Venkat Raman –
After months of rehearsals, preparations, the much-awaited musical show, highlighting the immortal compositions of maestro duo Shankar & Jaikishan will go on stage in Auckland in less than a fortnight.
Called, ‘Zindagi Ik Safar Hai Suhaana,’ it will demonstrate the signing prowess of a handful of singers, supported by a live orchestra at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School on Saturday, March 28 at 630 pm.
Sandhya Badakere, Director and Principal of Swar Sadhana Academy of Music, which is organising the event, said that she has selected the songs to represent the creative ingenuity of not only Shankar and Jaikishan but also that of lyricists and playback singers of a bygone era.
The Songs
Among the songs that will be presented by our singers would be ‘Jahan Mai Jaati Hoon’ (from ‘Chori Chori’), ‘Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam’ (‘Dil Tera Deewana’), ‘Tumne Pukaara Aur Hum Chale Aaye’ (‘Raj Kumar’), ‘Tu Pyaar Ka Sagar Hai’ (‘Seema’), ‘Zindagi Ik Safar Hai Suhaana’ (‘Andaz’), ‘Jiya Beqarar Hai’ (‘Barsaat’), ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ (‘Shikar’), ‘Paan Khaaye Saiyan Humaro’ (‘Teesri Kasam’), ‘Ruk Jaa Raat Theher Jaa Re Chanda’ (‘Dil Ek Mandir’) and ‘Tera Mera Pyaar Amar’ (‘Asli Naqli’)
The Performers
The list of singers includes Rachit Bhatia, Ritika Badakere, Ashish Ramakrishnan, Guncha Singh, Arun Khotkar and Srishaa Iyer.
The supporting instrumentalists are Hemant Thaker, (Keyboard) Ravi Shah (Guitar), Vivek Anturkar (Tabla), Peter Ravela (Dholak), Shivam Padiyachi (Base Guitar) Joseph Alexander (Drums & Octopad), Joscel Alexander (Acoustic Drums).
Enhanced repertoire
Rachit, a prominent singer who recently entered matrimony, said that love for learning and performing new musical styles have enhanced his repertoire.
“From singing western classics and Top 40 numbers for TV on ‘New Zealand Idol’ and performing the best of recent and old Bollywood and Sufi numbers for live shows to recording original songs for films, I have loved every bit of it. I believe that great performance is when a person connects with the song on an intimate level, captures the emotions portrayed in the composition, and gives it with their heart and soul,” he said.
According to him, golden melodies of Indian Cinema have the ability to capture hearts, both old and young.
“I am very excited to present songs composed by Shankar & Jaikishan, one of the best musical duos of the Indian Cinema,” he said.
Further details can be obtained from Sandhya Badakere on (09) 6270009 or 022-1060913
