Last weekend, the India Cultural & Spiritual Center resonated with the melodious and sonorous voice of Smt. Yashaswi Sarpotdar. This promising young vocalist delivered a performance brimming with confidence, artistry, and charm. Her Hindustani classical vocal recital, presented by NaadRang DC, held the audience enraptured throughout.

Yashaswi commenced her recital with Raga Multani—an evocative and rarely heard main raga in today's concert settings. It was a delight to hear this timely, late afternoon Raga and the traditional bandishes such as "Gokul Gaon" in vilambit Ektaal (12 beats) and "Maanat Nahi" in madhya laya Teentaal (16 beats). Through a patient and profound exploration, Yashaswi unfolded the beauty of Multani with immersive vistaar and badhat, creating an atmosphere of contemplative serenity. She concluded the raga with the composition "Nainan Mein Aan Baan" in drut Ektaal, showcasing her intricate and expressive taankari.

She was accompanied by Pt. Ramdas Palsule on tabla and Smt. Sukhada Khire on harmonium. A veteran and versatile artist, Ramdasji was a perfect complement to Yashaswi's powerful presence—supporting her with sweet, responsive rhythms and bursts of creative layakari brilliance. Sukhada Khire's nimble and melodic accompaniment enriched every composition with grace and depth.

The next offering was Raga Tilang, a pentatonic (audav-audav) raga from the Khamaj thaat, adopted into Hindustani music from the Carnatic tradition. Yashaswi presented "Shyaam Sundar Madan Mohan" in drut Ektaal, followed by the thematically resonant "Kaisi Bansi Baaji" in Teentaal, both invoking a devotional atmosphere steeped in Bhakti. She concluded the first half of her recital with a Dadra in Mishra-Gara, "Jiya Mein Laage Aan-Baan," enhanced by Ramdasji's lyrical Laggi.

Yashaswi's musical journey began under the guidance of her grandmother, the late Smt. Kalawati Sathe. She later trained for over 15 years under the renowned Pandita Smt. Padma Talwalkar. A recipient of several prestigious awards, she has graced the stages of India's most respected classical music festivals, including the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Basavaraj Rajguru Smriti Samaroh (Bangalore), and Aarohi Music Festival (Mumbai).

Pt. Ramdas Palsule, introduced to tabla by Pt. G.L. Samant and later a disciple of Taalyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, is celebrated for his solo artistry and accompaniment. He has performed with legends across the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, including Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Pt. Jasraj, Vidushi Prabha Atre, Vidwan M. Balamuralikrishna, and Pt. Birju Maharaj.

Smt. Sukhada Khire began her musical training under Mrs. Anjali Pokshe, a disciple of the late Shobha Abhyankar ji, and later became a disciple of the eminent harmonium maestro Pt. Pramod Marathe. She holds a Master's degree in Music from S.N.D.T. University and is a graded artist of All India Radio.

The second half of Yashaswi's recital opened with the radiant Raga Tilak Kamod. She presented "Sur Sangat Raag Vidya" in madhya laya Rupak Taal (7 beats) and "Bana Than Aay Baalam Mora" in Teentaal, featuring a complex mukhda and captivating taans. Her performance of a Tarana in drut Ektaal was scintillating, marked by clarity, speed, and flair.

She followed with Raga Miyan Malhar, presenting the Ramrang bandish "Baadariya Aayi" in drut Ektaal and Pt. Shankar Abhyankar's "Saiyan Dar Laage." On audience request, she rendered a Dadra in Raga Des, "Shyaam Mori Baiyan Gaho Na," followed by a spirited Marathi Natyageet "Govinda Govinda." She concluded her recital with a devotional Abhang in Raga Bhairavi.

From the very first note to the final cadence, Yashaswi Sarpotdar captivated her audience with a performance that was technically intricate, emotionally expressive, and deeply soulful. Her recital demonstrated maturity, sophistication, and command beyond her years. With such poise and promise, Yashaswi is undoubtedly poised for a luminous future in the world of Hindustani classical music. We eagerly await many more opportunities to listen to her again.

-Shubhra Sinha