Khamoshiyaan Eight promises melodies embellished by legendary voices at Sky Theatre, Auckland on July 19, 2025
Venkat Raman
Auckland, July 6, 2025
Auckland’s Sky Theatre at SkyCity will reverberate with melody as the melodies of lyricists, composers and singers of the Golden Age of the Hindi film industry on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
The Eighth Edition of ‘Khamoshiyaan Gun Gungunane Lagi’ will bring forth the soulful voice of classical music virtuoso Vidya Teke, fondly hailed as the Nightingale of Auckland.
This much-anticipated concert offers a nostalgic journey through Bollywood’s eternal classics, capturing the essence of timeless music and cherished memories.
Though Ms Teke’s name is familiar to audiences across New Zealand, her performances are always awaited with keen enthusiasm. Each concert unveils a fresh selection of beloved songs, masterfully interpreted and imbued with elegance and emotive depth.
Shekhar Teke, the visionary behind the series, shares that choosing favourites from the treasure trove of Hindi film music is a formidable task.
“The industry has gifted generations with unforgettable melodies and therefore, selecting just a few for a single evening’s performance is a challenge. Nevertheless, certain songs have secured an enduring place in the public’s heart,” he said.
Please read the Showtime (above) as 6.30 pm.
From Pune to Pacific Stages
Ms Teke’s musical journey began in childhood under the guidance of her father and was further shaped by renowned mentors of the Pune and the Gwalior Gharana. Her performances have graced stages across India, New Zealand and Fiji, where she has shared the spotlight with celebrated figures such as Annu Kapoor, Amit Kumar, Bankim Pathak Ji and Mohammad Aziz. Her artistry spans Hindustani Classical, Semi-Classical and Light Music, and she possesses a unique ability to engage and enchant audiences across age groups and cultures.
Khamoshiyaan Gun Gungunane Lagi is more than a concert; it is a labour of love nurtured by the Teke couple. The series commenced in 2014 as a tribute to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar and has since evolved to honour other celebrated female artists. Each edition is designed to preserve the legacy of these icons and introduce their work to new audiences through thoughtful musical curation.
Raags, Rhythm and Reverence
The upcoming Concert is expected to feature selections crafted using the timeless art of Indian classical Raags. Ms Teke will be joined by a talented ensemble including Arif Zia, Rushikesh Ahinave, Vijendra Rane, Ravi Shetty, Kartik, Geeta Sangamnerkar, Sudha Tata, Rupak Adwait Haldankar (grandson of the revered Babanrao Haldankar of the famous Agra Gharana of Hindustani Classical Music) and Zuilee Haldankar. Together, they will pay homage to the legends of the Bollywood music industry, highlighting its rich heritage and artistic brilliance.
Among the highlights of the Concert will be the appearance of Kaushik (also spelt Kausshik) Deshpande of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Mega Challenge and a seventh-place finalist in the Indian Idol series.
He was part of the winning Maharashtra Team in the 1000th episode of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Mega Challenge in 2009. The Team, which competed with the West Bengal Team, included winner Vaishali Made and Rohit Raut.
His rendition of ‘Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli, rendered originally by Manna Dey to the lyrics of Yogesh and music of Salil Choudhary in the 1971 film Anand (which earned the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award) brought him accolades.
Ms Teke’s commitment to the arts extends beyond performance. In 2009, she founded the Aarohi Academy of Music to promote Indian culture in New Zealand. Affiliated with Gandharv Mahavidyalaya in Pune, the Academy offers training in Hindustani Classical, Semi-Classical, Light Music and Bollywood repertoire. The institution caters to learners from diverse backgrounds, including children, youth, homemakers and senior citizens, and now offers online classes to accommodate students internationally.
Cultivating Culture
An advocate of the benefits of singing on breath control and overall well-being, Ms Teke has championed awareness of effective breathing techniques, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, launched AJAPA, a series of meditation workshops based on ancient methods. These sessions have fostered resilience and positivity and are now being expanded to include yoga and breathing classes at the New Windsor community hub.
She attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family and the broader community, affirming that no achievement would be possible without them. Her journey reflects a blend of passion, discipline and humility, and she continues to serve through music and wellness initiatives that uplift others.
Support to Charities
This year’s concert is expected to offer more than auditory delight, supporting charitable causes including Paws Rescue Centre and Ekal Vidyalaya in India.
The event will feature a talented orchestra with Hemant Thaker, Sekkar Kumar (both on Keyboard), Araad Hanif (Octopad and Drums), Navneel Prasad (Tabla and Dholak), Everard Fernandes (Bass Guitar) and father-daughter duo Antony Yempee and Diya Anthony (Acoustic Guitar).
Arif Zia and Stutie Junoo Sharma will be the Masters of Ceremonies.
