The tradition of guru-shishya parampara is still applicable to Indian classical music. Although an ancient practice, musicians still prefer learning in this system. In 2011, Darbar presented a series of concerts as a tribute to this tradition that has been carried forth by many musicians’ families to this day.

With a father and guru like Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Sameehan has kept the flame of music burning in his own life. He gives a beautiful rendition of the demanding Raag Marwa along with a seasonal raga – Basant, surprising everybody with his spontaneous performance and solid credentials as an artist.

Kashalkar begins Raag Marwa, establishing its essence and identity within the first 30 seconds itself. His extempore of its progression, gently magnifying the emphatic resting points - Re and Dha (2nd and 6th), is done with earnestness.

Marwa omits Pa (5th) from its scale and is a deeply reflective raga; It consists of a sea of overwhelming possibilities capable of being handled by seasoned players mostly. But here, junior Kashalkar proves his worth with a gripping rendition of bol-alap and bol taans strung with appropriate nuances of this colossal melody.

Next, he presents ‘Kanha rang baan daara’ in Raag Basant set to Adhya taal (a variant of the 16-beat teental). This song was composed by the prolific Pandit Dinkar Kaikini (1927-2010). A tarana follows, sung soulfully in the same raga, bringing the concert to an end.

Kashalkar’s ornamentations are gentle and winsome but what makes this recital absolutely charming is the sureness with which he delivers every bit. There is not a single moment in the performance of this talented singer that is not seeped in melody and repose.

Manjeet Rasiya offers a spontaneous interplay on the tabla, gliding through the performance with great anticipation and steady tempo. Chinmay Kolhatkar accompanies beautifully, unfurling a kaleidoscopic view of Marwa and Basant with his support on the harmonium.

There are many in the audience who came to this concert not knowing what to expect. While it is difficult to predict the performance of even seasoned artists, our gumption had full faith in the seed of creativity that only a Kashalkar can bring to the table. In the end, we bowed to the universal forces with gratefulness, for the joy of sharing a beautiful talent with the world accomplishes one of our greater goals as an organisation dedicated to furthering Indian classical music and arts.

Enjoy the melodious voice of Sameehan Kashalkar – he is an artist to look out for in the future.

Musicians
Sameehan Kashalkar (khayal)
Manjeet Singh Rasiya (tabla)
Chinmay Kolhatkar (harmonium)
Shobhana Patel & Gunwant Kaur (tanpuras)

Raag: Marwa Thaat: Marwa, Samay: sunset
Raag: Basant (seasonal raga), Thaat: Poorvi, Samay: anytime during Spring