Classical Vocalists and Kathak Dancers Enthrall Audience at Michael John
Key Points:
- Foundation organizes classical music and dance festival on December 25
- Artists from Jamshedpur and Kolkata perform Hindustani vocal and Kathak
- Two artistes receive Sur Sadhak Award for classical contributions
JAMSHEDPUR – The Pandit Chandrakant Apte Foundation organized a classical music and dance celebration at Michael John Auditorium featuring renowned performers from the city and Kolkata.
The Pandit Chandrakant Apte Sangeet Samaroh 2025 took place on December 25. Dr. Ragini Bhushan attended the inaugural ceremony. Nilesh Apte graced the occasion as a distinguished guest.
Purbhi Ghosh and Satya Prakash Tiwari were present. Moreover, Prof. Pankaj Jha joined other dignitaries. Shankar Nath Jha and Dr. Sanatan Deep participated.
Mihir Banerjee, D. N. Upadhyay, and Arun Jha attended. However, all guests paid floral tributes to Late Pandit Chandrakant Apte’s portrait. The ceremony began with traditional lamp lighting.
Birendra Upadhyay, a Jamshedpur vocalist, opened the first session. He presented Vilambit Khayal in Ektal titled “Veer Bajrangi”. His Madhya Laya Khayal in Teental was “Shiv Shankar Parvati Pati”.
Amitabh Sen accompanied him on tabla. In addition, Prof. Pankaj Jha played harmonium. Dr. Abhilash Chatterjee and Rohit Upadhyay provided tanpura support.
Debapriya Adhikari from Kolkata performed bhajans and thumri. He presented compositions in Ragas Marwa and Pilu. Shubhojyoti Guha accompanied on tabla.
Mohammad Aflak supported on harmonium. The classical vocal recitals created a devotional atmosphere. The audience appreciated the profound renditions.
Alokparna Guha, an internationally acclaimed dancer, performed Kathak. She began with Ganesh Vandana in the second session. Her presentation showcased traditional Kathak bols in Teental.
She depicted Draupadi Cheerharan through Gat Bhav. On the other hand, her Krishna Bhajan demonstrated remarkable emotion. Her disciples Sarboni Poddar and Ayush Guha performed a duet.
The Lucknow Gharana style featured graceful movements. Furthermore, controlled footwork mesmerized spectators. Expressive abhinaya portrayed Lord Krishna’s divine leelas.
Shubhojyoti Guha provided tabla accompaniment as international maestro. Sourav Chakraborty rendered vocal support. Meanwhile, Sandeep Niyogi played sitar during the Kathak performance.
The festival will be broadcast across 15 countries. California Television Global Facebook page will stream highlights. Aniruddha Sen received the Sur Sadhak Award.
Ramkinkar Upadhyay was honored for classical music contributions. Both artists were felicitated during the ceremony. The awards recognized their outstanding work in Indian classical arts.
A large audience of music enthusiasts attended. The event promoted classical arts among younger generations. Dr. Ragini Bhushan contributed to successful organization.
Arun Jha, Laxman Jha, and Sudha Jha supported the initiative. Dr. Manish Tudiya and Deepak Ranjan assisted. Rajeev Ranjan and Dharmesh Kumar Jha coordinated arrangements.
Mohan Thakur, Kishore Mishra, and Vijay Shankar Mishra helped. Padma Jha, Rajesh Thakur, and Santosh Thakur participated. All Rao Foundation members provided cooperation.
