Saluting ‘Amar Ratna’ Pt Joshi

Sharma was in the city to perform at ‘Arghya’ organised at New English School,Ramanbaug grounds by Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal.

“His voice will not only be heard for centuries but it will also create new generation of audience of classical music,” he said. “The term Swargiya (late) is not applicable to him as his swar is Amar (immortal),” he added. Sharma said,“Whenever a political leader passes away,music stops on television. However,artistes are celebrated. Remember,such things happen only for an artiste.”

Sharma also applauded music enthusiasts of Pune,as he said,“I respect the citizens of this city as they have right to get it. I was told that when it was announced that entry for this programme (Arghya) would be given only by showing invitation pass,around 13,000 music enthusiasts queued up to get these passes. Panditji has sown a seed of music in this city. It is the result of this seed.”

Sharma then performed Raag Bageshri on Santoor. He was accompanied by Vijay Ghate on tabla. His performance received huge applause as usual as he played alaap,jod and zaala.

Earlier,Pt Bhimsen Joshi’s disciple Anand Bhate started the proceedings of the second day. He sang “Teertha Vitthal,Kshetra Vitthal” a famous bhajan of Panditji.

Bhate was followed by Suresh Wadkar who sang devotional songs such as “Indrayani Kathi…” and “Kaal Dehashi Aala Khau…” He said that he came as a devotee of Pt Bhimsen Joshi and wanted to offer his services in his memory.

Drupad singers Ramakant and Umakant Gundecha also performed on Thursday. Pt Birju Maharaj was slated to perform late in the evening.