Three segments marked the event organised by Vishwa Kala Sangama, Chennai, recently. Stalwarts Pt. Shantanu Banerjee and Sriram Parasuram were honoured with Vishwa Kala Puraskar. Both presented concerts. The evening ended with a melodious vocal recital by Vani Rao. Although he belongs to the tradition of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib of the Patiala Gharana, Pt. Shantanu Bhattacharya has integrated, nurtured and fine-tuned the styles of many gharanas. A disciple of Pt. Prasun Bannerjee and Vidhushi Meera Bannerjee, who in turn were the disciples of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib, Pt. Bhattacharya came under the tutelage of Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty at the ITC Research Academy, later joining theAcademy.
Pt. Shantanu, who recently performed for Viswa Kala Sangama, began his morning recital on a sombre note in Raga Bairaagi, vilambit, Jhoomra, “Jaago sanyasi jaago gyaani”, composed by Aman Ali of Indore, followed by a Dhrut in Ikwaai, “Sur Surse Sadh le”, another famous bandish of Aman Ali. He employed maends, bolbants and bol banavs to showcase his musical acumen. The dhrut in 16 beats Ikwaai is played up beat - not easy to accomplish.
Parmeswari in vilambit ektaal, “Beete din Maahe” composed by Pt. Prasun Bannerjee, was highlight. This particular bandish has a great significance and connects to 12.12.12, when the day Pt. Ravi Shankar passed away. As a tribute to the legend, Pt Bhattacharya sang a composition in 12 matras in Parameswari with almost the same swaras as that of Thodi, but without any suggestion of the Carnatic raga. This was followed by “Datta Tum Parmeshwar” in dhrut ektaal - another composition of Pt. Prasun Bannerjee, bearing testimony to a continuing musical heritage. Gurumurthy on the Tabla was commendable. Mira on the Tanpura, and Vyas Murthy Katti on harmonium were in sync with the artist. Pt. Shantanu was honoured with the Vishwa Kala Sangama Puraskar.
The evening began with the violin recital of the most distinguished artist Dr. Sriram Parasuram, a disciple of Pt. C.R. Vyas. Equally dexterous in both Hindustani and Carnatic vocal music, Dr. Sriram Parasuram was honoured with the Vishwa Kala Sangama Puraskar.
Young Vani Rao, disciple of her father Damodar Rao, an A grade radio artist in Bhopal, presented Raga Puriya Dhanashri with great felicity and aplomb in a most melodious voice.
For over an hour, she showcased the raga with electrifying fast taans, akaars and bols. She concluded with a Meera bhajan. She was ably supported by Gurumurthy on the tabla.
