in praise of Lord Panduranga “Pandhariche Bhoot Mote”..
Ranjani and Gayatri are accomplished violinists as well, they are the disciples of Guru T S Krishna for violin and Guru PS Narayanaswamy for Carnatic vocal. They have several recitals to their credit and conduct regular lecture demonstrations too for young students in educational institutions. On the whole it was fine evening of both Hindustani and Carnatic music.
