KOCHI: Aalaap, a musical band of doctors and entrepreneurs who are turning their passion to help the needy, performed in the city recently. The musical night ‘Yeh Shaam Mastani’ was a tribute to film score composer R D Burman and a fundraiser for Snehatheeram, a Palliative Care Unit in Palakkad.
The programme witnessed a large audience mainly senior citizens. “ R D Burman’s soothing melodies make me nostalgic. The members of Aalaap are doing great by turning their passion into a philanthropic activity,” said 60-year-old Ramakrishnan who attended the event with his wife.
Sasi Manikkath, president of Aalaap and a marine engineer mentioned that the decision to start the band was not pre-determined. The band which has seven members are all from Kochi. Everyone was excited when the idea to form such a band cropped up. “Despite being busy, we find time from our busy schedule to practice and perform well,” said Sasi.
“Though I don’t sing with them, I enjoy watching my friends singing and they are doing it extremely well,” said Dr V K Vijayakumar, a surgeon at a private hospital and a member of Aalaap. Vijayakumar recollects how their last event, six months ago, was a tribute to popular musician Johnson Master. Raghu Ramachandran, vice-president of Asianet Satellite Communication and veteran violinist N Ramachandran were chief guests of the function. Musician Ramachandran, who lost his eyesight two years ago due to brain hemorrhage, has worked with R D Burman. He played violin for Illayaraja’s troupe for 25 years and is currently undergoing treatment for his eyes.
“Ramachandran is an unsung hero in the music industry and we felicitated him at our function. Through our band, we aim to contribute for social causes as well as bring talented people to the mainstream,” said Sasi.Aalaap is planning to hold a special show involving composer Illayaraja.