Dipadi Dipang... begins and audience rocks!

(An interaction with Dr Salil Kulkarni and Sandeep Khare, pre-published in The Hitavada)

Honesty is key to success: Sandeep Khare

His identity, ‘Ayushyavar Bolu Kahi’ is heading towards 500th show, and poet Sandeep Khare finds only one secret of this success - Honesty towards work.
“Even after performing these songs for more than hundreds of times, I have to perform in such a way that they should look new. This is possible only when I am honest towards my job,” said Sandeep, who holds a Bachelors degree in Engineering.
According to Sandeep, having a sensitive heart is enough to become a poet. “Poetry is spontaneous reaction of a subconscious mind. You do not have to experience each and everything which you write,” said Sandeep.
Speaking on his unique style of writing straight forward and simple language, he said, “I represent the new generation. Young people are straight-forward. They do not relate with ornamental language. Especially, intellectual Marathi youths like my work, because it was written in their own form - in the way they think.”
When asked about the contemporary poets, and Marathi Sahitya Sangh’s literary meets, Sandeep said, “I never followed the popular style of attending poetry meets, and present poems. Fortunately, I got appreciation, and audience both on my own.” Unlike publishing the poetry collection, Sandeep chose a way to release albums, and perform on stage to reach the audience, which was eventually, a great success. “As my poems are subjective, they form impact when I present them in front of audience, that is why, I published my poems after success of my albums.” This formula brought a grand success to Sandeep as his maiden collection ‘Maunachi Bhashantare’ was a best seller.
Sandeep said, a poet have to think in the third person’s perspective to find the best expression. “Its important to see things around us in third person’s point of view to write effectively.”
When asked about performing in Nagpur, he said, “Unlike Pune, we find an audience with Hindi touch in Nagpur. They are interested in Ghazals, Nazms and many other forms of literature.”

All for our audience, says Dr Salil Kulkarni
“WHATEVER we are today, is because of the love, and encouragement given by the Marathi audience all over the world,” said musician Dr Salil Kulkarni.
“It’s unbelievable that we will perform for the 500th time in the upcoming show of ‘Ayushyavar Bolu Kahi.’ When launched, it was totally a new concept in Marathi. We were not even sure to complete ten shows in all,” accepted Dr Kulkani. Today, the show has 500 stage performances to its credit. The duo Dr Salil Kulkarni and Sandeep Khare have performed in 10 countries all over the world including 31 shows in USA. “We get inspiration, and energy to perform from our audiences enthusiastic response.”
Dr Salil, who is a known face for Marathi audience, through the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa talent hunt, believes that learning classical music is must to become a good singer. An MBBS, Dr Kulkarni runs a music school at Kothrud. For him, life and music are not two different things. He said, the values instilled in childhood by family, and especially, by mother, play an important role in building one’s personality. Refusing the chances of ‘ego-clash’ between him and his lyricist Sandeep, Dr Kulkarni said, “Me and Sandeep are very good friends and we believe on each others’ work. People do like to here such news, but we come with another milestone album, instead of an ego-clash,” he said. Expressing happiness over booming Marathi music industry, Dr Kulkarni said, “It’s due to the teamwork, and a quality of Marathi artists, that we are producing a milestone music, and films these days.”
Being a judge in a talent hunt contest, Dr Kulkarni is well introduced to the emerging talent of Maharashtra. “I am happy that singers coming from rural areas, are achieving a grand success in Mumbai and Pune. Vidarbha has a recent example of Vaishali Made. Hailing from a village near Hinganghat, she has become a Voice Of India,” he said.
“Vidarbha has a huge talent. Just youths have to stop underestimating themselves and and think with a global vision. They have many opportunities welcoming them in larger scenario,” appealed Dr Kulkarni.

Maestros use music to bring alive varied moods of life



IT is rare these days to see Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall packed to capacity. However, on Saturday evening, it was a different story. It was a full house as Nagpurians gathered for ‘Ayushyavar Bolu Kahi’, a musical presentation of Marathi poems, popularised by noted musician Dr Salil Kulkarni and poet Sandeep Khare.
The programme made the audience laugh, whistle, dance, introspect and even shed tears during the three-hour musical journey. Organised jointly by Vidarbha Gaurav Pratishthan and Purti Group, the programme was a grand success.
It was the 499th show of ‘Ayushyavar Bolu Kahi.’ Dr Salil Kulkarni started with Omkara Anadi Anant... and set the mood. More musical and emotional shades painted the evening colourful when three rain-songs, love poems, Marathi ghazals, shayaris, some humorous poems were thrown in by the duo. The chirpy children’s songs also won loud applause.
The programme was aptly punctuated with the humourous tit-bits of Dr Salil and Sandeep. The duo cracked jokes, shared funny incidents and made some spontaneous comments which added to the entertainment value of the show.
Aditya Athalye accompanied gave good company on tabla while Sachin Chandrachud arranged the sound system.
At the outset, Nitin Gadkari, President of Vidarbha Gaurav Pratishthan, Prof Suresh Dwadashivar, Editor of Lokmat, Praveen Dixit, Commissioner of Police, Pravin Bardapurkar, Resident Editor of Loksatta, Udaybhaskar Nair, Chariman of Nairsons, lighted the traditional lamp and felicitated the artists. Gadkari, Bardapurkar, and Dwadashiwar were also felicitated by Vidarbha Gaurav Pratishthan on the occasion. Adv Bhanudas Kulkarni conducted proceedings of the programme.

MUGDHA’s ‘Dipadi Dipang; gets them rocking:



While presenting the song, ‘Dipadi Dipang...’, Dr Salil Kulkarni appealed female singers from the audience to join him. On his call, a charming young girl, beaming with confidence walked on the stage, bowed in front of Maa Saraswati, and performed sitting next to Dr Kulkarni like a true professional. The girl, Mugdha Kale, stole the show as the crowd demanded an enthusiastic once more. Dr Salil Kulkarni praised her calling her an exceptional talent while Sandeep Khare demanded copy of his photograph with Mugdha as he felt she was a mega star of future.

Exploring new horizons of classical music

“GURU Shishya Parampara is the soul of Indian classical music,” believes accomplished Tabla artist Taal Yogi, Pt Suresh Talwalkar, who was in Nagpur to conduct a workshop on music organised by Nadbhrahma cultural organisation, when he shared his views on present scenario in classical music, new concepts introduced by him, his expectations from young talent, and of course, the scorching summer of Nagpur with me. This article is pre-published in The Hitavada on May 15.

On teaching classical music...
HE IS one of the greatest Tabla exponents of present times, has contributed immensely to the glorious tradition of Indian classical music as an expert musicologist, and is a versatile Guru. Pandit Sureshji Talwalkar, inspite of being busy with worldwide solo concerts, finds time to conduct workshops for children.
“My Gurus taught me that Sangeet, even if earned after a long Tapasya, is not your property. It is a cultural heritage of the nation. So, it is my duty to share it with the new generation.”
On Guru Shishya tradition...
Sureshji is an ardent follower of Guru Shishya tradition. He is also the chief Guru for a project based on Guru Shishya Parampara, initiated by a 100-year-old organisation in Kolhapur.
“I am associated with this organisations since last seven years. Importance of Guru is the greatest in music, as it is a Gurumukhi Vidya. It’s not only about information but, about Riyaaz (practise), Anubhav (experience), and Anubhuti (realisation).” He also advised students to follow any one Guru with complete dedication for achieving success.
On being a good disciple...
“A good disciple needs to have six qualities, surrender, devotion, heart, sincerity, punctuality and loyalty. Being a good disciple is the key to success in any field”
On novel concepts...

Pt Talwalkar has the credit of introducing new concepts in Indian classical music. His Taal Yatra, Taal Kirtan, Taal Mala and an idea of using vocal accompaniment for the Tabla solo, instead of only harmonium or saarangi.
“Firstly, when a singer sings, the laya is maintained on the Tabla by providing the appropriate theka. Secondly, words used in a vocal composition help the music lover identify the Tabla performance. It makes the Tabla solo more user-friendly,” said Panditji.

On awards and titles...
Sureshji has been honoured with a number of awards and titles, including ‘Sangeet Poornacharya’ by Poornawad Vishwa Vidya Pratisthan, ‘Swarasadhana Ratna’ by Abhinav Kala Samaj Indore, and most importantly, the title of ‘Taal Yogi’ by the Shankaracharya. “I spent sleepless nights when Shankaracharya announced the ‘Taal Yogi’ title for me. I take the honour as responsibility, and each title adds to the same.”
On Kirtan’s impact on him...
Kirtan is indeed a blend of music, vocal, and other dance art forms, and also an inspiration behind the new concepts introduced by Pt Talwalkar. As he hails from a Keertankar’s family, he is very attached to this art form. “Kirtan not only gives artististic accomplishment, but also instills values and principles in your personality.”
On Nagpur kids, and summer...
“I am quite impressed with the Nagpur kids. The three-day workshop has been a great success,” said Pt Talwalkar, mentioning that city audience has a musical ear.
“Nagpur audience is known to be choosy,” he said. However, conducting a workshop in scorching Nagpur heat was quite a difficult task.
“Its too hot! Moreover, I had a survical spondalities pain before coming to Nagpur. Thanks to efforts of ‘Nadabrahma’; I managed to come and conduct the workshop.”
Message to the new generation...
“I am happy that awareness is developing amongst youths about classical music. I would suggest them to hear more music, and learn from a good Guru. Riyaaz is the only key to success” says Pt Talwarkar with his signature ‘broad’ smile.

Fine screenplay + good director + sincere teamwork = Super hit serial

(Speaking with Dr Shirish Gopal Deshpande...)

WEEKDAYS, prime time at 8.30 pm. All eyes are glued on ‘Star Pravah’ channel. This is probably the fixed schedule for many amongst us. The inspiring title song, ‘Indrajimi Jambhapar Badav Suambapar…’ hits the TV screens, and the magic begins. And the man behind it, Dr Shirish Gopal Deshpande, who wrote the screenplay for Raja Shiv Chhatrapati, is no stranger to Nagpurians. Dr Deshpande, who hails from the city, is a well known scholar of Marathi literature, HoD of Marathi in SNDT University, Mumbai, and he has mastery over two contrasting subjects; Dnyaneshwari and screenplay writing.
“Screenplay writing is a totally different genre of literature. Whether for films, or for serials, the task is always more challenging than that of subjective writing. The producers of this serial approached me after reading my novel, ‘Raja Shahaji.’ While reading the book, they felt that the script of Raja Shiv Chhatrapati is somewhere in this novel itself,” said Dr Deshpande, while sharing the origin of the concept. “I studied the life and character Raja Shahaji, so was confident about writing the screenplay for Raja Shiv Chhatrapati,” expressed Dr Deshpande, who accepted the offer as a challenge to bring Shivaji’s altogether different perspective before the audience.
“Until now, the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji was restricted to four to five heroic incidents in his life. Several plays were staged and films made, but they highlighted only heroic deeds like Afzal Khan’s assassination, the rescue from Agra, Tanaji Malusare’s sacrifice, and Bajiprabhu Deshpande’s struggle in Pavan Khind. I decided to write a comprehensive screenplay which would bring out each and every shade of this personality.”
This is why Dr Deshpande highlighted Shivaji’s childhood and his youth. Even after almost 90 episodes, Afzal Khan’s assassination is yet to come. “It took time, because we have shown how the King was groomed by his mother, by circumstances and by mother earth. We answered several questions and fallacies regarding Shivaji,” said Dr Deshpande. Depicting Shivaji’s struggle against his own men was the most challenging task for him as it was a point that could fray people’s sentiments. However, Dr Deshpande did it so delicately, that there was no reason for protest.
Asked whether unanswered questions like why Chhatrapati Shivaji negotiated with Mirza Raje Jaisingh, and went to Agra or how he was rescued safely from Agra with all his men, will be answered or not, Dr Deshpande assured that all answers and justifications will be given in the upcoming episodes.
The man who wrote the screenplay, the soul of the serial, and parts of the rousing title song modestly shared the credit of success with the whole team. “Director Hemant Deodhar, Editor Prashand Khedekar and a sincere team have made the project successful,” he said, adding that it is always exciting for him to watch the episodes on TV. “Not only the director, but the actors also consult me several times. After all, it is teamwork.”
A multi-faceted personality, Dr Deshpande is doing research on Newton and Albert Einstein’s laws of gravity. Teaching is his joband writing screenplays a passion. However, his dream is a great serial on Lord Shri Krishna.
“Like Shivaji, many shades of Krishna’s personality are also missing in his depiction. It’s all about his childhood, his youth (Baal Leela and Raas Leela), and Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta in Mahabharata! I have a dream to write a serial which will show several great aspects of Jagadguru Shri Krishna’s personality.”