Nostalgia casts spell over tribute to late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi

The magic of the late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi came alive on stage on Thursday evening as young classical vocalists, Rahul Deshpande and Jayteerth Mevundi, reminded the audience of the departed maestro’s style and skill at Swarshraddhanjali, the special homage concert at the Gharkul lawns.

The two singers were part of the 35 musicians and artistes who performed in the marathon 14-hour programme from 8 am to 10 pm.

Rahul Deshpande, grandson of the late Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande, a close associate of Pandit Joshi, won the audience’s heart by singing Raga Puria Dhanashree, one of Joshi’s favourites. He later sang the late Pandit Kumar Gandharva’s popular nirguni bhajan, ‘Guruji’.

Kirana Gharana singer Jayteerth Mevundi, disciple of Shreepati Padigar, one of Pandit Joshi’s early disciples, mesmerised the audience with his style and power when he sang Raga Puriya Kalyan.

He recreated the Joshi magic by choosing to sing the favourite Joshi bhajan, ‘Rajasa Sukumar’.

The morning kicked off with Kathak dancers Sheetal Kolwalkar and Kaveri Agashe enthralling the audience to the sounds of two soothing bhajans sung by the late Pandit Joshi. This was followed by  Bharatanatyam performances by Sucheta Bhide Chapekar and Arundhati Patwardhan. 

In the forenoon session, Manjusha Patil sang Raga Vibhas, followed by a bhajan, while Shounak Abhisheki presented Raga Manranjani, and Devaki Pandit the soothing bhajan, Ek Sur Charachar Chayo Re.

As afternoon crept into early evening, Ram Deshpande’s rendition of Kumar Gandharva’s nirguni bhajan, Shunya Gadh, Sahar Ghar Basti kept ringing in one’s ears.

One more poignant highlight of the day was the joint performance by taal player, Mauli Takalkar and harmonium player, Tulsidas Borkar, who had accompanied Pandit Bhimsen Joshi for the last 40 years. Shrinivas Joshi, Bhimsen Joshi’s younger son, did not perform.