Mandar Gadgil and Paridhi Joshi Hit the Sublime Notes in Raza Foundation’s New Aarambh Series

NEW DELHI:
Mandar Gadgil, a singer of the Khayal gayaki tradition, and Odissi dancer Paridhi Joshi gave performances that were uplifting within the boundaries of classical performing arts, and yet rose above them in the first episode of Aarambh, the Raza Foundation’s new series of cultural celebration.
Underscoring the grandeur and piety of one of the oldest musical cultures of the world, the young artists expanded their horizons to include their own signatures the performances last evening, and reminded audiences once again why they need to attend concerts without marquee names.
The Aarambh series, a new platform initiated by the Foundation, provides opportunities for the young in fields of classical music and dance, in keeping with the mission of its founder, the late artist S H Raza, to support and nurture young talents.
Aarambh will invite two artistes from different genres from various parts of India every month to perform before discerning audiences in Delhi. A total of 25 artistes will perform under the series in the next one year.
“In his lifetime the artist, S.H Raza set up the trust to create new opportunities for young talents. He had a deep desire to see young artists of all disciplines flourish. As a result, several endeavours of Raza Foundation address the youth brigade. Our latest initiative Aarambh is a step in the same direction and its participants are selected by an expert panel,” said Ashok Vajpeyi, Managing Trustee of the Raza Foundation, while addressing the audience.
Pune-based vocalist Gadgil, recipient of the Sawai Gandharva scholarship from Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, Pune and CCRT scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, rendered the Raga Multani in his mellifluous voice. He set the tone for the festive evening with an evening raga, beginning with the Vilambit Khayal composition featuring the bandish, Gokul Gaon ka Chora.
Opening up a compelling soundscape with his meditative voice, complemented with Pandit Vinod Lele on the tabla and Dr Vinay Mishra on the harmonium, Gadgil created a balance of alaap, sur, taan and laykaari. The Hindustani classical vocalist followed up this rendition with a Drut Khayal based on the bandish Nainan Mein Aan Baan. Both compositions have been extensively sung in the past by the iconic Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
“My main emphasis has always been about sur and the aesthetic development of the raga,” said Gadgil. He added that the monthly series Aarambh is a very important platform for young performers. “Nowadays people don’t turn up for concerts if there are no senior artists. In this regard, Aarambh offers huge motivation and support that every artist needs,” he said.
Taking a cue from the celebrations marking the homecoming of Goddess Durga, Odissi dancer Paridhi Joshi began her recital with Dhyayeth Suvarna Varna (Devi Stuti). Highlighting the lyricism of Odissi, Joshi described the beauty of the goddess, an embodiment of strength and divinity, through her fluid movements and delightful abhinaya.
“I try to be interactive with my eyes on stage. I consider the eyes to be the most important feature for a classical dancer. The ability to speak with my eyes is my greatest gift,” said Joshi.
Joshi, a dancer with the Bangalore-based Nrityantar Dance Ensemble, and a pupil of Odissi exponent Madhulita Mohapatra, inaugurated the second leg of her performance with the Janasammohini raga-based Pallavi, an integral component of the Odissi repertoire that’s marked by melody and rhythm.
Her performance, characterised by exquisite sculptural body movements, was taken to the next level with vocals by Prashanta Kumar Behera, flute by Dhiraj Kumar Pandey, pakhawaj by Prashant Maharana and violin by Ajzaal Zahoor Ahmed.
The next edition of Aarambh will feature performances by Manipuri Dancer Kankana Singh from Kolkata and Hindustani classical vocalist Meenal Naatu from Mumbai on October 23 and 24.