Smriti 2015 - Festival Souvenir

24TH & 25TH MARCH 2015 STEIN AUDITORIUM, INDIA HABITAT CENTRE, LODHI ROAD, NEW DELHI & 27TH & 28TH MARCH 2015 WORLD INTEGRITY CENTRE INDIA, RAJPUR ROAD, DEHRADUN

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President’s Message

Ah! Today’s mundane life. Only the nectar of music can save it…

“Adyaamye, Sangeetaha!

Sarvabhootaye’ Siddhaye…!!”

As says the Rig Veda, music is the essence of life and it provides totality of survival. Therefore this humble effort. To bring forth the nuances and niceties of life, we decided somehow or the other to contribute to the uplift the society by giving our bit. Music cleanses miasma, it also cleanses society.

Rhythm…is a society formed to promote Indian Music and culture all over India.

This festival is an effort to convey to you the need of music in this hour of disunion and strife. To bring relief, the concert. Melodies to enrich your soul, dances to titillate your senses.

It is essential and important to mention that this evening is in memory of Late Dr. Madhukar Anand, a renowned name in the field of Kathak.

With the good wishes of the music lover of New Delhi & Dehradun, we wish to express the message of peace through this festival and expect your encouragement and support.

With warm regards,

Shashi Kant Rai President, Rhythm Society.

4 R

BIRJU MAHARAJ Kathak Maestro, Guru, Author, Painter, Choreographer Padma Vibhushan Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Kalidas Samman

BLESSINGS

I am very happy to know that RHYTHM, a Dehradun based organization for performing arts founded by Kathak Dancer Ms. Namrta Rai, is organizing --“Smriti”, a four day Indian classical Music and Dance festival in New Delhi and Dehradun in the memory of late Dr. Madhukar Anand.

I have known Namrta since sometime & have been happy to see her commitment towards arts. As a dancer also she has made a good name. Her homage to her guru through this program is praiseworthy.

My best wishes & blessings to her & the performing artists, for the success of this festival.

Birju Maharaj 21st March 2015, New Delhi.

19.3.2015

MESSAGE

I am very happy to know that RHYTHM a Dehradun based non-government organization founded by Namrta Rai will be organising Smriti-2015, an Indian Classical Dance & Music festival on 24th & 25th March 2015 in New Delhi.

Rhythm, from its humble beginnings has grown over the years under Namrta 's able leadership to a widely known and a fine cultural institution.

I have pleasure in conveying my heartiest greetings and congratulations to Namrta and her team in Rhythm and all her students.

Saswati Sen

Kathak exponent, Guru, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Secretary, Kalasharm.

HEARTIEST GREETINGS & GOOD WISHES It gives me great joy to know that RHYTHM, a Dehradun based organization for performing arts, which was founded by Kathak Danseuse Ms. Namrta Rai, is organizing a four-­‐day Indian classical Music and Dance festival in New Delhi and Dehradun -­‐-­‐“Smriti” in memory of Late Dr. Madhukar Anand.

I had the pleasure of seeing Madhukar ji as a wonderful dancer & bear pleasant memories of it. His untimely death really was a shock for all Kathak lovers. It gives joy & satisfaction to know that Namrta ji is trying to keep his memory alive through her work.

On this occasion I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to Namrta, the artists, staff & management of Rhythm & pray for an even brighter future.

With my blessings,

Saswati Sen

21st March 2015, New Delhi.

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Udai Mazumdar

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Udai Mazudmar Artistic Director, Rhythm Society.

Udai Mazudmar Artistic Director, Rhythm Society.

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Udai Mazumdar

Udai Mazumdar

MESSAGE

Day One Jugalbandi of Sitar and Bansuri

Shri Bhaskar Das – Bansuri (Mumbai) Shri Rohan Dasgupta – Sitar (Kolkata) Shri Shubh Maharaj – Tabla (New Delhi)

Odissi Recital (Delhi concert)

Smt. Aruna Mohanty- Dance (Bhubaneshwar) Ms. Nazia Alam – Vocal Guru Bijaya Kumar Barik – Mardala Shri Srinibas Satapathy – Flute

Kathak Recital (Doon concert) Shri Shyam Kartik Mishra (Dehradun) Shri Dharmendra Mishra - Vocal Shri Ajay Shanka Mishra - Tabla Shri Anand Shankar - Sitar

Day Two Shehanai Duo

Shri Sanjeev & Ashwani Shankar - Shehnai (New Delhi) Pandit Mithilesh Jha – Tabla (New Delhi) Shri Anand Shankar – Dukkad (New Delhi)

Kathak Recital

Ms. Namrta Rai – Kathak (Dehradun) Pandit Udai Mazumdar – Tabla (New Delhi) Shri Rupesh Pathak – Vocal/ Harmonium Ms. Latika Chauhan – Vocal (New Delhi) Shri Nikhil Das - Bansuri Shri Anand Shankar - Sitar

Rhythm Society is a Dehradun based non- benefit, non- government organization for performing arts which was founded by Kathak Danseuse Ms. Namrta Rai and registered under society act in year 2009.

Rhythm Society under the aegis of its artistic director - the world renowned Tabla Maestro and Music Composer, Pt. Udai Mazumdar, every year holds “Smriti” in memory of Late Dr. Madhukar Anand. This four days Indian classical Music and Dance festival in New Delhi and Dehradun is a gateway for rejoicing the Vedic arts and contemporary India, where the aim is to spread Indian classical performing arts amongst the general masses. Rhythm society is been continuously working for a better understanding of our diverse cultural heritage and keeping them alive.

This four-day festival is a tribute to Late Dr. Madhukar Anand, who was since many years living in Dehradun & Delhi contributing towards Indian Classical Dance and Music. “Smriti 2015” is a blend of country’s eminent maestros with the vibrancy of exceptional young talents who the society believes are going to be the Maestros of coming years.

Rhythm Society also has its teaching centers in Dehradun and New Delhi for the propagation of Indian classical performing arts where time-to-time Maestros of their own field impart their musical experience with the budding students of the society.

Thanks to the Supporters and well-wishers: 1. Ministry of Culture, New Delhi, 2. Habitat World, New Delhi 3. World Integrity Centre India, Dehradun 4. The Music Tree 5. Sanskriti - Suriname 6. DTDC ORGANISING COMMITTEE Artistic Director: Pt. Udai Mazumdar President: Shri Shashi Kant Rai Vice President: Shri Jitendra Kapoor Secretary: Ms. Namrta Rai Joint Secretary: Shri Paras Gulati Treasurer: Shri Sumit Rai Members: Mrs. Nidhi Rajan & Mrs. Neha Patil Special Thanks to: Mrs. Archana Verma, Shri Satish Sharma, Mrs. Madhumita Bose, Mrs. Romi Sachdeva, Mr Aryav Anand, Ms. Simran Kapoor, Sri Srimonto Mazumdar, Ms.Anjali Naurial, Sri Sourabh Mazumdar, Shri Ankan Talukdar, Ms. Varsha Bhondoekhan, Shri Parijat Saurabh and all the artists participating in this festival.

Late Dr. Madhukar Anand (1964-2008) “His feet danced, while his eyes and hands did the talking…

Rhythm seemed to flow effortlessly from his electrifying display of footwork. The agility of his long sustained chakkars (whirls), accompanied by fervent bursts of energy, held the audience spellbound”.

Early life:

Born in Patna, on April 14, 1964, Late Dr. Madhukar, was the third son of Shri Balram Lal and Shrimati Kanti Lal. His father is an eminent Kathak dancer of the post war period. Even as an infant, Madhukar had an uncanny ear for of rhythm and music.

This was apparent when he intently observed his father conducting classes on Kathak with his students. Sensing his innate talent his father as his first Guru initiated him into the dance form in 1972. It was not difficult for him to absorb the introductory lessons of the dance that virtually ran in his genes.

As a student, too Madhukar was equally promising. After his early schooling from a Convent, he did his matriculation from Patna High School. He passed both his Graduation and Post Graduation exams with Geology in First Class, from Patna Science College and Patna University respectively. Yet, despite his illustrious academic career, it was dance and not Geology that finally prevailed as his ultimate profession. He even turned down lucrative jobs offered by ONGC and other companies, after his post graduation.

Stage and arc lights beckoned him early in life. His first performance was at the tender age of eleven, in 1975.

Career:

Late Madhukar, undertook training in Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, under the traditional Guru Sishya Parampara, for four years. He was also the disciple of the Padmabibhushan Pandit Kishan Maharaj. Acharya Anupam Rai was also one of his mentors.

Henceforth, there was no looking back for him-the lad from Bihar had begun making his presence felt, well ensconcing himself in the bastion of Kathak. He was an A grade artist from Doordarshan, Delhi in 1992. Also an empanelment artist of Indian Council For Cultural Relations.

His first international performance was in Spain, in 1992, where he performed in tandem with the Flamenco dancers, in Madrid. The art critic of ABC, a noted Spanish magazine, described it as “Unico Spectaculo”.

The stage abroad welcomed him with open arms. The Federation of Indo- American Associations of Northern California felicitated him with certificate of appreciation for being “an outstanding cultural ambassador of India”, in the field of Kathak dancing, in 1993.

His galaxy of performances have been applauded in USA, Switzerland, various countries in Europe including Germany, Italy, Spain, Britain, besides Japan, Mauritius, France, Russia, Harare, Botswana, Ethiopia and Zambia.

He was a member of composite cultural troupe deputed by ICCR that went to perform in Kenya during the golden jubilee celebrations of India’s independence. He performed thrice in Nairobi, and once each in Mobasa, Nakuru and Kisumu, enthralling the audience. His short visit as the cultural ambassador of the country, in 1997, further strengthened the bonds between India and Kenya. The Hindu Council of Kenya also gave him a special certificate of appreciation, on the occasion. From the prestigious Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prayag Sangit Samiti in Allahabad, Ustad Alauddin din Khan Sangeet Samaroh in Bhopal, Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai, Maharaj Kalka Binadin Kathak Mahotsav…. to his performance on World Dance Day , on April 28, 2005, hosted by Kathak Kalakshetra…. The list seems endless. No premier conference or festival in the country was complete without his performance.

Contribution to the Dance World:

Late Dr. Madhukar Anand, a lecturer in Kathak Dance served 13 years in Bhatkhande Hindustani Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Government of Uttarakhand. Owned a doctorate degree in 2005, based on his research on “Kathak Ka Lucknow Gharana, Birju Maharaj ji Ka Yogdan”, from the Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalay, Khairagarh in Chattisgarh. He was sent on a year’s lien from the Mahavidyalaya, as a Professor in the Department of Dance, Punjabi University, Patiala, covering a rich experience of 13 years of teaching, besides conducting examinations and workshops in graduate and post graduate levels of various Universities in India and abroad.

He was the former Vice- Chairman of Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy. He was loved and admired by his students, as well for his method of teaching. He has enacted the role of “Krishna”, in the Tele serial “Geet Govind”, by Doordarshan, which also featured in BBC, London. The 26 episode TV serial, based on Jaideva’s creation, had him playing the roles of incarnations of Lord Vishnu as well. Though a strict disciplinarian, yet his lucid style of lessons inspired his students.

Awards & Recognition:

It is thus not hard to imagine the plethora of awards that were bestowed upon Dr. Madhukar. Anupam Arts, Allahabad, conferred upon him the title of Nritya Shree, when he was barely 17. Then followed in quick succession, the Shringar Mani from the Sur Shringar Academy, Mumbai, Abhinav Kala Samman, Bhopal, Nartan Sarvaswam, awarded by the Chakradhar Kathak Kalyan Kendra, Rajnandgaon… He was the cultural Kathak ambassador of India, in 1993. The Mahakaleshwar Utsav Samiti, Ujjain, honoured him with the Mahakal Sangit Ratna, while it was the Bhoramdev Samman from the Chattisgarh Government. Lehri Samman came from the Lehri Ashram, Kamtha, Maharashtra. He was also the honorable recipient of the Brihaspati Sangeet Seva Samman.

To add to the above, there were honours aplenty for him. He was even invited as judge in classical and folk dance in the National Youth Festivals across the country organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, GOI. He has a number of appreciation certificates to his credit including those from the India Association of Botswana in 1997, Hindu Council of Kenya in the same year, the Sahitya Kala Parishad, New Delhi, North Central Zone, Cultural Centre, Allahabad, Mithila Chetna Parishad, Asansol in 2004 etc.. He was also the resource person in the refresher course in Himachal University, in 2004, conducted by the prestigious UGC Academic Staff College.

It is certainly not easy to confine his achievements, distinctions, honors and performances in mere words.

Artists

Shri Sanjeev & Ashwani Shankar Born in a family of musicians of Banaras gharana in which Shehnai & flute are played for the last 450 years and over, Sanjeev & Ashwani manifested their strong affinity towards music at the age of seven and five. Their father Pt. Daya Shankar, himself an internationally acclaimed Shehnai player boosted his sons’ blooming talent to flourish with his personal inspiration and guidance. Sanjeev & Ashwani also had the privilege to learn Shehnai from their grandfather, the legendary Shehnai player Pt. Anant Lal After formal training in pursuit of proficiency of the highest order in Raga, Taal and Laya, both were awarded scholarship by the Govt. of India, Department of Culture, for their outstanding talent in the field of music. At present Sanjeev & Ashwani have been consolidating their knowledge under the able guidance of the legendary sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar . Ashwani is a Graduate in Political Science, and Sanjeev who is a Post graduate in Hindustani Classical Vocal music is presently doing research work for his M.Phil degree. Sanjeev has had the privilege to tour the U.S.A with Pandit Ravi Shankar for the Festival of India from 2005. In the year 2003, Sanjeev gave part of the background score and also played Shehnai in the film “Letters from Rishikesh” which was produced for the National Television of Israel. Sanjeev has recently arranged music in an album of Jain Devotional songs which was released by the honorable Swami Vidyanandji in the month of April 2006. The Shankar brothers have to their credit a wide spectrum of performances and have mesmerized the audiences at various music festivals like Sri Baba Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, Magh Mahotsav, Sangeet Natak Akademi Music Festival , and also in places like Delhi, Calcutta, Bangalore, Allahabad, Lucknow, Poona, Gangtok, Mumbai, Chennai, Ayodhya in India , and have represented India on many international platforms in places like France, Spain, Ireland, England, Scotland, Hungary, Slovakia, Japan, Bangladesh, USA and many more to name. In all their performances the brother duo touched the hearts of the listeners worldwide and were critically acclaimed and praised by both, the exponents and the critics of the music world. In 2010, the two brothers joined French musician Titi Robin on his new project “RIVER BANKS”.

Smt. Aruna Mohanty Devotion, perseverance and commitment have placed Aruna Mohanty as the finest among the dancers in the field of Odissi Dance. Nurtured under the able guidance of Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, she has been a student and Secretary of Orissa Dance Academy. Her unique skill and versatility make her the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Mahari Award, Sanjukta Panigrahi Memorial National Award and Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Apart from dance, Aruna has also established herself as an excellent choreographer. Her choreographic works include the dance ballet “Shrusti O Pralay”, “Shravan Kumar”, “Samrat Kharavela” , “Kanchi Abhijan”, “Krupanidhana” & “Krushna Saranam”, “Varsha Varnali” & Prati Nayak” etc.

She has traveled all over the globe to present solo and group presentations in addition to workshops and lecture demonstrations. She served as a member of Central Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, Vice President of the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi & Advisor to the GKCM Odissi Research Centre. She is also the Executive Member of Indian Council for Cultural Relation, New Delhi , Ministry of External affairs, Govt. of India. She received rave reviews for her role in the National Award Film “Sri Krishna Rasa Leela”, the first full length musical film based on Odissi Dance.

Namrta Rai Inspiration, innovation, self-expression, creativity…

Namrta found home for all these qualities in the beautiful form of Kathak at a very tender age.

Suffusing nimbleness with grace, her feet flitting through the intricate nuances of the ancient dance form Kathak, Namrta is an incredibly expressive and innovative upcoming dancer.

Maintaining the ancient tradition, she aspires to incorporate the youth and the modern times in her choreography. She feels it’s very important to show her audiences both, the life around which they live and the life of their dreams, through her dances.

Born in the picturesque valley of Dehradun, she received her training under the tutelage of Late Dr. Madhukar Anand, of Lucknow Gharana, in the age-old Vedic system of receiving knowledge called Guru Shishya Parampara. She completed her bachelor’s degree from Bhatkhande, Lucknow and Master’s degree from Khairagarh University. A recipient of National Scholarship (under the able guidance of Guru Geetanjali Lal) by Ministry of Human resources and development, Govt. of India, Namrta was also awarded Spic Macay scholarship under which she had the honour and opportunity to learn from world renowned Kathak Dance Maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj (assisted by Ms. Saswati Sen).

Trained thus as a complete and versatile artiste, Namrta has developed her own style of solo presentations displaying the traditional techniques and spectacular innovations to this antique art. Her performances are marked by lively and imaginative inventiveness.

Back in 1997, Namrta started her journey into the auspicious world of performances. Since then there has been no looking back. She has performed in various noteworthy and prestigious festivals around the Globe winning applauds from both, the art critics and the audiences.

Her noteworthy performances include, World Dance Day organized

by Embassy of India in collaboration with Embassy of People’s Republic of China, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia & Suriname Culture Department, Suriname, 150th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, 550 Years celebration of Basel University, Sufiyana Kathak with Ustad Shafquat Ali Khan & Pt. Udai Mazumdar, Nationale Divali Manifestatie, South America, Culturall Concert tours, Switzerland, Soulful Sufi, Mulhouse, France. DIG Festival, Germany, International Dance Festival, Ascona, Geet-Govind: A theratrical dance ballet for Indian National Television, Maha Kumbha, Haridwar, Modhera Dance festival, At The Ravi Shankar Centre on his 94th birth Anniversary, Arts and Culture Festival by NCZCC, Allahabad, World Dance Day, Punjabi University, Nritya Pratibha by Sangeet Natak Academi in Chandigarh & Dehradun, Chal Mann Ganga Jamuna Teer, Allahabad, Uttarayini Mela, Bageshwar, Bhatkhande Sangeet Mahotsav, ‘Sone ki Chidiya’- Celebrating 50 years Independence of India.

Namrta is an empanelled artist & teacher of Indian council for cultural relations (ICCR), New Delhi. She regularly conducts dance workshops in Northern Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Mulhouse (France) and Suriname. She was deputed as Kathak dance teacher cum performer by ICCR at Indian Cultural Centre in South-America.

She has choreographed many dance performances for stage, television, also for the Indian National television & National Carnival in St. Lucia.

Today Namrta is one of the most sought after amongst the young generation of Kathak dancers, in the country and abroad.

Namrta lives in Dehradun/ New Delhi, presently learning the complexity of Indian rhythms under the tutelage of Pt. Udai Mazumdar, a senior disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar and is engaged in performing all over India /and abroad including the Indian National Television and imparting knowledge to the students. www.namratarai.com

Bhaskar Das Bhaskar Das is a young and talented flautist from Allahabad, India. He hails from family of musicians and music lovers. His father Sri Gopal Das is an eminent and one of the first Indians to play Indian classical music on Clarinet.

Bhaskar is one of the finest Bansuri players of the youngest generation of musicians in India today and has been highly praised by the audience and the media all over India and abroad.

Bhaskar’s initial training was with his father Pt. Gopal Das with whom he still continues learning the intricacies of the Bamboo flute and north Indian classical Music. Bhaskar also learned with Pt. Anupam Rai. He has won many national competitions such as Sangeet Natak Academy, Sangeet Samiti, Sahara International Music Competition, All India Radio Competion etc.

Bhaskar is also a recipient of National scholarship by the government of India. Completed his master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University with distinction; Bhaskar’s specialty is his tonal quality and the sensitive approach towards the music even while showing his virtuosity on the instrument.

At a very early age Bhaskar started performing in concerts and soon became a popular name at the concert scenes and festivals.

He started touring abroad at a very young age and is been regularly performing around Europe as a solo as well as world music and other scenarios.

At present Bhaskar is honing his skills under the guidance of Pt. Udai Mazumdar. Bhaskar is a regular performer on the Indian national radio and television and is a favourite amongst many music composers for studio recordings.

Rohan Dasgupta

One of the most promising young sitar player of this generation, best known for his dynamic and meditative style of sitar playing. Rohan was inspired and initiated into the world of music by Padmabhusan Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan (mentor of the great Jafferkhani baaj). Rohan considers himself very fortunate to start the emphatic journey towards Indian Classical Music from one of the stalwarts of sitar playing Pandit Harashankar Bhattacharya (disciple of Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan), from a very tender age. Under his wings, Panditji initiated little Rohan to the magical world of Classical Music and Jafferkhani Baaj and as he unfolded, step by step, with parental care and affection, the deep nuances of the musical worship, little Rohan matured as an artiste and developed an individual meditative style of Sitar playing. The legend, Padmabhushan Ustad Abdul halim Jaffer Khan,himself has been a constant source of inspiration throughout and Rohan is blessed with numerous life defining sessions from his legendary Dada guru himself. Presently he is also imbibing several rhythmic intricacies under the influencial guidance of Tabla maestro Pt.Udai Mazumdar of Banaras gharana.

Credited for his dynamic stage presence and humble personality,he has been performing and spreading the sacred ecstasy of Indian Classical Music belonging to Indore Gharana from a very young age, and have got enormous compliments and support from his listeners and admirers from all around the globe. A frequent performer in several prestigious music festivals in India, Europe and south America, A regular radio and television artiste ,he has been awarded with the Presidents award and The National scholarship by the government of India to name a few.

Rohan has been associated with several musicians world wide and tours extensively around the world. His recent collaboration with North Indian flute virtuoso Bhaskar Das and Carnatic Mandolin prodigy Aravind Bhargav is highly appreciated and cherished through out the world. With his great dexterity and creative instinct, Rohan has always shown his orthodox and magical command over the implicit nuances of the Raagas. Establishing new avenues and visions as a music composer Rohan is at his innovative best among the blooming musicians.

Shyam Kartik Mishra Shyam Kartik Mishra is a young talented and versatile International Kathak Dancer, belong to a family who devoted its whole life to dance and music.Born in Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) Shyam Kartik was initiated in the traditional Kathak dance by his father and Guru “Sringarmani” Late Pt. Prabhu Shankar Mishra Banaras Gharana. He made his first pustic appearance in 1991 and become a phenomenal success even as a child artist. But unfortunately he lost his father at a very young age.

So later on, he received the advanced training under the sincere guidance of Late Dr. Madhukar Anand Lucknow Gharana. Presently he is perusing greater heights under the tutelage of internationally reputed Shri Rajendra Gangani, from Jaipur Gharana.

He completed his Nritya Visharad from Bhatkhande Sangeet Maha Vidhyalay, Dehradun and Nritya Praveen from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad.

Shyam Kartik is a recipient of National Scholarship

by Ministry of Human Resources and Development Govt. of India. He has participated at number of dance competitions and got first position. Like Sangeet Natak Academy Uttar Pradesh, Madhurima Sangeet Samiti, Haridwar, Bhatkhande Music College and Cultural Department of Uttarakhand Competition, Dehradun. Bengal Club Annual Music and dance competition, Jamshedpur, Bihar, Golden Jubilee Music Competition, Dehradun.

Shyam Kartik has featured in various National and International Music concerts and Festivals.

His performances include. Pt. Jadhu Maharaj Sangeet Sammelan held every year in Dehradun, Madhurima Sangeet Samaroh, Haridwar, “ Sone Ki Chidiya” Golden Jublee of India, Dehradun, Taan Chakra Sangeet Samaroh, Kolkata, Badri Kedar Utsav, Badrinath. Badri Kedar Utsav, Haridwar.

J.M.S. Sangeet Samaroh, Delhi. “The best of Banaras “Music and Dance concert, New Delhi, “Classic” 10th Annual classical music and Dance Festival of India, New Delhi, Acharya Brahaspati Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai “Parampara” Music Festival Kolkata, “Swar Ganga” Maha Kumbh Festival, Haridwar, Cultural concert tour. Europe Dig Festival Music, Geet Govind, Germany, Paris, Switzerland, Italy, Rome, France, Belgium. Everywhere he has enthralled his evidence with his charming scintillating and lively performances.

Pandit Udai Mazumdar On the precincts of percussion and maxims of melody a name, it seems, has come to stay. A name which is now creating melodic and rhythmic raptures in uncounted musical concerts all over the globe is Udai Mazumdar.

Udai ji hails from a family of musicians and fine artistes of Allahabad. His father, the Late Partho Sarathy Mazumdar, is among the first-generation of guitarists in the field of Indian Classical music. A versatile tabla player of the Benares Gharana, and also a composer of great finesse, Udai has over the years, consciously evolved into an evocative and expressive tabla player. This could also be attributed to his musicianship and sensitive approach both artistically and professionally. His dedication and commitment to the classical music genre and the time-tested Indian drum has made him equally adept as a soloist and as an accompanist. Udai, thus, naturally aspires to apply his skills to integrate the tabla as part of a musical whole in the performance arena.

As Udai ji’s initial training was in vocal music, it was only natural for him to be attracted towards the nuances of composing but he was also simultaneously drawn to the resonating rhythmic possibilities of the tabla. His first encounter with the tabla was at the age of 7 years. In 1981, he turned to the eminent Pandit Ashoutosh Bhattacharya, one of the foremost disciples of the legendary Pandit Kanthe Maharaj, to hone his skills. In 1989, Udai shifted to Delhi to further his musical experience and became the disciple of the world-renowned Sitar Maestro, Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, lived with him and learnt the art of Tabla accompaniment.

Udai ji has participated in many noteworthy Indian and international festivals, besides playing for and with Pandit Ravi Shankar in different occasions, like performing before the Royal Families of England and Sweden, accompanied Pt. Ravi Shankar together with Ustad Zakir Hussain in a concert to mark Pt. Ravi Shankar’s 75th birth year. He is a regular performer on the Indian National Radio and television channels. Udai’s

Indian travels have taken him to platforms such as the Durgalal Festival, Delhi, the Saptak Festival, Ahmedabad, Vasantahabba Festival, Bangalore etc. His international sojourns include the International Folk Festival Hungary, several International Drum Festivals, Germany, several World Music Festivals, Rome, the International Festival for the Chernobyl Victims in Minsk and the International Festivals for Contemporary Music in Mongolia, Odessa, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Azerbaijan etc.

Udai ji has also been recorded, aired and interviewed at the above mentioned International Festivals and by Radio DRS, Switzerland, Radio France and the BBC TV & Radio Arte TVFrance etc. Udai also has credits on the CD’s “Echoes from India”, “Fulfillment”, “Reverberations – I”, Musik der Welt Bern” and “ShankaRagmala“(for Pandit Ravi Shankar’s 80th Birthday), Journey, Kabir, Tulsi & Us, Singing Strings etc.

Recently Udai created a Musical on the 11th century epic Geet Govind by Jayadev called “Geet Govinda – The eternal love song of Krishna” for which he has also composed and recorded the original music score.

Establishing a rapport with music-lovers, Udai has won critical and general acclaim of a wide range of audiences through his memorable performances of the universal language of melody and rhythm.

Based in Basel, Switzerland and New Delhi, India, Udai is seriously engaged in performance, composing and teaching. www.mazumdarudai.com

Pandit Mithilesh Jha Pt. Mithilesh Kumar Jha, a well-known tabla player, learnt to play the tabla at the age of 6 from his father Shri Gopikant Jha. He later learnt the intricacies of tabla playing from guru Pt. Bulbul Maharaj Ji of Banaras gharana and has grown tremendously over the last decade. At present he is refining his talent under the guidance of Padmavibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

His feather adds playing capability of complicated ‘matras’ and ‘layakaris’ with clarity & melody & his skill reflects varied emotions of life while he concentrates on the melody and the clarity of the ‘saaz’.

He has performed solo and proved his command on tabla several times all over India and abroad. He is so immensely talented that besides playing tabla for only a form of music, he has extravagantly played it to all kinds of forms like classical dances, vocals, & with instruments. He even complimented fusion and ghazal beautifully.

Pt. Mithilesh Kumar Jha is a very prominent tabla player of recent times who has accompanied with many prominent musicians of the country, as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Begum Parveen Sultanaji , Pt. Jasrajji, Girija Deviji, Pt. Rajan Sajan Mishraji, Pt. Bhajan Soporiji, Smt. Shubha Mudgalji, to name a few.

Cassettes of Jha’s work with musicians like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Khan , Begum Parveen Sultana and Shubha Mudgal have also been released. He also has contributed to films like, “Khamosh Pani” and “ The Dance of Beat”. He regularly performs at prestigious platforms of Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, SAARC Festival, Taj Mahotsav, ITC Music Festival among others.

Mr. Jha is a great teacher too. He teaches his students with complete sincerity and his disciples are doing very well in the field of music in India and abroad.

Pt. Mithilesh continues to perform nationally and internationally and has earned immense appreciation and love.

Shubh Maharaj SHUBH was born in a musical family of tabla maestro Pt. Kishan maharaj as his grandson. His father Pt.Vijay shankar is a renowned kathak dancer and one of the senior students of Pt.Birju maharaj, naturally Shubh got music in his blood by both sides of families. From a very young age Shubh used to thump mini tabla sets and hence in small age of “one” his father devoted him in the feet of his maternal grand father Pt Kishan maharaj the most perfect hands to show the correct path to the small tabla player.

As the heritage passes on, Shubh formally got his grandpa’s “shaagirdi” in 1993 and joined the legacy of Pt. Kanthe maharaj’s family.The sadhna and practice began and the time changed the relation of grandpa and grandson into teacher and pupil (guru and shishya).

In 2000 Shubh gave his first tabla solo performance as an up-coming child artist at a tender age of 12 and after that he got the privilege of performing at several big stages of Indian music festivals with his guru ji and alone… He was fortunate to perform in front of the maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar and got his blessings. Till the date he has accompanied several leading maestros of Indian classical i.e: Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ud. Amjad Ali khan, Pt. Debu Choudhuri, Smt.Girija Devi, Pt.Rajan Sajan Mishra, Pt.Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ud Shahid Parvez and lots more!!

SAPTAK (Ahmedabad), SANKAT MOCHAN FESTIVAL (Varanasi), BABA HARIBALLABH SANGEET MAHASABHA (Jalandhar), SHANKAR LAL FESTIVAL (New Delhi), WOMAD FESTRIVAL, ADELAIDE (Australia), WOMAD NEWPLYMOUTH (New Zealand) – AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL (New Zealand)FESTIVAL OF INDIA, PARIS (France) – DARBAR FESTIVAL (U.K.) are few globally prestigious festivals Shubh has participated, including stages such as ‘SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE’, AUSTRALIA and ‘QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL’, LONDON. He is not only a soloist but a very blending accompanist as well.

Specialty of the young tabla player is the pure BENARAS GHARANA style of playing. The style of Pt. Kishan maharaj can be easily recognized in him and beside his guru he also tries to follow the essence of Pt. Sharda sahay, Pt. Pooran maharaj (uncle) and Pt. Kumar bose few outstanding tabla exponents from the same GURU GHARANA. Based in Delhi, Shubh is an ambitious, hard working, firm determined, humble and polite upcoming tabla player with lots of hopes. The only aim is to promote BENARAS GHARANA style of tabla playing as much as it could be and carry the legacy of Pt.Kanthe maharaj and Pt.Kishan maharaj much more further.

Rupesh Pathak Rupesh Pathak is a singer from the younger generation who hails from a musical family of Bokaro, Jarkhand belonging to the Darbhanga Gharana of Vocal music, where music has been family tradition for over 400 years.

At present Rupesh is honing his skills under the guidance of Pt. Udai Mazumdar.

At a very early age Rupesh has marked his presence amongst the music lovers and critics around the country.

He is specially known for his big vocal range and command over his voice. He has also been to many Indian reality shows winning accolades of music lovers of the country.

Rupesh has done his diploma from Prayag Sangeet Samiti in both, Vocal and Tabla. He was honoured by the President of Mauritius for excellence in Vocal music and international Ramayana meet at Mauritius.

Rupesh has extensively travelled abroad and is a regular performer for Indian National radio and Television.

Recently Rupesh recorded his debut album “Singing Strings�.

Born into a musical family of Allahabad, Nikhil was initiated into music from a tender age. Pandit Gopal Das ji a veteran stalwart of Indian classical music, known for introducing our traditional music through western instrument Clarinet, took the little boy under his stalwart wings of musical knowledge and trained the boy into a fine musician of the young generation today.

Nikhil regularly takes training under his young virtuous cousin Shree Bhaskar Das ji and uncle Vinay Kumar Das ji too.

Already within this short span of his musical learning, Nikhil has successfully added several feathers of accolades from various music competitions held across India into his credit, he secured first place in music competition organised by Sangeet Samiti , Allahabad and Sangeet Natak academy, Lucknow.

Simultaneously Nikhil is perusing his Bachelors degree from Allahabad University.

Nikhil Das

Ajay Shankar Mishra Ajay Shankar Mishra, Internationally admired Tabla Player, born in the house of noted table exponent Pt Jaddu Maharaj (Grand father) of Banaras Gharana. Started his training for Tabla under the Tutelage of his father and Guru Late Pandit Jagdish Kumar Mishra, Ajay Shankar Mishra has many noted performces to his credit in all oarts of the country, having performed at prestigious concert in Agra, Kolkata, Dehradun, Jamshedpur, Pune, Patna, Delhi, Badrinath, Haridwar, Rishkesh etc.

Honored by “Taal Mani” Samman by Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai, Ajay Shankar Mishra was a significant performer in at “India – Iran cultural Week” at Iran by ICCR. Ajay Shankar Mishra has accompanied with prestigious artists Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Late Shri Rakesh Prasanna, Pt Dinanath Mishra, Shri Kamla Shankar and Shri Rajeev Janardhan in Spic Macay and other prestigious concerts in country and aborad.

Presently, Ajay Shankar Mishra holds a post of Tabla accompanist in Bhatkhande Hindustani Sangeet Mahavidhyalaya, Dehradun.

Anand Shankar Anand shankar hails from a family of musician. He is one of the artistry and excellence that is the hallmark of Banaras Gharana of Shehnai, Flute and Tabla.

His initial training started under the guidance of his grandfather - well renowned shehnai Maestro Pt. Anant lal and his father - Shri Daya Shankar, who had the privilege of learning from the legendary Sitar Maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar.

Anand Shankar has been performing under the auspicious of many reputed national and international organizations with his father & grandfather. Later he had the privilege to learn Tabla from Pt. Anup Ghosh (disciple of legendary Tabla Maestro Late Pt. Shyamal Bose and Pt. Vinod Pathak, son of Late Balaram Pathak, a well known Sitar player).

He has successfully accompanied musicians in various reputed festival of music across the subcontinent and around the globe.

With the blessing of his father Pt. Daya Shankar and his grandfather Pt. Anant Lal, musicologists and audience who have witness his performance consider him as one of the most talented and up coming artist who is not only promising contemporary percussionist but also is a torch bearer in tradional style of Tabla.

Anand Shankar has taken part many times in the National and International Akashwani Sangeet of both A.I.R. and Doordarshan. He has also performed on the occasion of Independent and Republic day of India many times.

Dharmendra Mishra Initiated under the tutelage of Renowned Vocalist Pandit Vikas Gangadhar Tailang of Gwalior gharana, Dharmendra Mishra is a well-known name in the field of Hindustani Vocal. Dharmedra Mishra’s initial training was in Sarangi by his father, Guru Pandit Sohan Lal Mishra. Holding a degree of Hindustani classical music and Sarangi from Khiragarh University, had accompanied the doyen of Lucknow Gharana, Padmabhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji in many festivals and Spic Macay tours. Known for his melodious voice, Dharmendra Mishra has been appeared in many esteemed Dance and Music festivals all over India. Presently, working as Sarangi accompanist at Bhatkhande Music College, Dehradun.

Anand Kumar Mishra blessed by the lineage of 7th generation of his family. A renowned family of Benaras, which doesn’t need any introduction, comprehends the eminent exponent artists like Late Pt.Bachaou Mishra, Late Pt.Banshi Maharaj & Pt.Navaratan Mishra.Anand Kumar Mishra started plucking Sitar at a very tender age under the guidance of Sitar Maestro, Legend Late Pandit Gopal Shankar Mishra.

Holding a Doctorate degree in Sitar from Benares Hindu University, he is a budding artist and making his mark by marking his presence at the prestigious festivals of India like Sankat Mochan Temple, Varanasi; Sangeet Natak Academy, Lucknow; Ram Krishna Mission, Varanasi; Yuva Sangeet Mahotsava, Agra; Pratibha Utsava, Patna; Sankalp, Varanasi; ‘New Wave Of Ganga’ Ensemble: Dehradun; Dharmasala; South Point Vidyashram.Sanskar Bharti, Dehradun; Hanuman Prasad Poddar, Varanasi; Performing Art, B.H.U., Vyas Mahotsav,Varanasi; Khajuraho festival; Vasant utsav at Varanasi,Jaunpur; Mahotsav,Kalamandir in Kolkata,Delhi at Kamani Hall, Spic Macy, Bihar Mahotsav, Ram Marathe music festival in Mumbai etc.

Several prestigious awards have honored Anand Kumar Mishra, a B –Grade All India Radio artist like Late Ustad Ashique Ali Khan Award, Pt.Omkarnath Thakur memorial award, Bhupendranath Dixit award etc.

Presently he is attaining deeper knowledge of Sitar by Dr. Smt Pushpa Basu, disciple of Late Pt.Lalmani Mishra.

Anand Kumar Mishra

Nazia Alam Daughter of legendary singer Sikandar Alam and Naima Alam — a gifted singer and her first music teacher — it was, apparently, the couple’s dream that their daughter be a popular singer like Nazia Hassan and hence had named their daughter after her. Nazia took to music as a duck takes to water. Despite having an impressive academic record, Nazia resolved to take up music as a career. A Sangeet Visharad in Hindustani classical vocal from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Mumbai, and a Sangeet Bhaskar degree holder in Odissi vocal, she is pursuing higher training in Hindustani music under Ustad Mashqoor Ali Khan Sahab of Kirana Gharana at ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata, and in Odissi music under Guru Keshab Chandra Rout in Bhubaneswar.

Equally adept in rendition of the classical, popular, pop, ghazal and devotional genres of singing, the young singer has performed in India and abroad. Solo recitals apart, she has been a regular vocal accompanist for stalwarts in Odissi dance like Gangadhara Pradhan, Sarmila Biswas and Aloka Kanungo.

A regular performer on All India Radio and Doordarshan, Nazia, who was a finalist in Saregamacompetitions held by Zee TV, has sung at least 500 songs besides lending her voice for popular television serials like Duhita, Bidhatara Khela, and Mu Tumaku Bhalapae. She has cut nine albums in Oriya, Hindi and Bengali during the short span of her career.

Like her father, who is revered in Orissa for his devotion to Lord Jagannath despite being a Muslim, Nazia has also won hearts as a singer of bhajans.

She has received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Prativa Puraskar (young talent award) by Central Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Bijaya Barik is a well acclaimed Indian percussionist known for his exhilarating rhythms on the Mardala. He started his training in Gotipua Akhadas under the guidance of Guru Birabara sahoo.

Bijaya received his Masters in Music with specialization in Mardala from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.

Bijaya Kumar Barik

Under the tutelage of Guru Banamali Maharana he flourished as a soloist and has performed extensively with leading Odissi artistes in India and abroad. As a recipient of senior fellowship from Govt. of India, he has published several articles on Mardala Vadana in well-respected journals and currently a faculty member at the Utkal University of Culture.

Among his many accomplishment s, Bijaya has been featured in All India Radio and Television for the past 20 years. In 1997, he composed rhythms and acted in the Movie Kamasutra directed by Mira Nair.

Srinibas Satapathy Born in 1975, Srinibas was fortunate to have an exposure to Indian classical music through his father, Shri Jagannath Satapathy. He started his formal training in flute at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar under the tutelage of Guru Prof. Mohini Mohan Pattanaik. There he completed his Masters in Music in 1998. There after, in order to enhance his knowledge of music and imbibe the finer nuances of technique, he received advanced training from Pt. Rajendra Prasanna of Banaras Gharana in Delhi.

Srinibas has various achievements to his credit. He received the National Scholarship from H.R.D., Govt. of India from 1995-98. He was the topper in the Youth Festival held in Gujarat, organized by the Govt. of India in 1997, in the category of classical flute. He also held the first position in the All India State Bank Competition in the category of classical instrumental music for three consecutive years.

A soloist in his own right, Srinibas has given numerous solo performances all over the country and abroad.

Some of his important performances have been in United States of America, Belgium, the Sangeet Pratibha – Festival of Young Musicians in Patna, organized by the Sangeet Natak Academy; New Delhi, Vasant Habba – Annual Music Festival of Nrityagram in Bangalore, Nalanda Festival, Bihar, Ravindra Kalakhetra, Kolkata, Geetam & Siddhartha Kalakhetra, Berhampur, Orissa, and Bhubaneswar Music Circle, Orissa.

Srinibas is a graded artiste (Classical Music) of the All India Radio. He is a Guest Lecturer at the University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. He has given lecture-demonstrations and workshops in various cities of United States of America. He has also composed music for dance productions.

Besides giving solo performances, Srinibas has accompanied dancers of international repute like Smt. Sonal Mansingh, Smt. Madhavi Mudgal, Smt. Bijoyini Satapathy, Smt. Surupa Sen, Smt. Aruna Mohanty, Smt. Ranjana Gauhar, Smt. Sujata Mohanty and others, touring extensively all over the world. He has performed at prestigious festivals in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Bangladesh, Mongolia, and others. These include performances at the Edinburgh Festival (UK), Theatre de la Ville (France), Joyce Theatre (USA), Fall for Dance Festival (New York City Center & OCPAC, Los Angeles), Lyon de Biennale (France), Festival of India (Belgium), amongst several others. In India, he has been part of many important festivals like the Ganga Mahotsav, Konark Festival, Puri Festival, Kalakshetra Festival, Chennai Festival at Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha and Narada Gana Sabha, Bangalore Habba, Lucknow Festival, performances in Delhi, Bangalore, Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Allahbad, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and others.

His exceptional talent, dedication and precision make Srinibas a fine artiste with great potential.

Saibal Ghosh Saibal started learning tabla at the age of 8 years. He belongs to a family of musicians. His father Mr. Swapan Kumar Ghosh popularly known as Babla ghosh’ is a well known musician and dramatist.

Saibal took the blessings from the well known Gurus like Prof.

Lal Jee Srivastava, Sri. Pradeep Mukherjee etc. Initially following Farukkhabad Gharana added with other styles that he learnt, he developed a different style of playing Tabla. Saibal always emphasizes on clarity of bols and sound modulation. He always continued the experimentation on small bols and their style of playing.

Presently Saibal is under the tutelage of Pandit Udai Mazumdar with whom he learns the finer nuances and the musical aspect of playing Tabla.

Saibal has performed in various festivals around India including his Tabla solos in prestigious venues like Bhatkhande (Lucknow), Sangeet Natak Academy (Lucknow), Prayag Sangeet Samiti Music Conference (Allahabad), Basant Utsav, N.C.L (singroli) etc.

Latika Chauhan Latika Chauhan was born in a musical family of a popular and ethnic genre of music folk from UTTAR PRADESH. Her parents, Shri Prem Prakash ji and Smt. Hament Devi Chauhan always have a enthusiasm for her interest in music.

Her inborn musical talent has been escalated and inspired by her mother Smt. Hament devi Chauhan who is a radio artist in folk singing. Latika took her initial training in Vocal under the guidance of Pt. Alok Banerjee from Bareilly and in later stage She was further molded in the art under the tutelage of Pt. Ritesh Mishra and then from renowned vocalist Dr. Chetana Banawat from Kirana Gharana.

She has enthralled the audience with his remarkable performances in various places throughout India and abroad.

She is a degree holder of Master of Music in Hindustani Classical Vocal and M.phill and also NET qualified in music vocal. Right now she is doing her Ph.d in music from BANASTHALI UNIVERSITY,Rajasthan. Latika Chauhan has been honored various medals and awards including Young Artist’s Scholarship from Ministry of Culture. She came first in thumri and khayal competitions organized by lucknow Sangeet Natak Akadmi.

Beside all above-mentioned honors, Latika Chauhan is an approved Khayal, Thumri, Bajan And Folk artist of A.I.R.

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