Bharadwaj and Rahul Deshpande’s surprise co-performance highlight of the evening
PUNE: Noted play-back singers Madhushri Bhattacharya and Vishal Bharadwaj enthralled the audience with their versatile singing as the third day of Punit Balan Group presents and Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Prathishthan and MIT World Peace University’s School of Liberal Arts organized Vasantotsav 2023 began on an energetic note.
Bhattacharya, who has sung several songs composed by A R Rahman and rendered her voice for movies like “Guru”, “Paheli”, “Yuva” and “Swades”, started her performance by presenting the song “Tu Bin Bataye” from the iconic film “Rang De Basanti”.
“I am so honored to be here as Vasantotsav is a prestigious musical festival. I was told about the festival by veteran actor Nana Patekar,” Bhattacharya said before presenting “Kaisa Hai Ishq Hai” from “Jodha Akbar”.
It was a musical treat for the capacity audience at the Suryakant Kakade Farms in Kothrud as Bhattacharya performed songs that she has sung for Bollywood movies.
She won the hearts of the audience with the recital of a Ghazal “Yaar Ko Maine” from the film “Sheesha” and followed it up with “Mahi We” from “Kal Ho Na Ho” and “Kabhi Nim Nim Nim” from “Yuva”.
She sprang a surprise as she presented a famous Marathi song “Ye Re Ghana” and then a recital of romantic Bhajan “Soja Jara” from “Baahubali – The 2 Conclusion” and “Lag Ja Gale” also struck a chord with the audience.
Accompanied by Prathamesh Salunkhe (Flute), Raja (Keyboard), Bijan (Drums and Octopad), Anubhav (Backing Vocals and Harmonium), Savyasachi (Base Guitar), Monotosh (Guitar), Sharafat (Tabla and Percussion), Bhattacharya made the evening memorable and concluded with “Naina Milaike” from “Saathiya”.
It was followed by a program ‘Music and More’ by music composer and director Vishal Bharadwaj.
Some of the songs, including Ghazals that he rendered – “Dil Mei Rishta Bujha”, “Mask Ke Peeche” and “Aisi Ulji Nazar Hatati Nahi” were applauded by the music lovers on a breezy Sunday evening.
His recitals of Ghazals, some of them which he had written, and of the song “Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai”, resonated with the audience.
