The Indian Weekender, 2 April 2021

6 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 2, 2021 The Indian Weekender
Ras Bhav Rang: A tribute
to Queens of Thumri
SANDEEP SINGH
Aucklanders were treated to
a kaleidoscope of a musical
rainbow in Ras Bhav Rang,
a tribute to the Queens of Thumri
to mark the ongoing Holi festivities
going around in different parts of
New Zealand over the weekend.
Thumri is a vocal genre of Indian
music – a unique art of singing
based on classical Hindustani music
– which initially emanated from
the courts of Lucknow in the 19thcentury
princely state of Nawabs
of Awadh.
One of the unique features of this
art form is the liberty it offers to the
singer in moving between different
Raags and emphasising the words
and presentation.
The singer not only sings but also
emotes the Thumri – as the name
suggests, “Thumakana” (movement
of a maiden with dancing bells)
through their facial expressions and
body movements while performing,
formulating instant connection with
the audiences. This was clearly
visible when a small gathering of
passionate and dedicated music
lovers was fully engrossed in the
performances of several local talents
who paid tribute to the legends
of this genre.
The programme was conceived
and presented by Migrant
Heritage Charitable Trust
Inc (MigHT-i) and Aarohi
Academy of Music. The
quartet of Varsha Belwalkar,
Prashant Belwalkar (MigHT-i)
and Vidya Teke, Shekhar Teke
(Aarohi) visualised the concept
and presentation of this genre as it
is often neglected by mainstream
Hindustani Vocal presenters.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender
Prashant Belwalkar said, “The
programme was a tribute to these
greats and a humble salute to the
those dedicated to the spread of
Thumri even today.”
"The
programme
was a tribute to
these greats and a
humble salute to the
those dedicated to the
spread of Thumri
even today."
“The audiences
were blessed to
listen to some
melodious
Thumris that
included Ghir
Ghir aaye
Badariya sari
(Sardari Begum),
Maine Lakho ke bol sahe,
Balam tere, Rangi Sari chunariya,
Jamane mein and the only duet
thumri – Raah mein bhichi hai in the
first half. These were presented by
Daljeet Kaur, Kishori Telang, Vidya
Teke, Dr Moushmi Das and Amrita
Kaur,” Prashant said.
The second half was super treat
with Saiyan rooth gaye, Koyaliya Na
Bol, Saiyan Nikas gaye, Le na gai
bemanua, Aae mohabbat tere anjam
pe, Baju Band khul khul jaye and
finale – Hamari Atariya pe.
A tribute to legends by
local artists
The singers were competently
supported by Samir Bhalodkar
(Samvadini), Dr Malur (Violin),
Manjeet Singh (Tabla) and Nikhil
Ghate (Tabla).
Vidya Teke told the Indian
Weekender that it was a long-held
dream amongst the organisers to
bring such a program dedicated
to this particular genre of Indian
classical music and finally came true
last weekend.
Buoyed by the support and
patronage received from the
music lovers of Auckland, Varsha
Belwalkar is excited to make this
event an annual feature henceforth
on the occasion of Holi as they
explore other unique genres for the
music-loving crowd of Auckland.
The program had the support of
COGS, Tamaki Health and Saattveek.
More about Thumari
The genre has often been
besmirched as the songs of Tawayafs
(courtesans). However, it is far from
the truth and had a grand run in the
late 18th and early 19th century
when the shahi darbars (royal courts)
and nobility gave patronage to this
art form.
It was popularised by yesteryear
greats like Rasoolan bai, Siddeshwari
Devi, Gauhar Jan (the most recorded
artists once upon a time) and then the
tradition continued later by greats
like Begum Akhtar, Girija Devi,
Kishori Amonkar, Prabha Atre,
Shobha Gurtu, Farida Khanum and
Nirmala Devi.
Even today, disciples of these
greats, Shruti Sadolikar, Aarti
Ankalikar, Shubha Mudgal, Shobha
Joshi and the queen of melody
Lata Mangeshkar have carried the
tradition forward.
EASTER SPECIAL
Easter Strawberry Mousse Cake
(Small Size)
OFFER VALID : 01/04/2021~30/04/2021
[ $56 NOW $52 ]
Call
Now
274 7744
www.gateauhouse.co.nz
Queen St / Botany / Mt Eden / Newmarket / Henderson / Glenfield / Albany