Tabla maestro Ramdohkar, violinist Deshmukh hold audience in thrall

Nagpur: A musical feast of violin and tabla solo performances made Saturday evening memorable for connoisseurs of classical music at a programme organized by Swarshree Gayan Vadanalaya at Ayachit Mandir, Mahal.
The event commenced with the lighting of a traditional lamp by chief guests Deepak Khirwadkar, director of South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Pramod Wakhre, advocate Ram Ayachit, Bhau Bhat Ladse and Uday Joshi.
Nishikant Deshmukh, a music teacher at Sandipani School, who was the first to take the stage, gave a beautiful violin recital. He weaved the magic of raag Desh by showcasing his skill on the instrument having been in the field for the last 25 years. The performance in serene atmosphere of the temple where Lord Balaji is the presiding deity was mesmerizing.
Ravi Satfale, who accompanied him on tabla, added a touch of class to the performance and they both got repeated claps for giving their best in the concert.
In the next segment, tabla wizard Pandit Kishan Ramdohkar from Banaras gave a scintillating solo performance. Ramdohkar has performed at many prestigious events in India and abroad. He has been playing tabla from a tender age of four years.
Ramdohkar, a disciple of celebrated tabla exponent Pandit Anokhelal Mishra, presented ‘dha dhin dhin na’, a favourite of his guru. He presented kayda and displayed his mastery over bol and vistar.
Ramdohkar was in his element as his fingers made the talking when he presented kayda, paran, rele and chakkardar. His layakari was breathtaking and rhythm unmatched. He was ably accompanied on harmonium by Vijay Yelule.
Establishing a connect with the audience, Ramdohkar said, “When a musician presents his art, he cannot keep track of time. I will present my best and keep it short.” True to his words, he showed his class in his some 15-minute recital.
Parag Wakhre, founder of Swarshree Gayan Vadanalaya, conducted the programme.
(Reporting by Sahil Bhalerao)