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Journalism of Courage
Begum Akhtar is remembered for her powerful voice with unmatched pathos. Fondly referred to as Mallika-e-Ghazal, she has been an inspiration to many singers — of her own generation as well as those who came after. Among them was renowned thumri singer, late Shobha Gurtu. To celebrate Begum Akhtar’s birth centenary, a special concert has been organised where Gurtu’s foremost disciple, Sraboni Chaudhuri, will perform.
Titled “Kahkashan”, the programme is scheduled to take place on November 30 at Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Shivaji Park. It will see Chaudhuri bring alive some of Begum Akhtar’s most acclaimed works. Alongside, she will also perform some compositions that Gurtu sang and personally taught her, such as Hamari Atariya Pe Aaja Re Sanwariya, a dadra, and Mere Humnafas Mere Humnava, a ghazal.
“This programme is an effort to present the work of these masters,” says Chaudhuri. Shakil Warsi, a musicologist, will narrate each song to help the audience understand the nuances of its poetry.
Chaudhuri has more in common with Begum Akhtar than mere passion for music. The legendary singer dedicated her life to the art but her illness briefly interrupted her musical career. Chaudhuri can perhaps relate to the pain as she too, suffered a major health setback in 2010.
The singer who has trained in vocal Hindustani music under several eminent gurus including Shubha Joshi, gave up her job as a lecturer in Sophia College in 1999 for a career in music. However, Choudhuri was diagnosed with swine flu and her chances of survival were little.
“During the 35 days in the ICU, there were moments of complete surrender to god,” recounts the singer. “My return to singing after the medical condition is considered rare.”
reema.lokesh@expressindia.com
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