Remembering the maestro: ‘Arghya’ begins

“Panditji’s absence has created a vacuum that would never be fulfilled. He was a true devotee of Indian classical music. While retaining the meaning of words,he had carefully nurtured the essence behind swar. Through his Santawani,Abhangawani and compositions such as Mile sur mera tumhara,he enthralled masses,but he was beyond them all and was a true follower of the abhijaat sangeet,” said Pandita Kishori Amonkar.

Ustad Rashid Khan along with Pt Vijay Ghate on tabla presented raag Puriya Dhanashri. “Whenever I came to Pune for performing at Sawai,Panditji would be sitting in front of me. This time when he is not present,we are missing him,” said Khan.

The venue was packed with audience who,despite it being a week day flocked to the event,because of their love for panditji. What was noticeable was a perfect balance the legendary performers sought between presenting their renditions and paying tribute to the master of masters as they unveiled their mastery against the backdrop of panditji’s photograph. Ustad Shujat Khan,with his heavenly tunes on sitar filled the atmosphere offering an apt tribute to Panditji.

“He was a father figure and a guru,though I did not learn directly from him. I received his love for over 35 years. He is with us and has not gone anywhere,” said Pandit Ajay Chakraborty.

The day concluded with a mesmerising performance by Pandit Hariprasad Chourasiya on flute.