And we pay tribute to Roshan, Rajesh Roshan and our own Sanjay Badakere
Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 9, 2024
About 750 men and women are certain to break the sound barrier in the Sky Theatre, applaud and call for encores as our singers and musicians present the latest (2024) edition of Suneheri Yaadein, an annual feast of Hindi melodies that have stood the test of time and ever-changing proclivities of movie buffs.
The event will be held tomorrow (Saturday), August 10, 2024 from 6.30 pm at the increasingly popular venue in the Auckland CBD, with the vivacious Stutie (Junoo) Sharma as the Master of Ceremonies.
Sandhya Badakere, her daughter Ritika Badakere Puri and Ravi Shetty continue the musical journey that began almost 20 years ago as an initiative of the late Sanjay Badakere (husband of Sandhya) to bring to the people of New Zealand immortal songs of mortal composers.
They have chosen to honour this year the late Roshan, a musical icon of the 1950s and 1960s and his son Rajesh Roshan whose compositions have been the launch pads for many actors.
About Suneheri Yaadein
The Programme is organised by Swar Sadhana Academy (of which Sandhya is the Director and Principal) and Ravi Shetty Concepts (an entertainment company that Ravi established in 2017) with the twin objectives of providing quality shows and fostering local talent. Ravi has however been a part of the show from his formative years.
Quality is embellished by commitment and loyalty in every edition of Suneheri Yaadein (save for three, Indian Newslink has promoted all events since its launch), reflecting the penchant and an almost religious passion that the late Sanjay invested in creating this musical phenomenon.
The Suneheri Yaadein brand has paid tributes to various music directors, producers and directors of the Hindi film industry. These include Sachin Dev Burman, Shankar Jaikishan, OP Nayyar, Madan Mohan, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Rahul Dev Burman, Raj Kapoor and many others.
Over the years, Suneheri Yaadein has supported many worthy causes through its proceeds.
The Magic of Roshan
Roshan Lal Nagrath, known mononymously as Roshan is revered as one of the finest music directors of all times, decorating the ‘People’s Music Hall of Fame’ in India.
His career was short (19 years) but his music continues to defy time and distance and many of his compositions are played at various music stations and concerts worldwide.
An accomplished Sarod player, his ambition was to make a mark in the Hindi film industry.
He commenced his forte in Bombay (now Mumbai) as an assistant to music director Khawaja Khurshid Anwar, and worked in the 1949 film Singaar.
His debut as the music director in Kidar Sharma’s Neki Aur Bedi (1949) was not impressive but Bawre Nain, released the following year, established him as a successful composer. Working with top singers of the time including Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Talat Mahmood and Lata Mangeshkar, Roshan became a household name.
Along with the songs of Malhar, Shisham and Anhonee, his Meera Bhajan became inspirational.
Like Roshan’s fame, his songs remain fresh. Among those that are still heard are Aeiri Main to Prem Diwani (rendered by Lata Mangeshkar for Naubahar in 1952), Na To Karavan, Zindagi Bhar Nagi (Barsaat Ki Raat), Ab Kya Misaal Doon, Kabhi To Milegi (Aarti), Jo Wada Kiya To, Paao Chhoon Lene Do, Jo Baat Tujhmein Hai (Taj Mahal).
Among the all-time favourites are Rahein Na Rahein, Chhupa Lo Dil Mein, Rehtey They Kabhi (Mamta), Sansaar Se Bhaage Phirte Ho and Man Re Tu Kaahe (Chitralekha).
Rajesh, a chip off the old block
Roshan’s younger son Rajesh has proved to be a chip off the old block, while his older son Rakesh (and father of Hrithik Roshan) is a successful producer, director and actor.
Rajesh became famous for his songs in Kunwara Baap, a 1974 film, followed by Julie, which launched the careers of many actors.
Among the box-office hits of Rajesh are Des Pardes, Man Pasand, Lootmaar, Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Papa Kehte Hai.
Kaho Naa Pyar Hai, shot in New Zealand (mostly in Christchurch), and released in 2000, was a runaway hit, introducing Hrithik Roshan as a star with merit.
“During her first and only visit to India in 2004, then Prime Minister Helen Clark met Rakesh (Producer-Director) and Hrithik Roshan in Mumbai and conveyed the love and greetings of New Zealanders and asked Indian producers and directors to consider New Zealand as their favourite destination for film shooting and post-production.
About Sanjay Badakere
Sanjay Badakere passed away on May 5, 2020, but for long insisted that Suneheri Yaadein should continue, “because it is a journey which reflected the aspirations of the people of New Zealanders- musicians, emerging singers and performers and members of the community who will always support local talent with fervour.”
An accountant by profession, Sanjay devoted much of his spare time listening to music, selecting a theme for the annual show (often paying tribute to a composer or a film personality) and then the songs. He would also devote time to producing the show and attending to the details of audio-visual content and other aspects.
“We have started this as a musical journey and it should continue from generation to generation. You can count on my presence at every show in spirit,” he told his family.
It is gratifying that the desire of Sanjay continues to be fulfilled by Sandhya, their daughter Ritika and her husband Jatin Puri, while support comes from their elder daughter Priyanka and her husband Siddharth who live in the United States of America.
This Reporter has known the members of the Badakere family since they arrived in New Zealand in 2003. Sanjay was a qualified accountant who worked in many commercial establishments, before establishing franchise offices of SBA Small Business Accounting in Mount Roskill and Pakuranga. Soft and extremely gentle in his manners, he was known for choosing his customers and keeping them ‘clean and disciplined.’
His forgiving approach and affable manners endeared him to colleagues and a large circle of friends in New Zealand and India.
His life would be a model for those seeking finesse and high values.
Artistic proclivities
Mr Badakere was an ideal husband and father and encouraged Sandhya to establish her Swar Sadhana Academy of Indian Music, which today has three branches in Auckland conducting musical classes, voice training and other forms of performing arts.
Sanjay’s gesture of donating his body for medical research is considered noble. Six years before she passed away (on ANZAC Day), Sandhya’s mother Sudha Rao also donated her body for medical research.
About Swar Sadhana Academy
Established in 2008 and based in Mt Roskill with three branches (two in New Lynn and one in Papatoetoe), Swar Sadhana Music Academy of India Music has an impressive record of students, some of whom have become performers and teachers over the years.
Affiliated to a renowned Musical institute in Mumbai, Swar Sadhana enables qualifications up to Diploma Level recognised by the Maharashtra government.
Sandhya and her colleagues have maintained the Academy’s focus on promoting Indian music in Auckland, developing local talents and providing special grooming programmes for exceptional talents.
“Our Academy endeavours to offer a wide range of training support, appropriate to the needs of students. As well conducting courses on Vocal Music including Hindustani Vocal (Classical), Thumris, Ghazals, Bhajan and Hindi film songs, we teach Harmonium, Keyboard, Voice Culture and Voice production techniques,” she said.
Further information can be obtained from Sandhya Badakere on 022-1060913. Email: sandhya_badakere@yahoo.com
