‘Bhajan Samrat’ enthuses fans, takes them on nostalgic journey

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Various moods of romance and its nuances filled the air as Bhajan and Ghazal maestro Anup Jalota performed at Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) auditorium yesterday, kicking off the First BKS Indo-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival last night.

Anup Jalota, an Indian singer, musician and actor best known for his contributions to the Bhajan genre of Indian music is popularly known as the “Bhajan Samrat”.

Considering his contributions to the world of music, Padma Shri was conferred upon him by the Government of India in 2012. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Bahrain-based creative artist Hareesh Menon said the night was something more than musical notes.

“Bhajan Samrat was showcasing our great traditions and heritage. As Indian nationals, it is most important, especially for the new generations, to understand our culture and musical expressions of it.

“Such events serve a linkage to the past and we get to understand who Kabir, Surdas and Meerabai were and their contributions towards formulating the great Indian cultural values.” The festival is being held under the patronage of the Embassy of India and in association with Bahrain Authority for Culture Antiquities and Soorya Stage and Film Society.

It will conclude on May 14. The highlights of the festival include an inimitable performance by the world renowned Sarod trio Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, the man moving people with his moving fingers Rajhesh Vaidya, and his team of accompanying artists, and the crowd-favourite keyboard magician Stephen Devassy and team.

Indian classical dance exponent Asha Sharath will bring to life Malayalam poet Sugathakumari’s “Krishna Nee Enne Ariyilla’’ through a unique Bharatnatyam performance in the evening today.