PUNE: Creating magic with his fingers in a style unique to him, Niladri Kumar the Sitar maestro cast an electrifying spell on the audience today showcasing his strong technical and musical hold on the Sitar. He began the second half of the third day of the 69th Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav at the Maharashtriya Mandal Krida Sankul at Mukund Nagar.
Niladri Kumar began the day with a rare Raag– Yaman Manj in medium-paced Teen Taal tastefully leaning towards the Drut Teen Taal Bandish. The Kheechkam in the lower octaves were greatly applauded by the audience. The rapid ‘tihais’ were the crown jewels of the show. The improvisation in the three-times cycle was aptly reciprocated by the tabla accompanist with a solo in the same ‘Tippat’ cycle. Niladri Kumar concluded his performance with a dedication to his father and Guru Pt. Kartick Kumar with a melody he had learned from him. Pt. Kartick Kumar was present at the festival today and is a disciple of legendary Sitar Exponent Pt. Ravi Shankar. He was accompanied by Satyajit Talwalkar on the Tabla. Satyajit Talwalkar is the disciple and son of Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, who was also present at the festival today.
Speaking after Niladri Kumar’s performance, Pt. Kartick Kumar said, ” I have performed at Sawai Gandharva many years back along with my Guru Pt. Ravi Shankarji. For me, Bharat Ratna Bhimesn Joshi’s music is the purest form of music and I believe that Sawai Gandharva is an immortal music festival that is worshipped by artists. For us, Pune has authentic music aficionados, and being applauded here is a blessing of another kind“
Adding further he said, ” For me, it is an honor that my son NIladri was given the honor of performing at Sawai Gandharva and I wish he continues to get the love and blessings of audiences“
Expressing his gratitude for being given the opportunity of performing at the 69th Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mohotsav Niladri Kumar said, “For me, Sawai is not just a stage but a temple and the audience are the deities from whom I seek blessings. I perform across the globe, but the stage of Sawai and the audience like Pune is second to none. Today’s performance was special as my father was here to witness my performance. This was a surprise for me and in retrospect, I realized that Shrinivas Joshiji extended my performance time to accommodate his coming“
