Puthige Paryayotsava: Tabla maestro Ishan Ghosh’s team leaves Udupi crowd in awe!

Team Udayavani, Jan 18, 2024, 9:09 AM IST

Renowned tabla maestro Ishan Ghosh, son of Pandit Nayan Ghosh, the founder of Mumbai’s Sangeet Mahabharati Institute, has continued to enrich the landscape of Indian Hindustani classical music with his innovative concept of “Araj.” During the Swaranjali program in Udupi, organized by the Harsha organization as part of the Puthige Paryayotsava.

In a conversation with “Udayavani” Ghosh shared insights into his musical journey.

Ghosh emphasized the transcendent power of Indian music, describing it as a source of peace and happiness for the world. According to him, the magic lies in a musician playing from the heart, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the audience. Indian classical music, with its ancient roots, has evolved and adapted to different dimensions over the ages, a testament to the hard work of many great artists.

In the pursuit of mesmerizing music lovers, Ishan Ghosh has formed a talented team of young classical musicians, presenting compositions in a neo-classical style. The ensemble, named Sangeet Rasadauthana, comprises Ishan Ghosh (Tabla), Prateek Singh (Vocals), Mehtab Ali Nizai (Sitar), Vanraj Shastri (Sarangi), and S. Aakash (Flute). Together, they showcase the richness of ragas in music, with each instrument playing a valuable role in this cultural expression.

The concept of “Araj,” meaning prayer, reflects the team’s dedication to the cultural essence of their musical art form. Ghosh, with roots in Mangaluru through his mother, expressed a special connection to Udupi, citing the district’s rich history of music and art lovers. He commended the Harsha Sansthan for its significant support and encouragement of Indian classical music.

Team led by Ishan Ghosh, has gained international acclaim, presenting classical music abroad, including India, as a cohesive ensemble. Formed in 2016, the team has evolved to include Prateek Singh, Mehtab Ali Nizai, and Vanraj Shastri, introducing a collaborative approach to their performances. Recent highlights include a captivating concert at the inauguration of the Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center in Mumbai.

Reflecting on the global response, Ghosh expressed satisfaction with the positive reception of Indian classical music in Australia and Europe. He dispelled concerns about waning interest among the youth, asserting that the audience, distinct from fans of DJ, western pop, and modern cine music, appreciates the fusion of classical music with various modern styles on a global scale.