Jai Ho - Another treat from Pandit Jasrajji

“Om Namo Bhagwate”… bhajan’s tune was raising, it was concert’s finale. Mesmerized crowd loudly applauded to maestro ‘Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraji’.   All disciples of Padma Vibhushan  Pandit Jasrajji who were sharing stage with their role model also broke from their trans with divine music.  It was 40^th year of 'Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh'. 

Nov, 2012’s venue CCRT near HiTech City distinguished from previous Heritage Location Chowmahalla Palace in Old City. Though palace's grand ambiance could not be matched in concrete jungle, addition of techie music lovers (identified by badges :) ) from surrounding area was surely a welcome change.

CCRT’s ground & surrounding garden landscape was tastefully decorated with lights. Panditji’s photos in various moods were brilliantly captured and displayed at entrance. At age of 82, the glow on Panditji’s face reflected his devotion for music. Jasrangi (jugalbandi between a male and a female vocalist, who each sing different ragas at the same time) had already started when we reached & we could find place to sit with other music lovers.

Is was simply a treat to listen to Jasrangi  between Ankita Joshi (Disciple of Panditji) and Krishna Bongane (Disciple of Padma Shree Ustad Rashid Khan). Tabla was also brilliantly played.

Show host Durga Jasraj invited Panditji on dais in  her lively style & Panditji blessed the eager crowd with ‘Jai Ho’. 

It was time for short break now till instruments were set for Panditji. In winter’s pleasant weather, it was fun to enjoy Hyderbadi snacks like hot Mirchi Bada & Masala Wada with tea / coffee during interval. It was time to catch up with likeminded friends too.

Panditji started his prayers and the nonstop treat continued for hour and a half. Panditji was mainly accompanied by his disciple Sanjeev Abhyankar for vocal & shashank on flute… divine experience! Panditji always shares stage with junior disciples & gives them encouragement too. Very senior artists accompany him on tabla & harmonium.

Around 11:30 pm Durgaji reminded Panditji  about practical constraint & Panditji obliged crowd with their final demand for “Om Namo Bhagwate”… bhajan.  At conclusion crowd rose for standing ovation with cheers of ‘Jai ho’ & departed with memories of wonderful experience.