Art: A Journey with Art Lovers

 Art: A Journey with Art Lovers - Exploring Indian culture across continents

Get ready for an exciting adventure into the world of art with our upcoming talk show, "Art: A Journey with Art Lovers." In this series, we'll be chatting with art enthusiasts who live outside of India but have a deep love for Indian culture and art.

Our guests come from all over the world and have fascinating stories to share. 

In a world where cultural diversity is both celebrated and challenged, there exists a dedicated cohort of individuals passionately working to preserve and promote Maharashtrian culture, language, and festivals on a global scale. Through their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, these cultural ambassadors serve as guardians of tradition, ensuring that the rich heritage of Maharashtra transcends geographical boundaries and resonates with audiences far beyond its native shores.

Join us as we dive into their experiences, learn about their favorite artists and artworks, and discover how they stay connected to Indian culture from afar. Whether you're a fellow art lover or just curious about the ways in which art can bridge distances and bring people together, this talk show promises to be an inspiring and eye-opening journey.

At the forefront of this cultural movement are individuals who, despite living outside of India, remain deeply connected to their roots and are determined to uphold the essence of Maharashtrian identity. Through a series of captivating interviews, our upcoming talk show, "Art: A Journey with Art Lovers," will shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals, exploring their personal stories, artistic endeavors, and the impact of their work on preserving and promoting Maharashtrian culture.

So grab a cup of chai, settle in, and join us as we embark on this exciting exploration of art with NRI art lovers from around the globe!

Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews, where we'll dive deeper into the stories of these incredible individuals and learn more about the impact they're making on preserving Maharashtrian culture on a global scale. Together, let's celebrate the art lovers who are keeping our traditions alive and our culture vibrant, no matter where they may be.

* You may also like :- 

Art - a journey talk show with Aparna Waikar from Thailand 

Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXINyrQs4M&t=737s

अमर लता

काळ कुणाही साठी थांबत नाही! हेच खरं! मग कितीही मोठी असामी, असो.

देव भक्ती ,देशभक्ती कलेवरची निष्ठा , औदार्य उत्कटता ,विनय,स्वाभिमान,सर्वोत्तमाचा ध्यास ,सदैव शिकत राहण्याची अभ्यासू वृत्ती , तहानभूक विसरून गाणं ,अशी सर्व गुणसंपन्न लता ! आपल्या पिढीला असंच एक अद्भूत व्यक्तिमत्व अनुभवता आलं ;ते म्हणजे अमृतमय स्वरांची साम्राज्ञी ;लता मंगेशकर! 

आज लौकिक अर्थाने आपल्यात नाही ;दोन वर्षा खाली  माघी षष्ठी तिथीला (६फेब्रु.२२) तिने अलविदा केलं .ते पचवणं अवघडच !

एरवी ती अमृतवेल लता मनांत बहरलेलीच आहे .जराश्या आठवणीच्या हेलकाव्याने  गात डुलत राहते ! मग प्रसंग कुठलाही असो ! ती प्रत्येक भाव भावनेत स्वर रूपाने आहेच !फक्त माझ्याच नाही तर अगदी चराचराच्या!!

वृक्षवल्ली आम्हा ..मला पाखरांच्या कलरवांत ऐकू येतं .नागमोडी वळणा वळणाने जाताना, "दरीदरीतून मावळदेव" दिसतो. चांदण्या सांजेला ,"निळ्या आभाळी कातरवेळा" प्रतीत होते. लहरणा-या शेतात तिचा कोवळा,तजेलदार स्वर उमटतो, तर कधी जवानांच्या बंदूकीतील गोळ्यांप्रमाणे ,खटाखट सुटतो तो  गाण्याच्या आशया बरोबर आपल्या ही काळजाचा ही वेध घेतो.

भक्तीगीतातील समर्पण असं की की एखादा नास्तिकाला ही भक्तीगीत ऐकताना   कधी अश्रू ओघळले ?ते ही कळणार नाही. साक्षात देव च सन्मुख उभा करते आपल्या  स्वरांनी ,लता! "मोगरा फुलला "गाणं ऐकून खरोखरच मोगरा बहरून आल्यागत वाटतं!सुगंध जाणवतो! तो असतो  गंधवेड्या लताच्या  आत्म्याचा!

गाणं हा विषय जरी एकच असला तरी त्यातल्या भावभावनांचे अनेकानेक सुंदर पदर लताच्या स्वरात ठळक पणे दृगोचर होतात. कारण त्यातला अविर्भाव स्वरातून दाखवते लता. दीनानाथांचा अभिनयाचा गुण किती सहजपणे असतो लताच्या गाण्यात. बघा ना; ऐकताना सगळ्याची हीच मनःस्थिती होते .क्षणभर निस्तब्धच ! देशभक्ती गीतांनी  आबालवृध्दा सह  सगळ्यांनाच हेलावण्याचं सामर्थ्य आहे ;लताच्या स्वरात! 

परदेशातही आपल्या गाण्याची मोहोर उमटवणा-य लताने, "गाईन तर अल्बर्ट हॉल मध्येच! असं ठणकावून आपल्या भारत देशाला लंडन मध्ये  प्रतिष्ठा मिळवून दिली!

खट्याळ गाणी ही तितकीच मिश्कीलपणे गायलीत लताने! दिलमे बजी प्यारकी शहनाईयॉ....देखोजी बहार आयी ...पासून दिदी तेरा देवर दिवाना....पर्यंत  गाणं तसं सोप्पं नाहीच  काही! गाण्यात  ओघाने आलेले अपशब्द (रूढार्थी शिव्या )तिच्या आवाजात ओव्या होऊन जातात आठवा - बेरहम होते नही ऑसू... , वो s निर्दयी प्रीतम , बे दर्दी ,दगाबाज ,बेईमान... .......आणि कितीतरी ... आणि दुःख ? त्याचा ही एहसास लता च्या आर्त स्वरातून फार परिणामकारक रित्या होतो.(ख्वाब थे वो जिंदगीके दिन  जो ...मर गये हम ..)ऐकताना आपल्या ह्रदयात कालवा कालव होते.

आणि प्रेमगीतं !  त्याचे तर अनेकानेक पदर असे कांही दृगोचर केलेत की ज्याचे नांव ते!अगदी किशोरीच्या अल्लड पणापासून ते धीरगंभीर भावने पर्यंत चे रंगीबेरंगी पदर च! झूलेमे पवनके ...,तेरा तीर वो बेपीर...ए चॉद कल जो आना ,दिलका दिया जलाके गया...,छुपाकर मेरी ऑखोंको ... मिले तो फिर झुके....., कुछ दिलने कहॉ......, आजा रे मै तो कबसे खडी....., मेरे मनका बावरा पंछी ...तेरा खत लेके सनम ... घडी घडी मेरा दिल ...., तेरा मेरा प्यार अमर...मेरे मनके दिए...हे तर लताने मनाशी गूज च साधलंय अगणित च...!! आणि प्रेमाची युगलगीतं तर बहारीचीच!कांकणभर सरसच! स्वरांना हलकासा झोका देऊन त्या गीतावर स्वार होते .किंवा एखाद्या गोड तानेने आस लावते ! झाडून सगळ्या गायक गायिकांसह गायलेली युगुलगीतं ऐका , बरोबरीने रंगत आणतेच ;पण शेवटचा डॉट लताचा च! पंडीत भीमसेन जोशींसह गायलेलं ,"रामके गुणगान...हे प्रमाण आहे!विशेष म्हणजे त्या मातब्बर कलाकारांनी ही  हे मान्य केलंय. किती भाग्य !आणि हेच वैशिष्ठ्य  आहे लताचं!

रागदारीवर आधारीत लताची  सिनेमातील गाणी म्हणजे तर पर्वणीच कानसेनाची ! "सखी री सून मोरी ..." आशासह गायलेली जुगलबंदी च! मीनाकुमारीने ही छान वठवलंय पडद्यावर! दुसरं नूतनवर चित्रित ,मनमोहना बडे झूठे..." या गाण्या विषयी तर लतानेच प्रशंसा केलीय नूतनची !म्हणजे बघा....!खरंतर हरेक गाणं विशेषत्व घेऊनच येत असतं लताने गायलेलं!  त्या सगळ्याचा उल्लेख करणं म्हणजे संगीतमय महा कोषच तयार होईल!  पण केवळ वानगी दाखल सांगायचं तर गुलाम हैदर ,सज्जाद ,यांच्या संगीतातील अभिजातपणा लताच्या आवाजात सही सही अगदी ठळकपणे जाणवतो ! संगीतकार अनील विश्वास , एस डी , सी रामचंद्र ,नौशाद  रोशन यांच्या पठडीची मोहर लताने बेमालूम  उठवलीय गाण्यातून  .सलीलचौधरींच्या गाण्यातील खुमारी वाढलीच आहे लता च्या स्वरांनी! धीरगंभीर  हेमंत कुमार आणि वसंत देसाई ची कर्णमधुर  संगीतातला उठाव लताच्या सुरात रेंगाळत  राहतो. ही  गाणी  मनाचा गाभारा उजळवतात. तर रवी , चित्रगुप्त , एन दत्ता याची गोड गाणी लताची माधुरी जाणवून देतात.तर पुढे शंकर जयकिसन च्या संगीतात  तर  लता चे स्वर जणू झूम उठलेत!! 

खरं म्हणजे हे बारकावे सांगण्यापेक्षा ऐकणं च स्वर्गसुख आहे !कारण लताच गाणं च  शब्दातीत आहे! "ले गये वो साथ अपने ,साज भी ..."यातील काळजाचा पीळ केवळ स्वरातून प्रतीत करणं, केवळ  अद्भुतच आहे!

त्यामुळेच  बडे गुलाम अली , कुमार गंधर्व  सारख्या दिग्गजांनी म्हटलंय की ;'तासभर राग  आळवून परिणाम साधतो तो केवळ तीन मिनीटात लता करून दाखवते ' ! किती सार्थ उद्गार !किनई? 

कट्टर ओ पी नैय्यरने ही लताबद्दल गौरवोद्गार  काढलेत !महाराजा! जरी त्यांचं एकही गाणं लताने गायलेलं नाही तरी! 

आचार्य अत्रे ; पु ल. देशपांडे सारख्या महान व्यक्तींनी लताच गुणगान केलंय!

नुस्तं गाण्याचं नाही  ,तर समज ,ज्ञान ,सचोटी ,परिश्रम ...सारंच वाखाणण्याजोगं! 

अशी अलौकिक  सुंदर  मधुर कंठी  लता कुठं गेलीय? 

ती आहेच ;रसिकांच्या मनात !आणि कायम राहणारच आहे !

काळावर लताने आपल्या अमृत  स्वराने अलौकिक  इतिहास रचलाय!तो कुणीच मिटवू शकणार नाही ! 

माझ्या बाबतीत म्हणायचं तर म्हणेन ;तूsने हाsए रे जख्म ए जिगर को छू लिया....(नगीना)

यातल्या "हाsए" ने तर कबका मार डाला...  🎼🙏🌟✨

   

               लतारविंद!

Dr Prabha Atre

 Prabha Atre: Harmonizing Eternity - Doyen of the Kirana Gharana

Prabha Atre, a distinguished classical vocalist from India, stands as a beacon of musical brilliance in the realm of Indian classical music. Born on September 13, 1932, in Pune, Maharashtra, Prabha Atre has carved a niche for herself as a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist, composer, and musicologist. Her contribution to the world of music is not only marked by her virtuosity as a performer but also by her commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Indian classical music.

Prabha Atre music training was in the Guru-shishya tradition. She learnt classical music from Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Badodekar from the Kirana gharana. She acknowledged the influence of two other greats, Amir Khan for khyal and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan for thumri, on her gayaki. She also had formal training in Kathak dance style.

While studying music, Prabha Atre earned a Bachelor of Science from Fergusson College in Pune. Later she completed an LL.B. from University of Pune Law College. She also studied at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal (Sangeet Alankar (Master of Music)), Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London (Western Music Theory Grade-IV). She later also earned a PhD in music. Her doctoral thesis was titled Sargam, and pertained to the use of sol-fa notes (sargam) in Indian classical music

Musical Career:

Prabha Atre's professional career as a classical vocalist took off in the 1950s, and since then, she has become a prominent figure in the world of Indian classical music. Known for her versatile voice and command over a wide range of raags, she has enthralled audiences with her soul-stirring performances. 

Atre was one of the senior vocalists in the country representing the Kirana Gharana. Her first LP, with Maru Bihag and Kalavati, clearly demonstrates her extraordinary artistry and creativity. She contributed to popularizing Indian classical vocal music at global level. She was competent in various musical genres such as Khyal, Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, geet, Natyasangeet, and bhajans. 

She also played roles in a line-up of Marathi theatre classics, which included Sangeet Nataks like Sanshay-Kallol, Maanaapamaan, Saubhadra and Vidyaharan.

Apart from her performances on stage, Prabha Atre has made significant contributions to the field of music education and research. She has served as a faculty member at prestigious institutions like the ITC Sangeet Research Academy and has conducted workshops and lecture demonstrations to impart her knowledge and insights to aspiring musicians. She taught music, performing lecture-demonstrations, and writing on the topic of Indian classical music.

Music related great work by Prabha ji 

1) A former Assistant Producer with the All India Radio.

2) A Grade — All India Radio Drama Artist (Marathi and Hindi).

3) Main female role in Professional Musical Dramas.(Sangeet Natak and Sangeetika)

4) She was a visiting professor at a few institutions in the West, including the Rotterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands. 

5) Visiting professor at the Music conservatory – Montreux Switzerland, the University of California, Los Angeles, Indo-American Fellowship for studying research materials used in Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Appointment as 'Special Executive Magistrate' by the Government of Maharashtra in recognition of services to the cause of Music

6) Professor and Head of the Dept. of Music, S.N.D.T. Woman's University, Mumbai.

7) Around 1992, Atre started an annual Pandit Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Badodekar Sangeet Sammelan music festival. The festival takes place annually in December in Mumbai.

8) Chief Music Producer and Director for 'Swarashree' Recording Company since 1981

9) Member of the Advisory Panel of the Central Board of Film Censors, Mumbai 1984

10) Prabha Atre established some years ago Swaramayee Gurukul in Pune. This institution amalgamates traditional guru-shishya style of teaching music and contemporary classroom teaching.

11) She had been concluding Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival since 2007 which is considered to be prestigious.

12) Dr Atre created a lecture series "Alok" to practically demonstrate her musical thoughts. It is available on YouTube and received very good public acclaim.

Innovations and Compositions:

Prabha Atre is not only a performer but also a creative force in the world of classical music. Her compositions reflect a blend of tradition and innovation, often experimenting with unconventional combinations of ragas and rhythmic patterns. Her ability to infuse contemporary elements into classical compositions has garnered praise for its freshness and originality.

As a composer :- 

Book of compositions Swarangini and Swaranjanee

She also invented new Raags such as Apurva Kalyan, Darbari Kauns, Patdeep-Malhar, Shiv Kali, Tilang-bhairav, Ravi Bhairav, and Madhur-kauns.

Music compositions adapted to full-length dance programme 'Nritya Prabha' – choreographed by the Bharatanatyam danseuse Sucheta Bhide Chapekar.

Awards and Recognition:

Prabha Atre's unparalleled contributions to Indian classical music have earned her numerous accolades and awards. She has been honored with prestigious titles such as :-

Acharya Atre Award for music - 1976

Jagatguru Shankaracharya conferred the title "Gaan-Prabha"

Padma Shri -1990 

Sangeet Natak Academy Award -1991

Giants International Award, Rashtriya Kalidas samman

Tagore Akademi Ratna Award announced from the 

Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2011

Dinanath Mangeshkar award

Hafiz Ali Khan Award

Padma Bhushan - 2002

Ustad Faiyyaz Ahmed Khan Memorial Award (Kirana Gharana)

Dagar Gharana Award

Acharya Pandit Ram Narayan Foundation Award Mumbai

Padma Vibhushan - 2022 

And So many

Her books 

Books of music compositions: 1. Swaranjanee 2. Swaranginee 3. Swararangee

Books containing her musical thoughts: 

1. Swaramayee (Marathi and Hindi) 

2. Suswaralee (Marathi and Hindi) 

3. Along the path of music 

4. Enlightening the listener

Book of poetry: Antah Swar (Marathi Hindi and English)

Prabha Atre's journey through the vast landscapes of Indian classical music has been marked by unwavering dedication, artistic innovation, and a deep-rooted love for the tradition. As a torchbearer of the Kirana gharana, she has not only enriched the classical music repertoire but has also inspired generations of musicians to continue the legacy of this timeless art form. Prabha Atre's name will forever resonate as a symbol of excellence, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sublime art of Indian classical music.

Dr Prabha Atre ( doyen of Kirana Gharana) passed away following a cardiac arrest at her residence at the age of 92  on Saturday 13 Jan 2023. 

She died after experiencing breathing difficulty in the early hours and was taken to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital. She died from cardiac arrest before reaching the hospital.

Ustad Rashid Khan's Musical Journey

Early Life and Musical Upbringing:-

Born on July 1, 1968, into a family steeped in musical tradition, Rashid Khan hails from the revered Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, a lineage that traces its roots back to the legendary Inayat Hussain Khan. He was also the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.Ustad Rashid Khan is indeed a renowned classical Indian musician, specifically a Hindustani classical vocalist. He comes from a long line of distinguished musicians in the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana. His mastery in singing has earned him numerous awards and accolades, making him one of the prominent figures in the world of classical music.

Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Rashid Khan received his initial training from his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909–1993). Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, from whom he received a large part of his taleem, in the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana style. Nissar Hussain was a strict disciplinarian and would make the young Rashid spend an entire day perfecting just one note.He gave his first concert at age eleven. In April 1980, when Nissar Hussain Khan moved to Kolkata, Rashid Khan came to the city with his grandfather. Rashid Khan also joined the ITC Sangeet Research academy at the age of 14.

Musical Repertoire:-

Rashid Khan's rise to prominence was meteoric. His vocal prowess, characterized by a soul-stirring timbre and impeccable technique, garnered attention in the world of classical music. The maestro's ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation became a hallmark of his performances. He received accolades and awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, establishing him as a torchbearer of the classical musical tradition.

Ustad Rashid Khan is a master of the khayal and thumri genres, captivating audiences with his emotive renditions. His exploration of ragas is marked by intricate taans, fluid gamaks, and a profound understanding of the lyrical and emotive aspects of each composition. While firmly rooted in tradition, he has also embraced innovation, collaborating with artists from various genres to create unique musical experiences.

Ustad Rashid Khan is a skilled player of the swarmandal, and the distinctive drone he produces on the instrument makes an ideal foundation for his powerful vocal performances.

Ustad Rashid Khan is known for his emotive and expressive singing. He possesses a rich and powerful voice that allows him to convey the intricate nuances and emotions inherent in classical compositions. His performances often involve a deep exploration of different ragas. He has a remarkable ability to unfold the beauty of a raga, bringing out its unique characteristics and evoking the mood associated with it.

Ustad Rashid Khan is acclaimed for his expertise in intricate taans (fast melodic passages) and layakari (rhythmic variations). His command over rhythm and the ability to execute complex patterns contribute to the dynamic nature of his performances.

Apart from being a performer, Rashid Khan is also involved in teaching and passing on the rich musical tradition to the younger generation. He has conducted workshops and masterclasses to share his knowledge and expertise.

Spreading the Melody Worldwide:-

Beyond the borders of India, Rashid Khan's melodic waves have reached international shores. His performances at prestigious venues and music festivals globally have not only showcased the depth of Indian classical music but also bridged cultural gaps, earning him admirers from diverse musical backgrounds.

Rashid Khan also experimented with fusing pure Hindustani music with lighter musical genres, e.g. in the Sufi fusion recording Naina Piya Se (Amir Khusro), or in experimental concerts with western instrumentalist Louis Banks. He also performed jugalbandis, with sitarist Shahid Parvez and others.

Rashid Khan gave his voice to a number of songs in Hindi and Bengali films from 2004 to 2019. The most popular songs were: Aaoge Jab Tum Saajna in the film Jab We Met in 2007, Alah Hi Rahem in My Name Is Khan in 2010 and Bol Ke Lab Azad Hain in the film Manto in 2018.

A Humble Humanitarian:

Ustad Rashid Khan's humility and warmth shine through both on and off the stage. Reports of impromptu performances for the visually impaired and his compassionate engagement with audiences underscore his belief in the universal power of music to connect and heal.

One interesting story about Ustad Rashid Khan involves a spontaneous and heartwarming gesture during a concert. There was a time when he was performing at a concert, and a visually impaired girl from the audience requested him to sing her favorite raga, "Mian ki Todi." Without any prior preparation or announcement, Ustad Rashid Khan graciously accepted the request. He not only sang the requested raga but also improvised and extended the performance to ensure the girl could fully enjoy the experience. His ability to connect with the audience and create a special moment on the spot showcased not just his musical prowess but also his empathy and responsiveness to his listeners. It's moments like these that highlight the magic and connection that music can create between the artist and the audience.

Awards :- Ustad Rashid Khan won several awards including 

Padma Shri 

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2006 

In 2022, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award of the country. 

The West Bengal government also honoured Ustad Rashid Khan with Banga Bibhushan and Sangeet Mahasamman.

His contributions to the world of music have left an indelible mark, and he remains a revered figure in the classical music scene.

As a torchbearer of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, Ustad Rashid Khan carries forward a legacy that spans generations. His influence extends beyond the realms of classical music, inspiring aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike. Ustad Rashid Khan stands as a luminous thread, weaving melodies that resonate through generations.Ustad Rashid Khan belongs to the illustrious Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, a school of Hindustani classical music. 

Here's a simplified lineage chart to give you an idea of his musical heritage: -

Inayat Hussain Khan: (founder)

Moinuddin Khan: Son of Inayat Hussain Khan.

Hafiz Ali Khan: son of Moinuddin Khan and a Sarod maestro

Mujeeb Ali Khan: The son of Hafiz Ali Khan, he was a sitar player

Rashid Khan: son of the renowned tabla player Ustad Allarakha and the grandson of Inayat Hussain Khan

Death :- 

Hindustani classical singer and music maestro Utsad Rashid Khan passed away in Kolkata on January 9, 2024. He was 55 and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. The famous vocalist was suffering from cancer and was admitted to a private health facility in Kolkata in November 2023.

Celebrating 14 Years of Meetkalakar !

 🎉✨Dear Amazing Meetkalakar Community,

Today is a day of immense joy and gratitude as we celebrate the remarkable journey of Meetkalakar turning 14! It's a testament to the incredible artists, enthusiasts, and creative souls like you who have made this community an inspiring haven for the past dozen years.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your passion, talent, and unwavering support have been the backbone of Meetkalakar. Together, we've created a space where artistic dreams flourish, talents shine, and the magic of creativity knows no bounds.

From the first notes played to the countless artworks shared, every moment has contributed to the rich tapestry of Meetkalakar. Your dedication has turned this community into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, and we couldn't be more grateful.

As we look back on the past 14 years, let's also look forward to the countless melodies, strokes of brilliance, and the collaborations that lie ahead. Meetkalakar is not just a platform; it's a family, and your continued presence makes it stronger with each passing day.

Here's to the artists who bring life to their creations, the enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty in every note, and the collective spirit that makes Meetkalakar extraordinary. Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible journey.

Here's to many more years of creativity, community, and the wonderful symphony that is Meetkalakar!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Richa Rege Rajadhyax and the Meetkalakar Team