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Home > Sunday Mid Day News > Own a keepsake from the shelf of your favourite music icon heres how

Own a keepsake from the shelf of your favourite music icon, here's how

Updated on: 27 November,2016 10:12 AM IST  | 
Jane Borges |

From Usha Uthup's famed Kanjeevaram to a harmonium handpicked by Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, you could own the best of music at the upcoming charity auction as part of Hard Rock Café's 10 years in India celebration

Own a keepsake from the shelf of your favourite music icon, here's how

Jay Singh, co-founder, JSM Corporation
Jay Singh, co-founder, JSM Corporation


Imagine owning a keepsake from the shelf of your favourite music icon? As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, Hard Rock Café India has reached out to the country’s musical greats, to donate a personal something, for their upcoming auction.


Led by Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder of Saffronart, the ‘Bid and Buy’ event will feature a plethora of collectibles that have been at the heart of many powerful and soul-stirring performances. Think folk music artiste Raghu Dixit’s guitar, Sivamani’s timbale, Shankar Mahadevan’s harmonium and Usha Uthup’s iconic Kanjeevaram saree. Yes, they could all be yours. What’s more, the proceeds from the ‘Bid and Buy’ event will go to Brett Lee’s Foundation’s ‘Mewsic Initiative’ that empowers underprivileged children to pursue musical passion. “Our mission is to spread the spirit of rock ’n’ roll. Taking that mission forward, we decided to donate to Brett Lee’s foundation. And, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful collection from such great artistes,” said Jay Singh, co-founder and executive director, JSM Corporation.


It didn’t take too much to convince the artistes to pool in, says Singh. “The cause is strong. We are spreading the joy of music,” he adds. Here’s what you can get your hands on.

Uthup’s Kanjeevaram sari and microphone
For the auction, Uthup is giving away one of her favourite saris and one of the first vocal microphones that she used.

“I am so, so happy to donate a little something of myself. It’s a great feeling of pride for me,” she said.

Parikrama’s AIDS brochure
This brochure was distributed during the first AIDS awareness concert in New Delhi. “People thought AIDS spread due to a mosquito bite, hence, we created an awareness brochure for the first time ever mentioning the Do’s and Don’ts about AIDS,” the band recalled.

Sivamani’s timbale
Remember that brilliant percussion, which gave AR Rahman’s music that extra lift in the film, Taal. When Sivamani was asked to participate in the event, he couldn’t think of any better piece to donate. “These drums were used when I was working with Zakir Hussain, Rahman and other legendary musicians. It is unique and precious to me as I used them in my biggest concerts.”

The Euphoria hat
The band first sported this hat in its hit song Item, over six years ago. Inspired from the costumes worn by Indian shaadi bands, the band says that the hat is now part of its signature look.

Raghu Dixit’s guitar
Dixit bought this acoustic guitar with the money he had saved up, while working in Belgium. He played the guitar with his first band Antaragni, and it has also been featured on the artwork for his first album released in 2007.

Shankar Mahadevan’s harmonium
The music director-singer bought this instrument many years ago. “Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan sahab personally came along to the shop and selected this harmonium. It was a superb and a memorable experience for me. This musical instrument holds special importance in my life. His blessings get passed on with it so it feels great,” said Mahadevan.

Where: Hard Rock Cafe, Bombay Dyeing Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli
When: November 30, 8 PM onwards
Entry: Rs 2,500 (cover pass)
Call: 66511209

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