Nagpur: Kavikulguru Kalidas Auditorium resonated with the timeless magic of Indian classical music on Saturday. The audience was transported into a realm of divine melodies and rhythm at a programme ‘Acharya Devo Bhav' organised to celebrate the birth centenary of legendary sitar maestro Pt Bimalendu Mukherjee. The event was a collaboration between Kailash Sangeet Trust and Saptak with the support of Persistent Systems.
The evening unfolded with a spellbinding sitar recital by Avaneendra Sheolikar. Opening with the serene beauty of Raag Jhinjhoti, Sheolikar's intricate renditions captivated the audience. His mastery over the sitar shone through in the concluding piece in Raag Pilu, a fitting finale to a mesmerising performance. He was accompanied on tabla by Debojit Patitundi, whose rhythmic precision complemented the sitar's melodic flow.
The second session brought forth the ethereal voice of Ashwini Bhide, a celebrated exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. Her performance began with the composition ‘pyari pag bole haule haule' in Raag Bihagada, leaving the audience spellbound. Bhide's distinctive style, a blend of tradition and innovation, was beautifully enhanced by her accompanying ensemble: Yeti Bhagwat on tabla, Ravindra Katoti on harmonium, and Swarangi Marathe on vocals.
Veteran playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar felicitated Sheolikar and Patitundi, while Anupama Bhagwat, a disciple of Pt Bimalendu Mukherjee, and Dr Uday Gupte honoured Bhide and her accompanying artists. Bhagwat expressed gratitude to the entire Saptak team for their efforts in curating such a magnificent program.
Vrushali Deshpande conducted the proceedings.