On the first day of the three-day 46th Annual Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan, organised by the Indian National Theatre in collaboration with Durga Dass Foundation in the auditorium of Strawberry Fields High School in Sector 26, Rutuja Lad and Atul Khandekar mesmerized the audience with the melodious waves of their classical singing, earning much appreciation.
Before the artists’ performances, students from The Tribune School, Sector 29, under the guidance of their music teacher Atul Dubey, presented a soulful Saraswati Vandana as the invocation to the Goddess Saraswati.
The music conference opened with a performance by classical singer Rutuja Lad, who began with Raag Shri, singing the slow-paced Khayal in Teen Taal, “Kaha Mein Guru Dhoondhan Jaoon.” She then performed “Guru Bin Kaun Batave Baat” in Addha Teen Taal, followed by a Tarana in Ada Chautaal, concluding Raag Shri with finesse. Her next piece was in Raag Tilak Kamod, where she presented “Koyaliya Bole Ambwa” in Rupak Taal. She concluded with a Dadra, “Jiya Mein Lagi Aan Ban,” earning high praise from the audience.
Classical vocalist Atul Khandekar began with Raag Vachaspati, performing a slow-paced bandish in Teen Taal, “Sacho Tero Naam.” He then continued with the medium-paced bandish “Chatur Sughar Balma,” followed by a fast-paced Tarana, composed by Dr. Veena Sahasrabuddhe, which captivated the audience. He also performed a medium-paced Tarana in Raag Jogkauns, composed by Pandit Kashinath Bodas. He concluded with a beautiful in bandish, “Peer Parai Jane Na Do Balamwa,” and wrapped up with a beautiful bhajan by Meera Bai.
Vinod Lele accompanied on tabla and Paromita Mukherjee on harmonium, gave beautiful accompaniment which enhancing the artists’ performances. The conference, open to all music enthusiasts, offers free entry.
Rutuja Lad was inspired by her parents, Tanuja and Umesh Lad, to pursue music from the age of five. She has performed at prestigious events organized by Dadar Matunga Cultural Center, Bhavan’s Cultural Center, Hridayesh Arts, INT Aditya Birla Center of Performing Arts, Suburban Music Circle, Ganyogini Mahotsav, and more. Currently, she serves as a visiting faculty member at the postgraduate music department of SNDT University. Atul Khandekar, under the guidance of renowned Gwalior Gharana vocalist Dr. Veena Sahasrabuddhe, received training in various aspects of singing, rhythm, meend, and taan kriya. He also trained in Natya Sangeet under acclaimed stage actresses and singers like the late Jaymalabai Shiledar and Kirti Shiledar.
Ustat Bal was compere for the evening who presented the program beautifully.
After the invocation, Anil Nehru, President Indian National Theatre gave a warm welcome speech to all present.
