Love for music is universal and all sorts of music and musicians are warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated by the diverse demography of Doha residents.
With expatriates coming here from almost all parts of the world, Indians are the single largest expatriate community in Qatar. To satiate their cultural quench and to fulfil their entertainment needs, different music events are routinely organised.
Above all, 2019 is being celebrated as the Qatar-India Year of Culture. In this context, numerous cultural, artistic, fashion and entertainment events are being organised by both the Embassy of India and private entities.
The second concert organsied by Beats and Tunes Events is going to offer the soul of Indian music called classical Hindustani music. The celebrated classical maestro and vocalist Sanjeev Abhyankar is all set to perform at Giwana Hall, Radisson Blue hotel on September 27 from 6:30 — 9pm.
Sanjeev is going to perform in Doha for the second time after 18 long years. He is bringing with him a wonderful rendition of the classical music. It is in Raag Jogkauns in Hindustani classical - equivalent to Raag Devaghandari in Carnatic music. Hindustani and Carnatic are two sub-genres of Indian classical music and both have their own ways of entertaining the audience with therapeutic and soulful music.
Hindustani classical music is the traditional music of northern regions of the Indian subcontinent. It may also be called North Indian classical music. Its origins date from the 12th century, when it diverged from Carnatic music, the classical tradition of southern regions of the Indian subcontinent.
Sanjeev is a Hindustani classical music vocalist of the Mewati Gharana (family). He won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1999 for his song, Suno Re Bhaila, in the Hindi film, Godmother and also the Kumar Gandharva National Award 2008 from the Govt of Madhya Pradesh for sustained excellence in the field of classical arts.
He was born on October 5, 1969 in Pune, India. He started learning Hindustani classical music at the age of eight and was groomed by his mother and his guru Pimpalkhare.
Sanjeev rendered his first stage performance in Mumbai at the age of 11 in 1981. He has also sang for different movies. Some of his works include: Tum Gaye with Lata Mangeshkar from movie Maachis in 1996; Yeh Hai Shaan Banaras Ki from Banaras in 2005; Lai Ja Re Badra from Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar in 2000; Sada Sumiran Karle from Dashavatar in 2008; Suno Re Suno Re Bhayina Ke from Godmother in 1998; Rukhe Naina from Maqbool in 2003; and Tu Astis Tar from Coffee Ani Barach Kahi in 2015.
Talking to Community Gopal Subramanyam, chief co-ordinator of the event, said: “Sanjeev is performing for the second time in Doha. He has been an artiste of international acclaim in the field of Hindustani classical music for the last 30 years. Sanjeev’s voice has such a therapeutic, meditative and calming effect and has addressed different health issues of many patients.”
He added: “The musical evening is going to be a unique opportunity by the newly formed management company that strives to bring the best in Indian classical music to the Doha music lovers.
“The event company, owned jointly by Varshini Gopal and Noor al-Mannai, organised its first music event in June in collaboration with the Indian embassy. The event, held at Katara, brought wind instrumentalists. We are also planning to organise yet another event in November when we will bring in Carnatic music.”
He further said: “The vocalist will be accompanied by three other artistes; a tabla player, a harmonium player, and a percussionist. The vocalist will present five to six ragas – music pieces. Each performance will last for about half an hour. The music is mostly about ghayal (imagination) of the artiste. The singer will mostly follow his mood.”
Gopal said: “The concert is an opportunity for all those who love the magic of music. They can experience the healing effect fo the classical music. We expect to have a galaxy of audience from all walks of life and from all nationalities across Qatar. The soulful voice will definitely leave meditative effect on the audience.”
Sanjeev Abhyankar is a Hindustani cl Sanjeev Abhyankar is a Hindustani classical music vocalist of the Mewati Gharana. He won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1999 for his song, Suno Re Bhaila, in the Hindi film, Godmother, and the Kumar Gandharva National Award 2008 from the Govt of Madhya Pradesh for sustained excellence in the field of Classical Arts.
