Venkat Raman
In a world where opportunism flourishes, loyalty is indeed an old-fashioned word.
However, familiarity, sense of belonging and commitment to friendship have always triumphed, which is why organisations such as ‘Swar Sadhana Academy’ and ‘Ravi Shetty Concepts’ have marched along, hand-in-hand, presenting quality musical programmes.
Joining them is an equally dedicated team of singers and instrumentalists who prove the saying, “If put to the pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.”
Sandya Badakere of the ‘Academy’ and Ravi Shetty of the ‘Concepts’ are to present the third edition of their now famous, ‘Suneheri Yaadein,’ with a tribute to Sachin Dev Burman (about who we have written in the past two issues) on Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 630 pm at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School, Howe Street, Newton. Auckland City.
Suneheri Yaadein for Hohepa
‘Suneheri Yaadein,’ this year is being held in aid of Hohepa Auckland, a charitable organisation that provides people with intellectual disabilities to live, learn and work with others of all abilities.
Tickets priced at $20 per person are now on sale.
Fourteen singers, backed by a proficient orchestra, are currently rehearsing for the show that promises the best of a music maestro who has tuned some of the most memorable melodies that transcend time and technological innovation.
Here is a brief profile of the singers in alphabetical order.
Arun Khotkar
A Mechanical Engineer by profession, Arun Khotkar has had a great passion for music since his childhood. He has appeared in various music programmes for the past 20 years.
Arun is a Director of Swar-Sadhana Music Academy and has been a performer at all its professional programmes.
“I look forward to ‘Suneheri Yaadein,’ which will be spell-binding with melodious songs composed by legendary Music Director S D Burman. We look forward to your presence and support,” he said.
Ekta Kumar
From her early days as a student and now as a teacher, Ekta Kumar has an inexplicable affinity to ‘Swar Sadhana’ and with a Grade 7 Certificate in Western Classical music (Vocal) from Trinity College of London and a Diploma in Hindustani Music, she is a great asset to the Institution.
Beginning her musical career at the age of nine, Ekta has participated in countless cultural events and musical shows in her native India and New Zealand.
Guncha Singh
New Zealand audiences know her as the ‘Shadow Voice of Lata Mangeshkar’ but only a few may be aware that Guncha Singh is a Quality Assurance Technologist at a food manufacturing company in Auckland.
“I am lucky to be a student at the ‘Academy’ learning Hindustani Classical from a renowned and yet a humble Guru, Sandhya Badakere. Being a part of ‘Suneheri Yaadein’ concert has always been a wonderful experience and every year there is new excitement,” she said.
Dr Hubert D’Cruze
Some call him ‘Guru Dutt,’ a few ‘Hemant Kumar’ and yet others ‘Talat Mahmood,’ but Dr Hubert D’Cruze calls himself “An Amateur singer.” Like millions of people around the world, he regards Rabindranath Tagore as one of the most inspiring poets of all time.
“I am very happy and feel very privileged to be part of ‘Suneheri Yaadein.’ Please come and enjoy a melodious evening of S D Barman’s magical music,” he said.
Kanik Mongia
An Auckland based singer and songwriter, Kanik Mongia is a Swar Sadhna Academy student with a several performances to his credit. He has a strong presence on YouTube and is preparing to release a new Punjabi track under an independent label in India.
“I am looking forward to entertaining the audience on the May 26, 2018, reliving some classic melodies,” he said.
Kanika Diesh
Having studied Classical Hindustani Vocal Music under Pandit Vinay Chandra Maudgalya in Delhi, Kanika Diesh commenced learning light vocal music under the guidance of Sandhya after moving from Wellington to Auckland about ten years ago.
Her focus now is on voice modulation, breathing techniques and rendering songs greatly enhanced by her singing technique.
“’Suneheri Yaadein’ concerts are always professionally managed with a great song selection, talented singers and a team of committed musicians,” she said.
Neel Patel
Being a Swar Sadhana student, Neel Patel has learnt the nuances of stage performance and believes that he is privileged to perform with “a line-up of amazing musicians and singers.”
He considers his recent opening performance with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as “an experience of a lifetime.”
“I have always strived to connect to the audience through my music. I believe that more than just notes and lyrics, music is an intimate means of communication,” he said.
Rachit Bhatia
Rachit Bhatia is a versatile singer and songwriter and has been performing in New Zealand for over 16 years. He is well known for his vocal ability and excellent stage presence.
Rachit was both the youngest contestant and the first-ever Indian to reach the Top 24 of ‘New Zealand Idol.’ Having recently returned from the UK, he is looking forward to the third edition of ‘Sunehri Yaadein’ in this series of tributes to Bollywood’s musical maestros.
Ravi Shetty
On Air and on Stage, Ravi Shetty is an entertainer par excellence. Beyond those credentials, he is a fine human being. With ten years of association with ‘Sunehri Yaadein,’ he must be one of three veterans of the series.
“This journey has been extremely gratifying. ‘Sunehri Yaadein’ has provided many singers like me a platform to showcase our singing competence. It was under this banner and Guru Sandhya Rao that many artistes were groomed and given the knowledge of Hindustani classical music and its various flavours,” he said.
Ritika Badakere
A talented singer, Ritika Badakere has been a star performer at many events in New Zealand and has been a part of ‘Suneheri Yaadein,’ since it began.
“The selection of songs is impeccable, with each of them tuned and performed for audience appreciation. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this group and am really looking forward to performing with them on May 26. This will be a show worth watching!” she said.
Sandhya Rao Badakere
This Reporter remembers having met Sandhya Rao Badakere shortly after her migration to New Zealand in October 2002. “Your voice is melodious, you must be a singer,” he said, as they waited for the arrival of the then Governor General Dame Sylvia Cartwright at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace (Auckland) to inaugurate Diwali 2002.
It was soon thereafter we learnt that Sandhya was groomed in Hindustani Classical and Semi- Classical Music by Pandit Phiroze Dastoor, Dr Prabha Atre and Mohinderjit Singh.
“Those keen on learning Music will benefit if starts an Academy,” we thought.
Presto!
“People will enjoy good music if she were to put together shows,” we told her in 2003.
Presto!
And for the record, Sandhya has a Diploma in Music from Bombay University and has performed in India, Sri Lanka, USA and Australia and New Zealand.
Shibashis Dutta Choudhury
A Civil Engineer by occupation, Shibashis Dutta Choudhury took to music when he was a child under his mother’s guidance. His performances at school and college were noted with interest.
Following a 14-year break from music to attend to personal matters, Shibashis will return to stage with ‘Suneheri Yaadein,’ on May 26, 2018.
“I am privileged to perform on the biggest platform for Indian Music in Auckland. Sachin and Rahul Dev Burman are my favourites,” he said.
Srishaa Iyer
This 20-year-old student of University of Auckland has been learning music since she was five years old. Srishaa Iyer enjoys singing in different languages and has several YouTube clips and a Single to her credit.
“I believe that singing for ‘Sunehri Yaadein’ is a lovely opportunity to enjoy singing and listening to the beautiful music of yesteryears. I have grown up in New Zealand and I engage with music in a meaningful way. I am privileged to work with amazing musicians,” she said.
Vibha Trivedi
Vibha Trivedi comes from a family of admirers and proponents of music for generations. From Classical Music to Hindi film songs, music has always been an essential part of her life.
Vibha is thrilled to perform the legendry Burman’s compositions that she grew up listening and these are very close to her heart.
She is equally excited to be a part of ‘Suneheri Yaadein’ team and is thankful of her Guru, Sandhya for giving her the opportunity.
