TRIPUNITHURA: The ‘Mehfil Night’ enriched by the soulful lines of Shayar Vijay Sursen turned out to be an elating experience for the music buffs of Kochi.
‘Mrudu Malhar’, the ghazal evening presented by Ramesh Narayan and organised by Sathyam Audios and India Elements showcased the magical effect of ghazals on Malayalam lyrics.
The ghazal evening blossomed with the lines ‘Paradeshi Paravaye Pole…’ and the unique concept of life was beautifully scored in the lines by Sursen. Ustad Dilshad Khan accompanied him on the sarangi.
Dilshad Khan’s bow explored the hidden sensitive nature of the strings of the sarangi which merged with the tonal variations of the singer and provided an indescribable elation for the listeners. This unique combination was rhythmically supported by Mahesh Mani on the tabla and Shomi Davis on the percussion.
The opening piece was followed by the delineation of the sorrow of separation through the lines ‘Virahame Virahame Neeyum Thanichaano…’
The lines exposed the intensity of the sorrow of separation. The song brought out the pangs of a solitary mind waiting for the reunion with the beloved soul after prolonged separation. The magic of Sursen was felt in the song ‘Kannermuthil…’ also.
Berny, one of the famous twin composers, Berny-Ignatius, presented an excellent performance by playing four instruments. He played the backpacker guitar and the tonal flow from this ancient string instrument was very similar to that of the sarod. When Ramesh presented a sufi-style ghazal, Berny gave the apt tonal support with the guitar. He also explored the natural tone of rare instruments like melodica and four-stringed banjo.
Ramesh Narayan’s elder daughter Madhuvanthi presented a classic ghazal of Begham Akthar in an inimitable style of her own. When the haunting lines of ‘Kuch to Dhuniya…’ were rendered it took the ghazal lovers gathered at JT Pac to the heydays of ghazals. Madhuvanthi also sang an old number ‘Woh Jo Hamne Thumne…’. Ramesh’s younger daughter Madhusree presented an excellent performance through the evergreen song composed by her father, ‘Parayan Maranna Paribhavangal’.
“We are very happy to introduce Ustad Dilshad Khan for the first time in Kerala who could prove the infinite possibilities of sarangi as an accompaniment for ghazal, said Manoj K Varghese of India Elements, one of the promoters of the performance.
Other accompanying artists like Prakash Ulleri (keyboard), Jerson (lead guitar) and Josy John (base guitar) added flavour to the entire show.
