Anand Joshi to perform at tribute concert for father

Anand Bhimsen Joshi (48), the late Bhimsen Joshi’s son, will perform solo in the memory of his celebrated father in the city on Saturday. The free concert will be held at the Vedashastrotejak Sabha Hall, opposite Kalpana Restaurant, near Baburao Sanas ground, on February 19, between 6 and 9pm.

Anand will present a two-hour concert titled ‘Abhangvani’, which will feature the late Joshi’s choice abhangs and bhajans, which include ‘Nyani Amcha Raja’, ‘Maje Maher Pandhari’, the Kannada ‘Sowbhagyada Laxmi Baramma’, along with ‘Jo Bhaje Hari’ and the evergreen Bhimsen Joshi anthem, ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’.

Anand will be accompanied by Nachiket Mehendale (tabla), Gopal Shingre (harmonium), Mauli Sanas (pakhawaj) and Anand Takalkar (taal). Takalkar is the son of Mauli Takalkar, Bhimsen Joshi’s close associate and accompanist for 40 years.

Speaking to DNA on Wednesday, Anand said, “My father loved to sing bhajans and abhangs. I feel we will pay the best tribute to him by performing his favourite abhangs.”

City builder Nandu Ghate, who has organised the show said, “Anand is a very good singer and we are confident it will be a befitting tribute.”