Anirudh Varma Collective Makes Pune Debut at Kabir Festival with Contemporary Bhajans
The Anirudh Varma Collective (AVC), an award-winning musical group, is set to perform for the first time in Pune at the Pune Kabir Festival, bringing a fresh, modern twist to traditional Kabir bhajans. This debut marks a significant moment for the collective, which has previously performed at prestigious events like the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Genesis of the Collective
The AVC was born from a personal experience of its founder, Anirudh Varma, a New Delhi-based Indian classical pianist and composer. During a classical music baithak at his grandparents' home in Allahabad, Varma observed that younger listeners often lost interest in traditional performances. This inspired him to create music that bridges the gap between classical forms and mainstream audiences.
"This stayed with me, and I began to feel like I want to make classical music more accessible to the general mainstream listener of Indian music," Varma explained in an interview. The collective comprises musicians and artists from India, the United States, and Canada, united by a mission to blend Western and Hindustani classical styles without compromising the integrity of traditional compositions.
Pune Kabir Festival Details
The Pune Kabir Festival, organized by the Baithak Foundation, is titled Jag Baurana, after a famous Kabir bhajan. It will be held at the Pune International Centre on February 7 and 8, 2026. The festival aims to address modern crises through the wisdom of Kabir and other saints, with events designed to foster community and reflection.
Dakshayani Athalye, co-founder and CEO of the Baithak Foundation, outlined the festival schedule:
- Prabhat Pheri on February 7 at 8 am: A walk along FC College Road featuring singing and dancing to Kabir bhajans.
- Samaj Manch in the evening at Empress Garden: A platform for spoken word, dance, drama, and song performances centered on the theme of clarity and wisdom.
- Satsang on February 8 morning at the Ram-Mula Confluence: A gathering to sing works of Kabir and other Maharashtra saints.
AVC's Performance and Repertoire
The AVC will take center stage in the festival's curated closing event. Varma expressed excitement about performing a diverse repertoire of Kabir bhajans, including adaptations like Moko Kaha Dhundere Bande, composed by Pune-based vocalist Mandar Karanjkar. Other compositions to be featured are Ghat Ghat mai panchi bolta hai and Nirbhay Nirgun by Pt. Kumar Gandharva.
"We love to explore different ways to present Kabir in a contemporary yet raw format, bringing out the essence of the composition," Varma said. The collective's approach emphasizes fearless expression and accessibility, aligning with the festival's goal of reconnecting audiences with timeless wisdom in a polarized world.
Background and Achievements
Since its inception, the AVC has delivered over 500 performances and released albums such as Perspectives (2018), Homecoming (2022), and Sabr (2025). Their work has been recognized with awards, highlighting their innovative fusion of musical traditions. The Pune debut represents a new chapter in their journey to make classical music engaging for all generations.
The festival's tagline, "Finding your sanity in this mad world," resonates with the collective's mission to use music as a tool for unity and reflection. As Varma and his team prepare for their Pune performance, they continue to push boundaries in the world of Indian classical music.
