The city of Nagpur witnessed a sublime evening of classical melodies as the celebrated vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty took the stage. The event, presented by the Nagpur Cultural Society (NCS), unfolded on Saturday and was dedicated to the rich heritage of the Patiala Gharana.
A Night Celebrating a Storied Musical Legacy
Kaushiki Chakraborty, a torchbearer of the Patiala Gharana, mesmerised the audience with her profound artistry. The Patiala tradition is renowned for its unique synthesis of vocal styles, deep emotional expression, and masterful use of intricate embellishments like gamak, meend, and murki. Chakraborty's performance was a testament to this, blending impeccable technical skill with raw emotional depth and a contemporary sensibility, all while adhering strictly to classical discipline.
Her training under the guidance of her father and guru, the legendary Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, was evident throughout the recital. She demonstrated precisely why the Patiala style is considered one of the most rigorous and demanding in the vast canon of Indian classical music. Adding a personal touch to the evening, Chakraborty also presented compositions of her own creation for the very first time, offering the Nagpur audience a unique musical gift.
A Stellar Ensemble of Accomplished Musicians
The vocalist's performance was elevated by a group of exceptionally talented accompanying artists, each a master in their own right. Together, they created a rich, balanced, and dynamic soundscape.
The ensemble featured:
- Murad Ali on the sarangi, whose playing carried a lyrical gravity honed over six generations of the Moradabad lineage.
- Anay Gadgil on the keyboard, who skillfully bridged classical motifs with modern sonic textures.
- Shadaj Godkhindi on the flute, who contributed soulful phrases inspired by the vocal Gayaki Ang style.
- Vaibhav Wavikar on drums and percussion, who infused the performance with vibrant rhythmic energy.
- Khurram Ali Niazi on the tabla, a seventh-generation exponent of the Farrukhabad tradition, who laid down a solid, clear, and deeply resonant rhythmic foundation.
Nagpur Cultural Society's Enduring Mission
The concert was organised by the Nagpur Cultural Society (NCS), an institution that has been a pillar of the city's arts scene since its establishment in 1974. Under the leadership of its president, Reena Sinha, the society continues its vital work of enriching Nagpur's cultural landscape by consistently presenting eminent artists from across India. This evening with Kaushiki Chakraborty and her ensemble stands as a shining example of this ongoing commitment to promoting high-calibre artistic experiences for the people of Nagpur.
