He rendered Parmeshwari on Saptak Day 5
Kartik Seshadri, leading sitarist rooted in Maihar gharana, and close-most disciple of Pt Ravi Shankar who especially migrated to US in early 90s to spend time in Panditji’s vicinity said, “Panditji is God to me and hence I am offering raga Parmeshwari to him. This is one of the ragas to name a few – Gangeshwari, Kameshwari, Jogeshwari, Charukauns, Moahnkauns, Rajya kalyan created by him. As I don’t have words to offer in his tribute, I offer a prayer to him and Parmeshwari that has spiritual properties that aptly coveys my emotions.”
Seshadri, who was also noted as a child prodigy as he began giving public performance at age of 6 in India, began studying under Ravi Shankar since he was 8. “Panditji first heard my performance in Banaras in 70s and since then accepted me as his disciple. I had chance to stay at his place in Banaras for intensive training,” he said.
During 80s and 90s he extensively travelled around the world including US, UK, Middle East, Far East and performed with Ravi Shankarji. “In 1991, I decided to move to San Diego to live in company of Panditji’s. The decision suddenly happened as Panditji called me up one fine morning and said – Mai ab San Diego rahunga, bete tum bhi yaha aa jav to? – And these words just pulled me there,” said Seshadri recalling one of the most intimate bond of his life time that he shared with Panditji since last 48 years.
“Moving to San Diego to be with Panditji has worked out to be the best decision of my life. Living with Guruji taught me that pursuing classical music is not just playing music. It is a lifestyle and a belief,” he said. Seshadri is currently a professor at the University of California, San Diego where he heads the Indian Music Department.
Desh is my offering to Ravi Shankarji : Amaan Ali
Amaan Ali performed in third session of Saptak Day 5. Child prodigy who began his public performances at age of 8 and the eldest son and disciple of the Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and grandson of Haafiz Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan is a widely acclaimed Sarod exponent who continues the legacy of seven generation’s unbroken chain of musicians from Senia Bangash School.
“I am honoured to be part of Saptak this time especially when it is dedicated to Pt Ravi Shankarji – one of my most revered artists who encouraged me and Ayan Ali both as artists. As Panditji used to extensively play Desh raag, I have chosen this melody as my offering to him,” said Amaan.
Amaan who is one of the most loved contemporary artists said, “I have had the fortune of having Panditji’s presence at my concerts many a times. But I especially recall again and again a concert held in Delhi in 2000. At this concert, Zakir Hussian accompanied me and I was blessed with presence of my father and Panditji both amongst the audience. After the concert Panditji applauded me for my performance which brought happy tears in my eyes.”
Amaan, who has performed in most of the mainstream music festivals in India and abroad, is known for his bold tunefulness and precise strokes.
