An ode to maestro Ravi Shankar

Shraddhanjali, Aadaranjali and Swaranjali ­— an ode to the late maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, is a tribute by vocalist Soma Ghosh and Pandit Rajendra Varman. We caught up with Soma to know more about the show…

Tell us what’s in store?
As a tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankarji, I have written a poem. Zakir Hussain, Gulzar saab, and other eminent dignitaries from our cultural sphere will say a few words. Panditji’s disciple will play the sitar as well. The concert will also see sitar playing by Shri Zunain Khan, Pandit Arvind Parikh, Shri Ganesh Mohan and Pandit Kartik Kumar.

Have you worked with Pt Ravi Shankar ever?
Panditji has been my inspiration ever since I was a 12-year-old. He had an organisation in Benaras called the RIMPA and he used to conduct regular workshops there. It was from him that I realised the nuances of music, how a musician becomes complete. I learnt to pay attention to looks, costumes, and all other nuances that go into making of an artiste. He used to love having thandai at a shop near that place. And that used to be our favourite haunt as kids too. I connected with him later for a concert; he was supposed to come but unfortunately he couldn’t make it.

Tell us about your memories of him?
I hold fond childhood memories with Panditji. You can say he is the Dronacharya to this Eklavya.
 

When & where
January 13 at SP Auditorium, Bhavans College, Andheri. 6pm