The concert could not have been organised at a better time.
Just four weeks prior to his death in London following a heart attack (on December 3), Sursangam Events presented a high quality programme of live music and video clippings, paying tribute to Dev Anand.
As if by providence, organiser Gopal Bhatia called it Gata Rahe Mera Dil (May heart continues to sing), bringing together a host of talented singers from India, joined by local performers on November 4, 2011 at the Dorothy Winstone Centre of Auckland Girls Grammar School.
There were 28 numbers taken from the legendary actor’s films but their selection must have posed a formidable challenge, for each song, tuned from some of the finest composers of the Hindi film industry was as melodious as the others.
Visiting singers Madhura Datar and Omkar Kelkar rendered songs that have withstood the test of time and changing tastes.
Madhura was perhaps at her best when she rendered solo numbers ‘Kanton Se Kheench Ke Ye Aanchal’ (from Guide), ‘Rangeela Re’ (Prem Pujari) and ‘Shokiyon Mein Ghola Jaye’ (Prem Pujari), a duet with Gopal.
Omkar, known as a ‘Singer with the voice of Mohammed Rafi,’ received thunderous ovation as he rendered the solo hit ‘Mera Man Pyasa’ (Gambler) and Deewana Mastana Hua Dil (Bombai Ka Babu) with Madhura.
Among the highlights of the evening was the participation and performance of Kishor Bhanushali, popularly known as ‘Junior Dev Anand.’
Emerging from the audience, he began his performance with ‘Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara,’ a revetting number from Jewel Thief that was the rage of movie fans in 1967. His other numbers, ‘Gaata Rahe Mera Dil’ and ‘Are Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Gajab’ with Madhura called for encores.
Gopal also paid homage to Jagjit Singh, who passed away on October 10 with ‘Hoto Se Chulo Tum,’ a favourite of the legendary singer.
Gopal also received applause for ‘Kiska Rasta Dekhe’ (Joshila) and ‘Dil Aaj Shayar Hai’ (Gambler) Kavinesh Kumar got his glory with ‘Khoya Khoya Chand’ (Kala Bazaar), while Rachit Bhatia and Guncha Singh were noted respectively for ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’ (Johny Mera Naam) ‘Bujh Mera Kya Naam Re’ (CID).
Other singers at the concert were Shalendra, Nigil, Segeran and Rachit Bhatia.
The singers were well supported by an orchestra comprising Ajay Atre (Rhythm Machine, Dholak, Octopad), Mandar Deo ( Keyboard), Nigil (Congo, Tumba), Segran (Lead Guitar), Shalendra (Tabla) and Vijay Murthy (Bass Guitar and Orchestration).
‘Raat Akeli Hai,’ ‘Rulake Gaya Sapna,’ ‘Hoto Pe Aisi Baat,’ ‘Dil Pukare’ (Jewel Thief), ‘Gaata Rahe Mera Dil,’ ‘Piya Tose’ (Guide) and ‘Hum Bekhudi Mein’ (Kala Pani) were some of the favourites of this reporter heard at the concert.
‘Junior Dev Anand’ Kishor Bhanushali at the Concert.
Pictures by Narendra Bedekar ©
