NaadRang commenced its tenth anniversary celebrations with a concert that beautifully encapsulated its mission: nurturing Hindustani classical music with sincerity and vision. Warm congratulations are due to the founders and volunteers —the animus et origo, who have, over a decade, cultivated a platform where excellence in Hindustani music is both showcased and supported.

The evening featured Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar, accompanied by Pt. Sanjay Deshpande on tabla and Abhishek Shinkar ji on harmonium. True to his Mewati lineage and as a foremost disciple of Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Abhyankar delivered a recital steeped in sura, bhaava, and aesthetic restraint.

Pt. Abhyankar began with Raag Madhuvanti (Kahe maan karo sakhi ab), gracefully unfolding its tender contours. In Raag Shyaam Kalyan (Saavan ki Saanjh), he evoked the quietude of dusk through soft, sweeping melodic arcs. The centerpiece was Raag Malkauns, explored first in a slow khayal (Biraha sataaye mohe) marked by meditative gravitas, followed by a spirited drut (Garaj badarwa dole ri maai), where his taans soared with controlled virtuosity. As the raga section concluded, Pt. Abhyankar shifted to a deeply moving Meera bhajan, Raam naam ras pi, and concluded with a Bhairavi bhajan (Hari darshan ki pyaasi), rendered with devotional poignancy and emotional transparency.

Throughout, one was struck by the tonal clarity and emotional inflection that echoed his guru’s gayaki—not mere mimicry, but a lived inheritance. His voice, resonant and agile, moved effortlessly across octaves, with every phrase imbued with deliberation and soul.

Pt. Sanjay Deshpande brought a deep understanding of rhythm and an exquisite sense of restraint. His thekas supported without ever overshadowing, and in faster sections, his tihai-s and bols were crisp, responsive, and tasteful. This kind of accompaniment requires a sine qua non of great sangat—attentiveness and sensitivity—and Pt. Deshpande delivered, sam after sam, with quiet authority. Abhishek Shinkar ji's harmonium support was equally tasteful—melodic, unobtrusive, and attuned to the emotional grain of each raga.

The synergy among the three musicians elevated the recital into a cohesive, immersive experience—an intimate mehfil within a baithak setting. The audience responded with deep attentiveness, occasional murmurs of wah, and finally, a standing ovation that felt entirely earned.

As NaadRang steps into its second decade, this concert set the tone—one of artistic integrity, reverence for tradition, and an enduring belief in the power of live hindustani classical music. A night of rasa, rigour, and reverence—one that will surely linger in the memory ad infinitum.

-Uday Kamath