From Left to
Right: Anutosh Degharia, Rehman Naushad, Uttam Singh, Gurmeet Singh and Rakesh
Chaurasia
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 24: On 21st November 2025, Naushad Academy of Hindustani Sangeet
presented an evening that felt more like a gentle invocation of the timeless
soul of Indian classical music than a concert. In a world increasingly shaped
by technology, speed, and distraction, the Academy once again illuminated its
purpose - quietly, steadfastly, and with an almost devotional sincerity by
creating a space where purity of sound and depth of tradition could breathe.
The stage belonged to two acclaimed maestros: legendary
flautist Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia and distinguished tabla
virtuoso Anutosh Degharia. Their jugalbandi unfolded like a
conversation between wind and earth - serene, responsive, and alive
with artistic brilliance.
The evening commenced with the flute emerging softly, as
though rising out of silence itself. Each note carried clarity and warmth,
drawing listeners inward. The opening alap unfurled with the tenderness of dawn
stretching across a quiet horizon. Subtle inflexions of breath and tone created
an atmosphere where music felt less like performance and more like emotion
taking form - reminiscent of raindrops meeting the earth - delicate, unhurried,
yet profoundly moving.
When Anutosh Degharia’s tabla entered, it did so with grace
and intentional restraint, offering rhythm not as support but as dialogue.
At times it mirrored the flute’s flow, at times it questioned it, and at
times it lifted it into new textures. Together, the duo demonstrated the
pure essence of jugalbandi - two voices in conversation, co-creating,
responding, and elevating one another.
The recital journeyed through three classical
Raagas, each chosen to evoke its own emotional universe:
- Raag Madhuvanti opened
the evening with a sense of peace, evoking the mellow tenderness of late
afternoon light.
- Raag Desh followed,
stirring warmth and nostalgia, its phrases reminiscent of monsoons,
homeland, and centuries of living tradition.
- The programme concluded
with Raag Bhairavi, a meditative finale that offered closure - not through
silence, but through serenity.
A highlight of the performance was an improvised rhythmic
interplay where the flute’s high, crystalline phrases intertwined with
agile tabla bols in a vibrant, almost playful conversation. As the
tempo slowly ascended from contemplative to spirited, the audience
responded with palpable appreciation - a testament to the mastery and
chemistry of both musicians.
In a deeply emotional moment, Shri Rehman Naushad shared a
cherished memory from family history: a young Naushad, merely thirteen, walking
with his maternal uncle to the “Urs” of “Haji Waris Ali Shah” in Barabanki,
Uttar Pradesh. Amidst the spiritual fervour, a lone flautist played a melody
gentle yet unforgettable. Young Naushad first listened with curiosity, then was
entranced, and then finally changed forever. It was in that moment that Rehman
Naushad reflected that the seed of a future music maestro was planted.
Legendary Music Composer Shri Uttam Singh shared a warm
tribute to Rakesh Chaurasia, noting how his tone, artistry, and musical
brilliance carry forward the grace of his uncle, the legendary Pandit
Hariprasad Chaurasia. With fondness, he recalled having both maestros perform
for him over the years – an association he cherishes deeply.
Esteemed Music Composer-Producer, son of Uttam Singh, Shri
Gurmeet Singh, added his reflections, recalling that Rakesh had performed
plenty of solos in his compositions since 1999. What began as a collaboration
evolved into a bond he described as a family friend. He noted that Rakesh’s
artistry has only grown richer with time and stands today at an exceptional
zenith.
As the final note dissolved into stillness, the
audience held a reflective silence - the kind that lingers only
when music touches something beyond the senses. It was not just a
performance, it was an experience that reaffirmed Mumbai’s connection to
classical tradition and the enduring transformative power of live music.
In an era dominated by fast-changing trends and
technology-driven consumption, Naushad Academy continues to serve as a
custodian of heritage, holding its flame steadfastly even in the winds of
modernity.
Through consistent events and artist collaborations, the
Academy has become a sanctuary for lovers of Hindustani classical music. This
unwavering commitment is made possible by the dedication of its trustees, who
carry forward the vision with sincerity and perseverance.
The
event was presented under the guidance and expertise of the
Academy’s permanent trustees:
- Shri Rehman Naushad –
President
- Shri Uttam Singh –
Secretary
- Shri Gurmeet Singh –
Treasurer
- Smt Shehnaaz Parveen
Mutiur Rehman – Trustee
- Smt Jasvinder Kaur –
Trustee
- Smt Umaraah Mutiur
Rehman – Trustee
The Academy acknowledges with gratitude the
contributions of:
- Event Organiser – Ms
Parmeet Kaur
- Media Consultant – David
Allan Vaz
- Photography & Videography
– Nabh Kumar Raju, along with his NKR Film School students and event crew
members. Their collaborative effort ensured the evening’s success.
Website: www.gurmeetsingh.net