Nagpur's Senior Citizens Treated to Musical Extravaganza by Suresh Wadkar and Padmini Kolhapure
The Khasdar Jyestha Nagrik Sanskrutik Mahotsav kicked off with a vibrant celebration of music and memories at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Hall in Reshimbagh, Nagpur, on Saturday evening. Veteran playback singer Suresh Wadkar and acclaimed actress Padmini Kolhapure captivated a packed auditorium of senior citizens, creating an atmosphere filled with timeless melodies and heartfelt nostalgia.
Devotional Start and Evergreen Hits
Wadkar opened the evening with soulful devotional renditions, including 'Omkar Swarupa' and 'Devachiye Dwari Ubha Kshanbhari', setting a spiritual tone that quickly transitioned into a joyous celebration. He then performed a series of popular numbers that had the audience swaying and applauding enthusiastically. The setlist featured classics such as:
- 'Seene Mein Jalan'
- 'Tumse Milke Aisa Laga'
- 'Pahile Na Mi Tula'
- 'Megha Re Megha'
- 'Aur Is Dil Mein Kya Rakha Hai'
- 'Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le'
- 'Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale'
Senior citizens responded with resounding applause, with many rising to their feet and dancing along, showcasing the event's lively and engaging spirit.
Special Moments and Nostalgic Memories
A highlight of the evening occurred when Wadkar performed 'Main Hoon Prem Rogi' from the film Prem Rog, dedicated to Kolhapure, drawing loud cheers from the audience. Reflecting on his long-standing connection with the region, Wadkar shared memories of his four-decade association with Nagpur and Amravati, mentioning local artists who have performed his compositions.
"Nagpur's audiences listen with genuine attention — that has been my experience for the past forty years. I have visited Nagpur and Amravati several times," he said. Wadkar also reminisced about Kolhapure's childhood, noting that she recorded playback with him at the age of six and that her father, Pandharinath Kolhapure, treated him like his own son.
Kolhapure's Soulful Performance and Inaugural Ceremony
Padmini Kolhapure took the stage for a soulful performance, captivating the audience with her rendition of "Zindagi Pyar Ka Geet Hai" from the film Souten. The inaugural ceremony saw Kolhapure officially opening the programme, while former MP Datta Meghe presided over the function. Earlier in the event, Dr Haribhau Kanade and Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary were felicitated for their contributions, with Prof Anil Sole delivering the introductory address and Madhavi Pandey anchoring the proceedings.
Message from Union Minister and Festival Details
An audio-video message from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was unable to attend due to ill health, was played during the programme. Gadkari conveyed his best wishes and emphasized that the festival aims to bring joy and dignity to senior citizens. Organized by the Senior Citizen Foundation, the event drew a packed auditorium, with dignitaries such as Secretary Dr Raju Mishra, Ashok Mankar, and Avinash Ghuse in attendance.
Wadkar's Tribute to Raj Kapoor
Reflecting on Hindi cinema, Wadkar paid tribute to legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, stating that while many today prefix "Showman" to their names, the true and only Showman was Raj Kapoor. After performing "Main Hoon Prem Rogi", Wadkar spoke about Kapoor's legendary work ethic and commanding presence.
"Nowadays, anyone casually prefixes their name with 'Showman'. But the true and one-and-only Showman was Raj Kapoor," he said. He described Kapoor as disciplined and uncompromising in his work, noting that the filmmaker remained fully dedicated from the start of a shoot to a film's release and never showed laxity, even with his own children on stage.
Future of the Mahotsav
The Mahotsav will continue over the coming days with a series of cultural programmes dedicated to celebrating senior citizens, promising more entertainment and community engagement for the elderly population in Nagpur.
