“Arts, Culture, Theater and More” 099171340 4 Webbstar, Inc

April 2018

“Arts, Culture, Theater and More” 099171340 4 www.indiantalentmag.com Webbstar, Inc. - http://www.webbstarz.com

eatured DEEPAK R ULLAL F Page 40

RISHI UPADHYAY Page 52

MEDHA DIXIT If one were to paint a portrait of grace and poise with the colors of joy set to tune the staccato beats of classical Carnatic music, the resulting painting would be Medha Dixit Vellal. Page 8 RAVI PAL Page 16

4 www.indiantalentmag.com ADITI CHAKRABORTY M. SINGH Born in October 1969 and brought up in Born in 1979, self-taught artist M. Singh Durgapur Steel City, West Bengal as the brings the abstract world to life through only daughter... Page 12 his colorful brush strokes... Page 44 PYARELAL WADALI ANANYA BIRLA On 9th March 2018, the music lovers of Ananya is an Indian singer and songwriter. India were shocked to learn about the un- Her musical career began in 2016, when timely demise... Page 20 she signed with... Page 48

CHANDER PRAKASH ONEREPUBLIC BAND Generations of artists who have extracted ISDElNITELYKICK STARTINGONANEX- their subject-matter from everyday life TRAORDINARY NOTE FOR MUSIC AlCIONADOS IN have given us new insights... Page 24 the sub-continent... Page 50 PERINI RAJ KUMAR DHARAVATH SWEEKAR KATTI Perini Rajkumar Dharavath hails from Sweekar Katti is blessed with a musical Suryapet. He started dancing at a very family. He began his Sitar training at an young age watching his... Page 28 early age of 10... Page 56 UNMESH BANERJEE RUCHA GHAMANDE One of the most promising tabla players Rucha Ghamande is a professional Indian of the young generation, Unmesh Banerjee Classical Dancer from Pune, India. Born hails from a family... Page 32 on the 6th of September... Page 60 AYUSH SOLANKI Ayush Solanki is young photographer based in Lucknow, India, who captures and freezes great... Page 36

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“FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK”

Dear readers, The month “Arts, Culture, Theater and More” of April is usually seen as the beginning of the new EDITOR Vishal Sharma lNANCIAL YEAR IN )NDIA However, for Indian Talent CREATIVE DIRECTOR Vatsala Mathur Magazine, April comes as a new beginning as we embark Sumit Sharma CREATIVE EDITORS on a journey to breach the Krishan Veer Singh Vidushi Sharma barrier between online and print media. The process of FEATURE EDITOR Nidhi Singhal launching a completely revamped website and a mobile app of the magazine begins in April and we hope to launch CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Saba Nacim the website and app in a couple of months. Sunayan Chaturvedi Regular readers of Indian Talent Magazine can subscribe Sabiya Samad to the magazine by downloading the Magzter App on their Bhavna Vardan Sharma phones and tablets for now. With the new website, the subscription process will be integrated in the website REGIONAL ADVERTISING Brijendra Singh itself. Andrew Lebon Currently, Indian Talent Magazine has a physical presence Ashok Verma in Lucknow, Agra, Udaipur, Delhi and Mumbai and soon PHOTOGRAPHERS Santosh Kumar we will be present in almost all the states of India. Anurag Mathur With the overwhelming response we are receiving from Yusuf Khan the Indian talented individuals from across the globe, we Dinesh Kothari have decided to increase the number of featured talent every month so that we can provide an opportunity to everyone who seeks our help in reaching out to the global community. This edition of Indian Talent Magazine pays homage to THE 0UNJABI 3Ul -USIC -AESTRO 5STAD 0YARELAL 7ADALI who departed this world on 9th March 2018 with a two- page special tribute. The loss of this musical legend will be sorely felt for a long time. This month, we feature Medha Dixit Vellal on the cover. Medha is a talented Bharatanatyam dancer who has been mesmerizing the connosseiurs of Indian classical danceforms since 2002. Indian Talent Magazine wishes her a grand success in her career. Till we meet again, Keep reading

Vishal Sharma Editor

The magazine is produced and published by Vikirna Mediatek. Copyright 2009 with Vikirna Mediatek. All rights reserved. Processed and printed by Rishabh Agarwal at Tech Udyam Solutions Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The contents of articles published herein express the views of the featured artists, who are themselves responsible for any liabilities or claims arising from their views or the contents of the article. The editor reserves the right to include or exclude any content provided by the artists as part of their feature. The contents of advertisements published in Indian Talent Magazine are the sole responsibility of the advertisers and their representatives. Indian Talent Magazine or Vikirna Mediatek are not responsible for any liability arising out of the contents/text of advertisements. All correspondence should be addressed to: Indian Talent Magazine, UGF, S-297, Sahara Shop- APRIL 2018 COVER : MEDHA DIXIT ping Centre, Faizabad Road, Lucknow (UP) INDIA - 226016 Phone: +91-989-794-5999 email: [email protected] www.indiantalentmag.com 7 8 www.indiantalentmag.com f one were to paint a portrait of grace and poise with the colors of joy set to tune the staccato beats of classical Carnatic music, the resulting painting would Ibe Medha Dixit Vellal. Introduced to Bharatanatyam at the age of 6 under renowned guru Kalashri Poornima Ashok, (A senior disciple of Padmavibhushan V.P Dhanan- jayan and Shanta Dhananjayan) dance came naturally to Medha. As a Bharatanatyam dancer, Doordarshan ‘A’ grade artist and as the head of a dance school of her own, her life is a busy, rhythmic one. As a four-year-old, Medha was drawn to music and performing arts, she recalls the wide-eyed moments when she would watch the Yakshagaana performances that would take place at the backyard temple of her childhood home. After 11 years of training, Medha performed her Rangaprave- sham (debut) in 2002 under ‘Nrityanjali school of dance’ headed by Guru Poornima Ashok and soon completed Vid- wath (Master) level in Bharatanatyam. Her knowledge of dance is not simply fuelled by the indigenous passion alone but is ably complemented with a PG Diploma in Choreogra- phy at Natya Institute Of Kathak And Choreography [NIKC] under the guidance of Guru Dr. Maya Rao and an MFA in Bharatanatyam from Sastra University.

7HATSTARTEDASAPASSIONSOONBECAMEAFULL mEDGEDCAREER R

with the establishment of Svasti Art Foundation – her own E dance studio and workspace which she started in 2005 H ANDHASNOWEXPANDEDTOTWOBRANCHESnONEIN7HITElELD P and another in JP Nagar, Bangalore. With over 75 students, PH Svasti provides a holistic learning through dance. A In an era where lobbying and teaming up with the big and R mighty is in vogue; Medha has managed to make a mark G

as a solo performer with performances at Rangayaama Art OGRA O

festival, Bangalore; Mani Academy National Youth Festi- E

val; Rajarajeshwari Music and dance festival ‘Bhavanot- R sava’ conducted by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Nrityabhusha- O O na Dance Festival; ‘Ankura’ Dance Festival of Karnataka Nrityakala Parishat; Cultural program by ICCR; Indian Insti- H tute of World culture; Dharmasthala – Laksha Deepotsava; CHOR C CH / R E Medha Dixit

Vellal CLASSICAL DANC ER / CHOREOGRAPHER www.indiantalentmag.com 9 Hampi Utsava and the list goes on. Her prowess as a dancer does not end with performances alone but also forays into production. Her productions include ‘ANURAKTHI’, a theatri- cal dance feature which is a young artist’s take on the age-old conceptual traditions of love-lost regained and relished through the powerful nar- rative of these three Devis in their own right- The Anurakthi of Andal, Sitha, and Radha . ‘NATYAAT- MA’ is a dance production with a unique blend of the two art forms, Bharatanatyam and Manipuri / Bharatanatyam and Odissi. ‘JEEVAKARUNYAM’ is a Sanskrit Ballet based on NatyaShastra. ‘REEL V/S REAL’ is a contemporary ballet based on media and their effects on real life. ‘SRISHTI’ is a production on Elements of nature, ‘INDIAN BEATS’ is a production on different Indian Folk and Clas- sical Dance Forms, ‘SAAHAM-I am her’ is a production on women and her identities and ‘DASHA- WATARAM’ is an amalgamation of Bharatanatyam, science, and Gamaka. A performer of her caliber is bound to get noticed by performers across genres. This attention is what led to her being cast as an important character in the Sanskrit dance drama Swapnavasavadattam, written by Bhasa and produced by Indira Gandhi National Cultural Academy for Doordarshan. She has also been an active participant in Sanskrit theatre under the leadership of Dr. S.R. Leela. Re- cently, she took to stage again in ‘Naa Tukaram Alla’, a Kannada play with the popular theatre group ‘SANKET’. 4HESMALLSCREENWASHERPLAYlELDTOO ALBEITBRIEF- ly with an appearance as one of the 3 leading char- acters in the popular Kannada soap- ‘Madarangi’ directed by B. Suresh. She was also featured in the advertisement campaign of Purvankara builders telecast on NDTV, CNN-IBN, and other channels.

10 www. indiantalentmag. com Her performances have enthralled audiences not just at organized by Karnataka NrithyaKalaParishat and home but also overseas, with her most remarkable one delivered a lecture on ‘Aspects of Abhinaya in In- being the invitation by UNESCO [CID] to perform at the dian Dance’ at the world dance conference, Spain. Word Dance Congress held at Spain in the year 2009. Medha has also campaigned and participated ac- Apart from the prestigious reception at the WDC, Medha tively in projects related to baby-wearing and ac- has also performed at the Intangible Cultural Heri- tive motherhood. tage Festival, China, 2013 with Prasiddha Foundation. Her YouTube video featuring her and her son set to Her latest overseas performance was the one at the Indian the tune of the famous song Jagadhodhaaranaaa- embassy, Russia through ICCR with her Guru in May last disidhaluyeshoda received some rave reviews. With year. the second rank in PGD Choreography, Bangalore Medha has presented a paper on ‘Changes expected in University, 2007 and the ‘Best Achiever Award’ by the exam board’ in a seminar conducted by Bhushans YMCA, Bangalore, Medha is geared to go places dance academy. She has also presented a Lecture/Demo and inspire generations of young dancers. on ‘Neo-classical dance’ at Nrithyasammelana, Mangalore, - With Inputs from Saranya Francis www.indiantalentmag.com 11 orn in October 1969 and brought up experimental body of works playing around with geometric in Durgapur Steel City, West Bengal as and non-geometric shapes in oil on canvas which attracted the only daughter of Late Amitava and huge attention and appreciation among the Nepali artists BRama Chakraborty, Aditi was always a and collectors’ circle. There was no looking back after that. multifaceted child with encouraging parents. Her The vision for the abstract nature series came from one formal training in dance, music, and drawing start- EDEARLY3HEPASSEDHERlRSTBOARDEXAMSINmYING colors and was among the few students who were honored with a Silver Medal from Durgapur Noti- lED!REA!UTHORITY Academic pursuit in acquiring honors in English literature and later a Masters degree did not allow her much time for dance and music in the following years. The subsequent stages of her life saw !DITI ALSO ACQUIRE DIPLOMAS IN DIVERSE lELDS LIKE Excellence In Interior Designing and Psychologi- cal Counselling, with various crash courses on Art Appreciation, Cooking, Vaastu, Computer Design- ing, not always for a professional purpose, but to quench her thirst for knowledge and explore new vistas. All these studies in various subjects have helped her grow more and more as an individual and added immense values to her life. But visual art is one practice which had always been with her, in one form or other. It was predes- tined probably that someday she was going to take it up as a serious profession. In 1994 Aditi had to shift to Nepal, Kathmandu for family and the stint stretched to 16 years. She worked as a school teacher for a few years, then left the job and had a one-year training in the application of various PAINTINGMEDIUMSANDSOMEGRAPHICS lNALLYSTART- ing to work as an independent art professional. !DITIHELDHERlRSTSOLOEXHIBITIONOFPAINTINGS3YM- phony Of Forms in 2005 in Kathmandu. It was an Aditi Cha CANVAS ARTIST CANVAS

12 www.indiantalentmag.com Nepali art critic telling her one day, being a student of Eng- lish why did she not draw subjects and inspiration for her paintings from literature? It was worth considering. Being a creative child Aditi was somewhat of a loner when not in school or playground, and would spend a lot of time quietly absorbed among nature; gardening and observing animals and birds and insects being her favorite pastimes.

ShShe coucoulldd vviivviidldly recallrecall thosethose eearlyarly yyearsears ooff jejerr enen-- counter with nature, and the impressions it had on her psyche, deep enough to last a lifetime. And the more she thought about it, the more she felt there could not be a better inspiration for her works than the Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore and his songs on Prokriti (nature) series. Aditi started writing down his nature songs on a blank canvas and started conveying her feelings around it with forms and colors which gradually took shape of her abstract nature series. She ex- hibited the body of works in her third solo exhibitions in 2007 under the title “Perspectives Of Memory” and since then she has done more than a hundred paintings in this series. As a painter, Aditi is somewhat a reclusive person and doesn’t believe in doing too many shows. She displays her body of works in public only when she feels she has something new and inspiring to offer to her audience. As a result, Aditi has had only 10 solo exhibitions and about 50 selected participa- tions in India and abroad to her credit to date and akraborty

www.indiantalentmag.com 13 her collector base spans across 14 countries so far. Recently Aditi has also started working on one MORE SERIES OF PAINTINGS n A lGURATIVE BODY OF works in acrylic and ink on canvas portraying In- dian traditional and folk dances, which is also getting a good response. Being born in a country with a rich cultural heritage, she believes that there is still so much for her to see and explore in terms of arts and music. Aditi believes that life is overall a beautiful experience even though it has not always been particularly kind to her. She lost her mother when she was 9 and her father passed away when she was 28. Her marriage did not work and she came back to India in 2009 to settle down in Kolkata. )NSHElLEDFORADIVORCE ANDSTARTEDLIFEALL over again as an independent single mother with two beautifully talented children, a son who is now 22 years old and working as an independent graphic designer and photographer and a daughter who is 16 and aspires to become a doctor. Kolkata city has been good to her. With a relatively small relative circle, she has plenty of good supportive friends and an active social life. To all the aspiring artists out there, Aditi says “Making a living out of art is never easy for any- one. It is one of those less-taken roads. Yet an artist, who is guided by pure creative instinct, do not or cannot give up in spite of all odds and un- certainties. He or she dreams a different dream, listens to a distant drummer and follows a path of never-ending search – search for something which no one else has done before.”

14 www.indiantalentmag.com ShubhPuja - http://www.shubhpuja.com

www.indiantalentmag.com 15 avi Pal is an Indian Classical Musician his M.Phil from the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, Uni- of the Hindustani Classical Tradition. He versity of Delhi. He is a junior Research fellowship award- is a promising Indian Classical Vocalist EEBY5'#ANDISQUALIlEDFOR!SSISTANT0ROFESSORSHIPIN RANDONEOFTHElNEST(ARMONIUMPLAYER music in higher education institutions. Ravi has received of his generation. Usually, Ravi sings and repre- awards from many prestigious organizations, like ‘Sangeet sents Khyal Gayaki in Indian Classical Music and Yuva Ratan Samman 2017’ Chamba Himachal Pradesh by is specialized in Gharanedar Bandishen and Taan Padamshree Vijay Sharma, ‘Kala Nidhi Samman’ given at Sangam pattern. He concentrates on presentation Jhansi, ‘Swar Sevak Samman’ given at Gwalior (M.P.), ‘San- AND BEAUTIlCATION OF BANDISH AND HIS AESTHETICS geetmani Samman’ given at Haryana, Swar Sagar Samman so that audience would love to hear the original given at Kanpur, Meritorious Award from Ramjas College, composition of bandish and feel the soul of the Delhi University in 2016. Ustad Zahoor Ahmed Khan of raga. He is also master of the genres of Ghazal and Dilli Gharana Award in 2015 and awarded by Smriti Chinh Bhajan. Samman in 2017 given at Ship Mela by Jhansi Govern- Born in Paraukh, a village in the Jhinjhak district ment. He’s also a scholarship awardee from Sahitya Kala of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Ravi did not belong to Parishad, Delhi and a Junior Research Fellowship Awardee any music pedigree but his mother Geeta Pal is by UGC in 2016. ADEVOTIONALSINGERAND2AVIGOTHISSINGINGINmU- Ravi has been performing on stage since childhood. His ence from his mother. Belonging to a lower middle- fame spread all over India following successful tour per- CLASSFAMILY 2AVIFACEDMANYlNANCIALPROBLEMS formances in many states like Madhya Pradesh, Himachal but his mother always motivated him to practice Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and many ANDHECREDITSHISMOTHERFORMAKINGHIMARElNED others. He also received invitation to perform Gunijan San- vocalist. geet Sammelan at Himachal Pradesh, Pandit Ram Swarup Ravi started his musical journey singing Bhajans Ratoniya Smriti Sangeet Samaroh at Gwalior (M.P.), Nadot- in Sai Mandir. After some time, his parents real- sav Sangeet Sammelan at Haryana, Shilp Mela Jhansi Ma- ized that he needed proper training of classical hotsav at Jhansi, Hazrat Amir Khusro musical group Dilli music so that he could sing better and any genre of music. His initial music education began under his cousin brother Pankaj Srivastav who was the disciple of Dr. Sarita Pathak of Rampur Sehezwaan Gharana. After some time he also trained under Shri Kaushik Mitra who is the senior disciple of Pandit Ajay Chakraborty of Patiala Gharana. Presently, he is taking his formal classical music training from his elder brother and very talented vocalist Dr. Avinash Kumar of Rampur Sehezwan Gharana. Academi- cally, Ravi got Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Hindustani Classical Vocal form the Ramjas Col- lege, University of Delhi and right now pursuing Ravi Pal VOCALIST / MUSICIAN

16 www.indiantalentmag.com www.indiantalentmag.com 21 17 Gharana festival at Delhi, Akhil Bhartiya Sangeet knowledge through workshops and his master classes. Hs Samaroh at Kanpur, Mridingacharya Nana Saheb is a mentor of prestigious vocal education brand Sadhak Paanse Sangeet Samaroh, Damoh (M.P.) and many academy of professional vocal music. more. Ravi has also been accompanying with lead- To the upcoming vocalists, Ravi wants to say, “Fol- ing classical vocalist of Hindustani Classical Music low Indian Classical Music instead of following any through his Harmonium. Gharana”. Ravi Pal believes only on Sur and Riyaaz. In addition to being an outstanding accompanist, 'HARANA IS THE ONLY DElNITION OF A PARTICULAR STYLE OF Ravi brought great attention to and raised the pro- SINGING AND THE DElNITION OF 'HARANA IS COMPLETE lLE OF VOCALISTS THROUGH HIS ON STAGE CHARM AND Ravi thinks that today Gharana system distributes the In- virtuosity. dian music better to spread the knowledge of classical mu- The Srajan organization has also recorded his sic so that more audiences get to hear and love classical interview about his life journey which is avail- music. “Classical music is a symbol of Sadhna and dedica- able on YouTube. He is also one of the featured tion, with discipline. Never quit your Riyaaz because ‘Jo and renowned artists of the Srajan organization. Riyaaz Karegaa Wahi Raaz Karega’ (One who practices, will Ravi is an artist who loves to spread and share his rule)”, Ravi says.

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Photo Credit - Lakhwinder Wadali @ Wikimedia

1943 - 2018

A TRIBUTE Pyarelal W

20 www.indiantalentmag.com n 9th March 2018, the music lovers of In- Harballabh temple in Jalandhar city in 1975 when dia were shocked to learn about the un- they performed at the Harballabh temple and their timely demise of a musical legend, Ustad song was recorded for the All India Radio. OPyarelal Wadali, one of the Wadali brothers The duo soon made a name for themselves WHO MADE )NDIAN 3Ul MUSIC POPULAR ACROSS THE WORLD by adopting several different styles of sing- 7ITH HIS DEATH THE WORLD OF 3Ul MUSIC SUFFERED A GREAT ING INCLUDING +AAlAN GHAZALS AND BHAJANS loss and the void his sudden departure has left in the Their fame quickly spread out of Punjab and they MUSIC WORLD CAN NEVER BE RElLLED (E WILL BE SORE- were soon performing all over India and abroad, LY MISSED BY ALL LOVERS OF 3Ul MUSIC ACROSS )NDIA AND even giving their voice to a number of Bollywood the rest of the world. Indian Talent Magazine offers movies like Pinjar (2003), Tanu Weds Manu (2011) a tribute to the Maestro through this special feature. and Mausam (2011). The various renditions of their Ustad Pyarelal Wadali was the younger of the Punjabi popular song ‘Tu Maane Ya Na Maane Dildaara’ 3Ul MUSIC DUO POPULAR IN THE 3Ul MUSIC LOVERS COM- broke all records of popularity and they were even munity as ‘Wadali Brothers’. Hailing from a village Guru CALLEDTODELIVERTHEIRPERFORMANCEATTHElRSTSEA- Ki Wadali near Amritsar, Punjab and born in a family of son of Coke Studio where they recreated this popu- 3Ul MUSICIANS THE 7ADALI BROTHERS DID NOT IMMEDI- LAR3UlLOVESONG SCORINGOVERMILLIONVIEWS4HE ately enter the music world and dabbled in various pro- duo had recently given a live interview and perfor- FESSIONS BEFORE lNALLY BECOMING 3Ul SINGERS 0URAN- mance at The Kapil Sharma Show, which had been chand Wadali, who was the elder brother, was a wrestler an extremely popular episode among music lovers. for 25 years while Pyarelal Wadali acted as Krishna in The duo got Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the local Raasleela played at their village, in an attempt 1992, Tulsi Award in 1998 and Punjabi San- to contribute something to the meager family income. geet Natak Akademi Award in 2003. When Us- Ustad Pyarelal Wadali began his musical journey along tad Puran Chand Wadali was bestowed with the with his elder brother Ustad Puran Chand Wadali at the ‘Padma Shri’, the fourth highest civilian honor of India, he had openly expressed his unhap- piness as the award had been given only to him and not to the Wadali Brothers as a pair. Disciples of the eminent classical vocalist late Us- atad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, and sons of renowned ovocalist Thakur Dass Wadali, the duo always stayed lRMONTHEIROPINIONTHATWHATEVERMUSICFORMMAY DEVELOPOUTOFTHEOLDERONES THEPOWEROF3UlAND ofolk music will remain unchallenged. In fact, the brothers had also started adding strains of western MUSICWHILEIMPROVISINGTHEIR3UlSONGSINORDER OTOATTRACTTHEYOUNGERGENERATIONTOTHE3UlMUSIC tsyle.t Not remaining tied to the traditional musical Photo Credit - Krupasindhu Muduli @ Wikimedia NINSTRUMENTSUSEDIN0UNJABI3UlSTYLEOFMUSIC THEY were not averse to experimenting on western musical instruments like drums, keyboard, and guitar. "ORNINTOTHESIXTHGENERATIONOF3UlVOCALISTS 5S- tad Puran Chand Wadali’s son Lakhwinder Wadali also joined his father and uncle in some performances in the later years, but the musical harmo- ny created by the unreserved Alap and Taans of the ‘Wadali Brothers’ ringing out in a free atmosphere, will never be heard now, with the passing of Us- tad Pyarelal Wadali. His elder brother and musical mentor Ustad Puran Chand Wadali continues to live in their ancestral house along with his younger brother’s family consisting of his wife Surjit Kaur, Wadali two sons Satpal Singh and Sandeep, and three daughters Sheela Rani, Raj Rani and Soma Rani.

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enerations of artists who have extracted their subject-matter from everyday life have given us new insights into the human condition. The do-it- Gyourself anti-art movement has fallen by the way- side. While information technology has put all demarcation under threat, it cannot force us to close your eyes to the reality around us. .OMATTERHOWSMALLANDSEEMINGLYINSIGNIlCANTTHEYMAY be, facts are incontrovertible. In a perpetually changing SCENARIO THESEMAYAPPEARBUTBRIEmY ONTHEHORIZONAND yet have an imprint on the inquisitive mind deep enough to re-kindle our faith in art. Chander Parkash, who hails from a remote village in Ud- hampur district of Jammu province, did his BFA in sculpture from Jammu University. For a considerable time, he kept himself pre-occupied with such themes as the never- ending struggle of the common people for the barest neces- sities of life, the miserable plight of pavement dwellers, ANDTHEINDIGNITIESINmICTEDONWOMEN"UTTHECONVICTION that human faith and self-respect can survive the worst DISASTERSINmICTEDBYNATUREORMANBROUGHTTO0ARKASHS creative vision element of myth and legend. To achieve this he uses a variety of materials like wood, stone, cement, Iron, Terracotta, and Fiberglass etc. But there is always a tight control over the medium; he does not allow himself to be carried away by their distinc- tive properties. His rural background bestows upon him an INNOCENCEWHICHMAYNOTBERECOGNIZEDATlRSTGLANCE BUT which reveals itself gradually to the viewers. His creative process which remains meditative throughout, suggests that he is out to enjoy life in all its variety, though that delight is overpowered by his deep concern about human RELATIONSHIP(ISlGURES SUBMERGEDINTHEIRLATENTPATHOS suggest his nostalgia for the days when warmth and inti- macy enriched human life. 4HESENTIMENTOFISOLATIONISREmECTEDINANUMBEROFWORKS EVENTHOUGHTHElGURESAREPLACEDINGROUPS7HISPERIS one such sculpture where in spite of the delightful smile on the face of the women, there is a strong lack of com- munication between the two. A horizontal bar pierces the

SCULPTOR CHANDER

24 www.indiantalentmag.com head in an unexpected manner. In the work called 4HE"US THESEATEDlGURINES DEVOIDOFFACEMAKE us aware of the fact that we have lost our identity. The suggestion of motion has been deliberately avoided to enhance the inner stillness in the souls of the passengers. Despite the slight gestures of a few in the group, the overall effect is that of un- broken calm. Even while anchoring upon the most intimate relationship of a couple, the nightmare of everyday realities haunts Parkash, as we observe in the work CALLED(ONEYMOON TWOSLEEPINGlGURESAREPLACED ONAVERYlNECARVEDWOODENCUBEWITHAGRILLED window at the head. The heads of the couple are painted in different colors-the male, brown and the female, white. From the neck down the two forms are covered by a heavy block of wood, carved and ROUGHLYTEXTURED4HECUBEONWHICHTHESElGURES rest, has also been covered here and there with dabs of bright paint. But the most intriguing element in the sculpture in the lamp-like form which hangs over the heads of the sleepers as if to dis- turb their slumber. Does it suggest a nightmare still to come or one hovering over their subconscious? In a kindred work, Sleeping People, a group lies motionless under a presumed street light. Inter- estingly the dark half of the lampshade hangs ominously over the frail human beings sleeping UNDERIT4HElGURESARESPRAWLEDUNCOMFORTABLY on an old, roughly carved slab of wood. The feel- NINGOFDISTURBEDSOLITUDEISALSOREmECTEDINWORKS LIKE4WO4IRE!C INWHICHATHINELONGATEDlGURE hangs horizontally from the upper bar of a heavy wooden frame. Modern times seem to be entangled in the mon- tstrous jungle of science and technology. Moving rfrom the tranquility of a Jammu village to the pan- demonium of metropolitan city life, Chander Par- aksha feels the shock and weaves a poetic veil of myths and legends around himself. One may ask whether allegories and parables have any relevance PRAKASH

www.indiantalentmag.com 25 to our troubled time. Whatever our response to that ques- tion, the fact remains that man’s quest for some form of spiritual solace remains unappeased. RAC.shows a king and queen lying by side on the upper berth of a night train. The lamp placed slightly askew at the feel is suggestive of fading light. The artist has more to SAYINSCULPTURESLIKE-IGRATIONINWHICHADIGNIlEDHEAD is perched on a partially carved, slender timber scant with mORALMOTIFSCARVEDHEREANDTHERE This is pierced on one side by a twisted metal arrow. From THE OTHER EMERGE A NUMBER OF lSH LIKE FORMS POISED TO mOATINTOTHESPACEBEYOND4HISMETAMORPHICMOVEMENT is indicative not so much of decay as of optimism. Resem- blances of the head to that of an ancient Egyptian king is more totemic than mythical. Toy Seller, another work in the same category, is different only in that the fact has been carved out from the one woodblock itself. Using a piece of waste wood, curved, smooth surface of the mother log has been emphasized by the sculptor, by painting it brown-red. The only fabrica- tion is the bracket on the side with small animated shapes hanging from it. Nostalgia of course, but intuitively poetic. Such preoccupation apart, Chander Parkash don’t hold back from making deft and pungent remarks on contemporary issues. Press Conferences, A two-piece sculpture in wood, depicts a person-obviously a politician speaking into a microphone. Although the execution is almost abstract, the exaggerated concave and convex features on the face of THElGURECLEARLYDEPICTHIMASADOWN TO EARTHHYPOCRITE He has been mouth-fed to speak. Post-modernism has yet to create its tenets but Chander Parkash makes us aware of at least one,namely, that art MUSTCONTINUETOmOURISHFORITSOWNSAKE THATTHETECHNI- cal advancement does not hinder the creative process of an artist, and that there seem to be no end to what is possible with bits and pieces of old, decayed pieces of waste wood. His art dwells on a variety of diverse observation but the kind of sensitivity that he reveals, creates a secure place for him among the younger generation of artists in the country.

26 www.indiantalentmag.com Digital Advertising System - http://www.teamdas.com erini Rajkumar Dharavath hails from Suryapet. He started dancing at a very young age watching his parents Narashimha and Sakkubai dancing to folk PDANCESATFESTIVALSANDFAMILYGATHERINGS(ISlRST exposure to Andhra Natyam was under the late Guru Afzal Pasha at the age of 8. He was dancing at a school program where Guru Afzal Pasha was a judge. Guru Afzal compli- mented him on his performance and told him that he had a very good potential in classical dance, inviting him to live with him under his guidance and care. A year later his Uncle Karunakar who worked as a driver near Guru Afzal’s house decided to take Rajkumar there to be under Guru’s teachings. From then onwards Rajkumar was a regular to Guru Afzal’s place and started living with him permanently, attend- inng school from there. Rajkumar obtained his Diploma in Dance, Andhra Natyam, Perini Natyam from Telugu Univer- s ity, Hyderabad and went on to complete his Degree in BA inn Economics, History & Political Science, at Shalivhana College, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Guru Afzal taught him all he knew of Andhra Natyam and encouraged him to learn Perini Natyam from his Guru, the laate Guru Nataraj Ramakrishnan. Rajkumar went for a 40 days workshop/training at Warangal under Guru Kala Krish- nan and Kumar. Rajkumar’s enthusiasm and interest cap- tuured the eye of late Guru Nataraj Ramakrishnan and was THHUSTAKENUNDERHISWINGTOFURTHERTRAINANDRElNEHIS dancing skills in Perini Natyam. &ROMHERE2AJKUMARSPATHIN0ERINIWASDElNED(EPER- FOORMEDINMANYOFlCIALPROGRAMSINALLMAJORCITIESOF)N - dia. Rajkumar also participated in reality shows and was a winner for Dura Dhaslan DD. Rajkumar started teaching and organizing summer camps and workshops for Schools and Universities. Rajkumar was honored the Jaya-Vihaya- du, an award presented by Guru Nataraj Ramakrishnan in 2009. Rajkumar has even opened a dance school in Sury- R apet teaching Perini and Andhra Natyam. E M R M Perini Raj DANCER / PERFO R MER

28 Kumarwww.indiantalentmag.com In 2011, on his Guru Nataraj Ramakrishnan’s demise, Ra- jkumar was offered to choreograph and conduct Bollywood and Fusion dance classes in a Fitness Centre in Malaysia from 2011 to 2015. Not being able to pursue his love for classical dance Rajkumar decided to leave and come back to continue the classical art form. Perini Rajkumar’s love and dedication for Perini Natyam, has him covering 31 districts of the state introducing and EDUCATINGTODAYSYOUTHINSCHOOLS0ERINImOURISHEDDURING

thethe reignreign of EmperorsEmperors GanapatiGanapati DevaDeva, RudramaRudrama Devi and Prataparuda of Kaakateeya Dynasty from 10th to the 13th Century AD and is part of school syllabus. Rajkumar wanted to show the actual performance to the school children and thus this brainwave came about. Rajkumar’s belief is that the energy derived from Perini Natyam will make today’s youth more grounded and discipline and bring about a more positive attitude in them. It was a struggle to start but with lots of determina- tion and hard work and moral support from his Gu- rus, Kala Krishna, Prakash, and Kumar, Rajkumar SUCCEEDEDINHISPROJECT2AJKUMARHADDIFlCULTY GETTING lNANCIAL HELP BUT THAT DID NOT FALTER HIS spirits and with what little savings he had, along with some borrowings and lots of faith in himself, Rajkumar set out on the 19th September 2016 from Suryapet on his odyssey. In his decorated autorickshaw as a “Perini Ratham” and his hired

Dharavathwww.indiantalentmag.com 29 help, Ravi Katla as his Photographer/Driver and Garu honoring him on 8th January 2017. On 3rd January Jani as his Assistant, Rajkumar set on his mission. 2018, Rajkumar received the Savitribai Phule award for During school vacations and festivals, Rajkumar best state dance teacher. showcased the dance in temples and main areas Currently, Rajkumar has 30 students under him teaching of Gram Panchayats. Rajkumar faced many obsta- them without any cost, which is his humble way of giv- cles and hardships in his journey but the love and ing back to society and nature. Rajkumar is also preparing energy gained from every show made him take his them to join him for his next “Mission Perini”. Rajkumar’s next step with more vigor. As Rajkumar got noticed next project aims to get as many youths exposed to Perini by his fellow colleagues, press, and the public, do- art form. His aim is to spend 2 months in each district, giv- NATIONSCAMEINASABLESSINGTOHIMTOFULlLLHIS ing free lessons which he hopes to achieve within 2 years. mission. He ended his 101 days non-stop show Rajkumar is trying to get the support of Ministry of Tourism, at Satya Sai Vidyalaya, Erragada, Hyderabad on Language & Culture. Rajkumar believes the positive energy 28th December 2016 with the State Ministry of and discipline will bring about a better tomorrow for the Language & Culture, Director Mamidi Harikrishna county and world at large.

30 www.indiantalentmag.com (ELP&IGHT0OVERTYHTTPWWWHELPlGHTPOVERTYORG 32 TABLA PLAYER Unmesh www.indiantalentmag.com ne of the most promising tabla players of the young generation, Unmesh Ba- nerjee hails from a family stepped deep Ointo North Indian Classical Music. His father, Pt. Sunil Banerjee of the Farukkabad Gha- rana is one of the senior most disciples of Acharya Pt.Shankar Ghosh and one of the most prominent tabla players of his generation. His mother Vid. Bharati Nanavati Banerjee is a stunning versatile vocalist and disciple of Ustad Munawwar Ali Khan of the mighty Patiala Gharana. The innocence of a one-year-old child fondling the Tabla marked the beginning of Unmesh‘s musical journey. Tabla oc- curred very naturally to young Unmesh so much so THATHEMADEHISlRSTPUBLICPERFORMANCEATTHE age of 6 accompanying his mother on stage. He received intense taalim from his father Pt.Sunil Banerjee learning the nuances of Farukkabad baaj. Unmesh was initiated into the world of Carnatic rhythm under the mridangam stalwart Vidwan S.Sekhar. He was also fortunate to receive guidance from the legend Acharya Pt.Shankar Ghosh and continues to do so from Pt.Bickram Ghosh. Zeal, dedication, inherent talent and with music in his blood Unmesh is set out to be a complete tabla artist covering all the aspects of tabla playing viz melody, nikas, layakari, movements in different taals, tehais, calculations and a complete sound with a perfect balance between the tabla and bayan. 7ITH HIS CRISP HAND SHARP BRAIN AND A mAIR FOR rhythm he has been performing tabla solos and accompaniment with various artists across India including the prestigious Sangeet Research Acade- my (SRA), Kolkata, Kalashree Music Circle, NCPA, CCRT unity in diversity meet, Legends of India, Aradhana Sangeet Academy, Lokmanya Samajik, Sanskriti Kendra, Yuva Pratibhotsav etc. He has been an artist of AIR and recipient of the CCRT Scholarship for young musicians and was also the Banerjee

www.indiantalentmag.com 33 ONLYTABLAPLAYERINTHElNALSOFPRESTIGIOUS$UMRU&ESTI- val. He has been part of a cultural exchange program in Dublin, Ireland representing his alma mater, St.Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata. He has been able to cast a spell on his audiences, orthodox or progressive, with mASHESOFBRILLIANCEANDHISUNCANNYABILITYTOSTRIKEA rapport with the audiences transcending all age barriers. Unmesh shows a keen interest in experimental music, rich in its content. His initiative, The Ki Ta Dha Project, is a collaborative project to portray the magic of Indian rhythm. Unmesh is organic with almost all percussion instruments including the Kanjira, Cajon, Bongo. On the academic front, Unmesh completed his B.Tech in Com- puter Science Engineering and was associated with the corporate sector for a few years. Unmesh endeavors to infuse interest and respect of the traditional art form in the hearts and minds of younger generation.

34 www.indiantalentmag.com Plant For The Planet yush Solanki is young photographer based in Luc- know, India, who captures and freezes great moments from streets and nature. He has been doing Ait for more than 4 years now. Ayush’s photographs say it all, they are visual poetry. He arrived at these core mediums naturally with a DSLR accompanying him. !YUSH WAS IN CLASS WHEN FOR THE lRST TIME HE HELD A camera in his hand and it felt marvelous! It all began from T HERE WITH HIM CLICKING PHOTOGRAPHS OF mOWERS LEAVES rain, and birds. He started doing some research and soon L EARNEDTHATSHOOTINGPICTURESOFmOWERSANDBIRDSDElNITE- lyy wasn’t going to cut it. He investigated street photography and nature photography. Impressed by the look of these im- ages and the method involved, he bought himself a DSLR. Although he had no experience and no idea how to use his new gear in an architectural setting, he realized that desperation is a great motivator. Soon he was working on t est shots, shooting his own home, relatives’ and friends’ homes, streets, landscape, and nature. Participating i n photo walks organized in the city has been a thought changer for him and also have given him a tonne of knowledge for perfect and mesmerizing street shots. His photography has been featured on History TV 18, Life ofo Lucknow, Indian Photography Hub etc. He calls creativi- tyy his craft and his camera, his tool for that creation. Ayush haas always believed in Street and nature Photography as a POWERFULTOOLFORGROWTHANDONEOFTHElNESTEXPERIENCE inn his life. “It’sI amazing to unveil the unrealized beauty in a walk. H idden in the everyday, beauty appears for an instant as w ords whispered in the din of the noise of the city. Street annd nature photography is not only a form of art but also a delicate visual poetry. Its words are made of shadows, movements, looks, and connections hinted by that geometric deception we call framing. Streets and nature in ist stransformation have to be continuously observed by the obbserver to feel their palpable beauty”, says Ayush Solanki.

PHOTOGRAPHER AYUSH S

36 www.indiantalentmag.com SOLANKI

www.indiantalentmag.com 37

Compassion is Beautiful

ADOPT FROM A SHELTER OR THE STREET.

Ahead of World Spay Day (27 February), actor and model simply because there aren’t enough good homes for them Parvathy Nair gave rescued pup Maximus a big hug in a all – and buying cats and dogs from breeders or pet stores brand-new pro-adoption campaign for PETA India that pro- only exacerbates the homeless-animal overpopulation cri- claims, “Compassion Is Beautiful. Adopt From a sis.PETAsis India advocates for the adoption of dogs Shelter or the Street.” The ad campaign anda cats from shelters or the street and was shot by Harshith Dambekodi,, urges people to have their animal and Nair’s hair and make-upp companc ions sterilised – a were done by Nandish.In routine, affordable sur- an exclusive video in- geryg that can prevent terview, Nair says, thousands of ani- “[I]n a coun- malsm from being try like India, bornb only to suf- we have too ferf . Just one many stray unaltered fe- dogs [and] male dog and cats …. her offspring I’d request can produce all of you 67,000 puppies in six years. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens.Nair is part of a long list of celebrities–in- healthier … ore cluding Alia Bhatt, Amy Jack- healthy dog … if we make son, Shahid Kapoor, Sidharth Mal- an effort to e as many as we can”. hotra, Sonakshi Sinha, and Raveena Tandon PETA India notes that across India, thousands of homeless – who have teamed up with PETA India to promote kind- cats and dogs go hungry, are killed by vehicles, sustain bro- ness to animals.Nair’s latest on-screen appearance was in ken bones, suffer from infected wounds, and are abused by THE4AMIL LANGUAGElLM.IMIR WHICHWASRELEASEDIN*ANU- cruel people. Countless more languish in animal shelters ary of this year. www.indiantalentmag.com 39 INSTRUMENTALIST Deepak 40 www.indiantalentmag.com eepak R. Ullal was born in a family blessed with exceptional musical abilities. It is believed that he inherits this gift from his father Pt. Rammo- Dhan Rao Ullal, who was a well renowned Hindu- stani vocalist. His journey with music began at the early age of 6. Initially, he was fascinated by percussive instruments, particularly the Tabla. He began his lessons under the tutelage of Pt. Gurudutt Kamath and subsequently of Pt. Dattatreya Guard. He then began performing with his father in several concerts of great repute, including the performance at the Mysore Dasara festival. Meanwhile, he also continued to accompany several artistes of vocal mu- SICASWELLASTHESITARANDmUTE Deepak R. Ullal currently teaches the Tabla. He is also a budding artiste of the santoor (Shata Tantri Veena) a 100 string Kashmiri Instrument of Indian classical music under the guidance of Pt AshwinWalawalkar. The Santoor is a rare instrument with gentle lilting tones. It is light and pleasing to the ear with the ability to capture and convey deep emotions. One might wonder what caused Shri. Ullal, who was PROlCIENTIN4ABLATOTAKEUPANEWINSTRUMENTATSOLATEA stage? Strangely enough, it was because of a hand injury which he regards as a blessing in life. This injury which provided a pause in his career in Tabla, allowed him to REmECTANDEXPLORETHE3ANTOOR"EINGAlRMBELIEVERTHAT learning is a continuous process, he began a disciplined study of the Santoor. His training in Tabla of course came in handy allowing him to capture music that is otherwise DIFlCULTTOMASTERBYARTISTESWITHOUTTHISBACKGROUND(E recently demonstrated the Santoor in a Kashmir music festival and has performed in many Santoor Solo Concerts.

-by Dr Niranjana R Ullal www.indiantalentmag.com 41 A man of eclectic tastes, he is also interested in varied music such as Drupad, Ghazals, Bhajans, movie music, fusion,Arabian, rockand Jazz. He can also play the Djembe which is an African drum. As an Electronics Engineer, he has an established career as a Senior Technician at The National Institute of Men- tal Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru and explores his passion for music at leisure. Shri. Deepak R. Ullal’s gift of music calls to mind the words of William Wordsworth- “the music in my heart I bore, long after it was heard no more”. His music creates an indelible impression leaving behind a trail of hope and joy.

42646 www.indiantalentmag.com

orn in 1979, self-taught artist M. Singh brings the abstract world to life through his colorful brush strokes that create a Bmood that oscillates between meditative and exuberant. He expresses himself through both abstract and lGURATIVE WORKS )N HIS ABSTRACT WORK HE FEELS IDEASmOWTHROUGHCOLORONPAPER$IFFERENTCOLORS used indicate different pictures of life. He uses various colors to explain all possible phases of life. Figurative paintings help him give shape to ideas and be inventive and expressive while religious paintings are the source of positive energies in his life. Painting is his meditation; his path to self-discov- ERY(ElNDSSILENCEINTHENOISEOFCOLORANDFORM tranquility to him is creating a picture. M. Singh always knew that he wanted to be an artist. He left his home in Patna and came to Mum- bai with the hope of better opportunities. With no FORMALEDUCATIONORANYKINDOFlNANCIALBACKING this journey was not easy. He put double the ef- forts to bring out the best through his works, and it did pay off. Today, Singh is already one of the well-known artists for Semi-Abstract style in Mum- bai with his art displayed at galleries all over India as well as the United States. Singh brings the abstract world to life through his powerful brush stroke. He creates an atmosphere that oscillates amongst meditative and exuberant. The lines are almost invisible, relying only on the colors to separate the components of the im- age. The unorganized, haphazardly developed and chaotic slum area in the Mumbai city has been a constant visual reference for Singh. There is a M. Singh CANVAS ARTIST CANVAS

44 www.indiantalentmag.com deceptivedeceptive sisimplicitymplicity in in SinghSingh’ s paintingspaintings andandhi hiss skill lies lies in getting the viewer to realize how the ordinary can become extraordinary. He successfully uses color to add a dramatic quality to the paintings with an almost abstract approach to composition. The artist says, “I am an observer. I look at the crumbled places as an outsider. I try to keep on experimenting, and the more I use mixed media, the more I experiment. I choose a subject and then treat it in a modern way.” /NEOFTHEMOSTSIGNIlCANTFEATURESOFHISWORKSISTHEmU- idity with which he can change styles between abstraction ANDlGURATION OBSERVINGTHESTRUCTUREANDORDERBOTHIN nature and on the canvas. www.indiantalentmag.com 45

48 www. indiantalentmag. com nanya is an Indian singer and songwriter. Her mu- songstress has maintained her electro-pop vibe sical career began in 2016, when she signed with INTHESMOOTHmOWINGSOULTRACK4HROUGHOUTTHE Universal Music India and released her debut sin- track, she experiments with her voice, upping the Agle ‘Livin the Life’. The song was co-written and volume, burying herself down or lengthening notes PRODUCEDBY*IM"EANZ4HESONGWASOFlCIALLYREMIXEDBY ASSHEDEEMSlT)TEMBRACESAREMARKABLESENSE Dutch DJ Afrojack and remixed through Universal Music OFmUIDITYANDPASSION ENSURINGTHELISTENERCAN Group’s global dance imprint, PM : AM. This makes Ananya relate to the emotions painstakingly intertwined in THElRST)NDIANARTISTETOBERELEASEDON0-!-WHOSE the verses. roster includes Tiesto, Alesso, Jonas Blue, SEEB amongst What’s most striking about Ananya’s musical rep- others. ertoire isn’t her consistency on subject matters, !FTERTHESUCCESSOFHERlRSTSONG !NANYARELEASED-EANT but rather her cadence which has grown multifold 4O"E WHICHWASCERTIlEDPLATINUMBY)-)IN$ECEMBER since her debut, just over a year ago. 2017. This makes Ananya one of the few Indian artists to Speaking on the inspiration for this song, Ananya do so with an English song in India. The song was produced said, “‘Hold On’ is a song inspired by individuals by Mood Melodies, well-known for his work with Alan Walk- who have gone through adversity in relationships er, Alessia Cara, Sia and Jessie J. The song peaked at #2 on but upheld their faith in trust and love. Sometimes Shazam’s ‘India TOP 100’ chart, #4 on iTunes India and in life, we are often faced with hard decisions such also featured on leading Spotify and Apple Music playlists as holding onto relationships that no longer serve in the US, UK, Middle East and South East Asia. The mu- us or entangling ourselves through those very rela- sic video was listed in VH1’s top 10 list in India. tionships. The concept for this track was coming Outside of her music, Ananya is a strong believer in equal- straight from my gut.” ity. She started ‘Mpower’, an initiative to support mental Sharing his excitement Devraj Sanyal, Managing health in India and eliminate the stigma associated with Director, and CEO, Universal Music Group, India it. She also promotes women empowerment through offer- & South Asia adds, “Though ‘Hold On’ is only her ing microloans to women in the Indian countryside to grow third single, there’s an incredible maturity on how their businesses. She has featured on Miss Vogue’s list of Ananya has developed as a singer and songwriter. ‘28 Geniuses Under 28’, amongst others. The huge success of `Meant To Be’ has further !FTERTHESUCCESSOFHERlRSTTWOSINGLES @,IVINTHE,IFE BUILT HER CONlDENCE AND )M PERSONALLY SUPER and ‘Meant To Be’, Ananya has released her third single excited on the release of the brilliant new single ‘Hold On’, which is as beautiful as it is honest, and sees `Hold On’ which I’m sure will travel much wider her musing on the pitfalls of love and relationships. around the world! Needless to say, we at UMG will The single is produced by Mood Melodies, (Meant To Be) continue to work tirelessly towards our vision for and is co-written by Ananya. Now released worldwide !NANYAWHICHISTOMAKEHERTHElRSTSUCCESSFUL across all digital platforms and streaming services, the crossover popstar from India.” OFlCIAL MUSIC VIDEO IS LIVE ON !NANYAS 6%6/ 9OU4UBE `Hold On’ is available worldwide across all digital channel that released early this March. Keeping her musi- and streaming services exclusively on Universal cal sagacity constant, the ingenious entrepreneur and pop Music Group. ANANYA POP SINGER

www.indiantalentmag.comBIRLA 49 BAND OneRepubli

50 www.indiantalentmag.com ISDElNITELYKICK STARTINGONANEXTRAORDINARY nomination. Their second single, “Stop and Stare” NOTE FOR MUSIC AlCIONADOS IN THE SUB CONTINENT mirrored its predecessor’s success. The album was The award-winning American band OneRepublic LATERCERTIlED0LATINUMBYTHE2ECORDING)NDUSTRY 2will be bringing their outstanding live show to In- Association of America. The band’s second album, dia for a headlining concert in April this year! OneRepublic Waking Up (2009), produced the successful sin- is one of the biggest pop rock bands in the world to visit gles, “All the Right Moves”, “Secrets”, “Marchin the sub-continent, making it a raison d’être of merriment, On”, and “Good Life”, the latter reaching the top just as Coldplay enthralled Indian fans in the recent past. ten of the US Billboard Hot 100. The band is set to perform live on 21st April 2018 at OneRepublic’s third album, Native, released in MMRDA Grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. Fans BECAMETHEBANDSlRSTTOPTENALBUMON can expect to hear a span of OneRepublic’s biggest songs, the Billboard 200, and highest charting album to from ‘Apologize’ to ‘Secrets,’ ‘Good Life,’ the smash hit date, landing at number four. The lead single, “If I ‘Counting Stars’ and more recently released singles from Lose Myself” charted within the top ten in several the latest album ‘Oh My My’. countries, while single, “Counting Stars”, became Apart from India, the Grammy-nominated Colorado-bred ANINSTANTSUCCESS OBTAININGTOPlVEPLACEMENTS quintet is embarking on a two-week Asia tour comprising in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, New Zea- of Singapore, South Korea, China, Malaysia during which land, the U.S. and the UK, and peaked at number they will also perform at the Grammy Festival in Beijing 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, matching their alongside Pharrell Williams and James Bay. highest peak of “Apologize” in 2007. Cyrus Gorimar, Director, Opium Events And Production and OneRepublic’s highly anticipated fourth album an avid rock musician states, “We have been in talks with “Oh My My released on October 7, 2016, and de- the management since over six months now as we realized buted at #3 on the Billboard 200 – the band’s that the band enjoys a great repertoire in the country with highest charting debut yet. Ryan Tedder calls it ASIGNIlCANTFANBASEORIGINATINGOUTOF)NDIA/URPREREGIS- their “ultimate playlist,” including singles “Wher- trations have seen a phenomenal response with more than ever I Go,” “Kids” and “Let’s Hurt Tonight.” 10,000 registrations received in a span of 24 hours and OneRepublic is in the studio working on their next we are anticipating close to 15,000 fans for the event. The album and will be supporting Zac Brown Band production and scale of the event will be extraordinary with across several U.S. stadium dates summer 2018. a multi-crore spend invested into the event.” Founded in 1997, Opium Events has been respon- OneRepublic state, “We’ve wanted to visit In- sible for bringing down iconic international acts in- DIA FOR YEARS AND ARE BEYOND EXCITED TO lNALLY GET cluding Joe Satriani in 2005, Sepultura in 2007, the chance to not only perform a full concert but Michael Angelo Batio in 2015 and Dream The- also explore your beautiful country. See you soon!” ater in 2017 to India and Dubai. Headquartered In 2007, OneRepublic, founded by lead singer Ryan Ted- in Mumbai, the event production company has a der and lead guitarist Zach Filkins, released their debut long-term vision of amplifying the independent album, Dreaming Out Loud. Its lead single “Apologize” and rock genre of music through strategic alliances was notably remixed by Timbaland, becoming a huge in- and IPs as well as bringing down top grossing acts ternational success, reaching number one in sixteen coun- to local shores for debut showcases. tries, and subsequently earning the group a Grammy Award At the age of 13, Cyrus Gorimar found himself at- TENDINGHISlRSTCLASS WITHINSIXMONTHSHISIMPA- TIENCELEDHIMTOFORMHISlRSTBANDCALLED@"AND Aid’. Moving on to college days, Cyrus decided to form a heavy metal band called ‘Serpentine’, which showcased at Mumbai college festivals. With a desire for perfection, he took special drumming lessons from Lester Coutin- ho and thereafter formed ‘Psycho Neurosis’. In 1994 he incepted ‘Brahma’ along with Devraj Sanyal and in 2010 he formed “Blue Blood”. Cyrus Gorimar is also a partner of Inception, a company which deals in interior design and ar- c Band chitecture apart from being the founder of Opium Events. In his spare time, Cyrus and his wife run a dog adoption center called Dog Adopt in Karjat owing to their love for animals.

www.indiantalentmag.com 51 ishi Shankar Upadhyay is a unique con- “choreographer” Vidha Lal & Abhimanyu lal (kathak Danc- stellation of music, born in India and er), Vidushi Geetanjali Lal (Kathak dance), Pandit Ram spreading his fame as a young Pakhawaj Mohan Maharaj (Kathak Dance), Pandit Kali Nath Mishra Rmaestro. He has been blessed with the (Tabla), Vidushi Tripti Mukherjee (deciple of Sangeet art of music from his ancestors. Born in Allahabad Mrtand Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj), Pandit Ram Ku- (Uttar Pradesh), he had the privilege to learn from mar Mishra (Tabla), Padamshree Ustad Faiyas Wasifuddin his grandfather the great Mridangacharya late Pt. Dagar (Dhrupad), Duet With Tabla Maestro Ustad Akram Ramji Upadhyay, a renowned Pakhawaj Maestro Khan many times, Pandit Ajoy Pohonkar, Pandit Ronu ANDAFTERTHAT HESTARTEDGETTINGINTENSEANDlNE Majumder, Pt Tanmoy Bose (Tabla), Pandit Mithlesh Jha training from his father Pakhawaj Maestro Pt Ravi (Tabla), Pt Salil Bhatt, Pandit Rupak Kulkarni (Flute) and Shankar Upadhyay, at the tender age of 5 years. No wonder that today he proudly represents the 15th generation of artists nurturing this traditional art of his family. The Great Grandfather of Rishi Shankar Upadhyay, the great mridanga maestro Pt. Basudeo Upadhyay was an unprecedented Pakhawaj player who was also an accomplished Dhrupad singer. He was the greatest expert even in the art of Pakhawaj. Hence the name of his Gharana or the style of pakhawaj playing was kept on his name as (Pt. Basudeo Upadhyay Pakhawaj Parampara, Gaya, Bihar). Apart from accompanying his father, Rishi has given a number of solo and duet performances and also as an accompanying with various reput- ed & legendary artists. He has played with well known Santoor Player Padmashree Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Abhay Sopori, Mohan Veena Maestro Pad- ma Bhushan Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Pandit Rajendre Prassana (Flute), Duet with well known pakhawaj maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar Upadhyay, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh (Dancer), Padma Vibhushan Sangeet Martand Pandit Jas- raj, Pt Rajendra Gangani (Kathak Dance), Pad- amshree Pt. Ramakant Gundecha & Pt. Umak- ant Gundecha (gundecha brother’s), (Dhrupad), Duet With Pakhawaj Praveen Arya, duet with Shri Srikant Deshmukh (Vocal), a famous disciple of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Shama Bhate (Dance) and Rishi

INSTRUMENTALIST Upadhyay 52 www.indiantalentmag.com many more. Apart from Pakhawaj, he has a very good com- mand on Tabla, playing solo or as an accompanist, besides Classical Vocal Upadhyay has been an “A” Grade Artist” of All India Ra- dio and Doordarshan”. Upadhyay also did workshops/concerts in many foreign locations like NewYork, Hempstead, Bejing, Shanghai, Belgium, Singapore, Germany (Berlin), London (Birmingham), Dubai, Saudi Arabia, France, Brus- sels, Belarus, Portugal, Ukraine, Russia in many places, Mauritius, etc. Upadhyay has been a recipient of the “Na- tional Scholarship” from the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, New Delhi. He has also received a Presidential Award by All India Radio and Doordarshan, SaMaPa Yuva Ratan Samman 2017 by (Pt Bhajan Sopori Ji and Abhay Sopori Ji Academy), Classical Talent Award by Mumbai AVIDES Foundation Mumbai & America U.S.A., Pt. Amar Nath Mishra Swarn Padak by Varanasi Dhrupad Festival and Sangeet Yuva Ratna Award 2013 by Navodit Kalakar Samiti, Delhi. Some major festivals that he has attended include Saptak Music Festival, Harivallabh Music Festival,

Goa Kala Academy Festival, Tansen Music Festi- val, Akashwani Sangeet Sammelan, Doordarshan National Program, Sawai Gandharva festival Pune, NCPA Mumbai Festival, Delhi Classical music Fes- tival, West Bengal Music Festival, Sankat Mochan Music Festival, SaMaPa Music Festival, Ganga Mohotsava, Ustad Allahrakha Khan Sangeet Sam- melan, Bheni Saab sangeet Sammelan, Chennai Academy Music Festival, Sangeet Natak Akademi Music Festival in Mauritius & Assam. He has also done Archival Recording For Sangeet Natak Acad- emy with Pandit Bhajan Sopori and participated in the Matra Music Festival Organised By Tabla Mae- stro Pt Anindo Chatterjee. www.inindiantalentmagdiantalentmag. cocomm 53

weekar Katti is blessed with a musical family. He began his Sitar training at an early age of 10 from his guru – his father Dr. Sunil Katti who is a re- Snowned Sitar and Santoor Maestro and also a Mu- sic Composer. Sweekar Katti belongs to ‘Etawah Gharana’ (Imdadkhani Gharana) and follows the immensely appealing ‘Gayaki Ang‘. His electrifying yet soulful performances have been widely appreciated by the music lovers as well as crit- ics. His mastery over Taal – rhythm, especially Laykari, is something to look out for. Sweekar Katti has performed in many Classical and Fusion Concerts at prestigious Music Festivals in India and Abroad. He has a keen interest in exploring new avenues of performance and contributes towards innovative ideas of blending different genres of Indian Classical and Fusion Music. Sweekar’s father realized his musical inclination and apti- tude and started giving him Tabla lessons when Sweekar was just 7 years old. The idea was to get him well acquainted with the concept of Rhythm – Laya. He would sit attentively while his father played the Sitar/Santoor, and thus built a STRONGAFlNITYTOWARDSSTRINGINSTRUMENTS7HENITWASTIME for him to choose his path for the musical journey, he chose Sitar. His father bought a small Sitar for him and thus began his musical education under the guidance of his father. By the time he passed out of school, he knew that he wanted to pursue music as his career and joined a college that supported and nurtured his musical abilities to the full ex- tent. Sweekar Katti has participated in many intercollegiate

Sweekar

INSTRUMENTALIST Katti 56 www.indiantalentmag.com www.indiantalentmag.com 57 competitions, national competitions and has won a few. He has been interviewed and has played for vari- several awards. Now, as a Professional Sitarist, ous Television channels. Sweekar Katti has played Sitar in he has given several performances in India and many Ad Films for Taj, Askmebazar etc. He is equally bril- overseas and is currently doing his PhD. from the liant when it comes to ‘Fusion Music’, having performed Mumbai University and receiving a fellowship for with the Top Most Musicians of the country like the ‘Master the same. OF 0ERCUSSION 5STAD 4AUlQ 1URESHI AND THE @,EGENDARY Sweekar has given several performances in India Drummer Ranjit Barot’. and overseas. He has worked with Ace Western He had the rare fortune of touring South Korea with the Composer ‘Prof. Sandeep Bhagwati’ from Germany Great Tabla Player Pt. Yogesh Samsi. He has also worked in his project of Indian music explorations ‘Dhwani on different concepts with various well-known Bands like Sutras’. He has also worked with many ‘Bollywood’ Vaditra, The Ensemble, Surya-The new Sun, Taal-Matrix Music directors like Pritam (for MTV Unplugged), etc. He has collaborated with many artists on their private Sanjay Leela Bhansali (for “Bajirao Mastani” mov- Projects and has played for various Fusion albums, Ghazal IE ,ALIT 0ANDIT 5STAD 4AUlQ 1URESHI TO NAME albums, and Light Music albums as well.

58 www.indiantalentmag.com Hotel Amar 60 www.indiantalentmag.com ucha Ghamande is a professional Indian Clas- was now greater than ever. It helped her to better sical Dancer from Pune, India. Born on the 6th understand the true purpose of art and to truly ap- of September 1995, she began dancing at the preciate the honor of practicing such a serene art Rage of 7. Her older sister, Rutuja was pursuing form. Bharatnatyam at the time and Rucha would often try to Shortly after that, she completed her graduation imitate her as a kid. Her environment and the beauty of from Symbiosis University but true to her heart, she Kathak as an art moved a young Rucha and before she continued performing in Pune at renowned centers knew it she was receiving training in Kathak under the guidance of Guru Prerana Deshpande. Kathak is a vibrant classical dance art which originated from northern India. It consists of graceful movements, complex footwork, and compositions paired with subtle Ab- hinaya (acting) which is Sanskrit for expressions. Rucha has been training in this dance form as a disciple of the in- ternationally acclaimed danseuse Guru Prerana Deshpande at Nrityadham Institute of Performing Arts. Prerana is one of the senior most disciples of Guru Pandita Rohini Bhate whose contributions to the art of Kathak are invaluable. After a few good years of rigorous training, Rucha began her advance studies in Kathak and found her place in Nrity- adham’s senior performance troupe. She has been performing as one of their leading dancers in many predominant productions and featured recitals. Over the years she performed as a part of Nrityadham’s Troupe as well as a solo dancer in many parts of India and other countries as well. When she was 19, Rucha accompanied her guru and her fellow dancers (gurubhaginis) on a cultural relations tour across the African continent which was organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, ICCR. The purpose of this program was to spread awareness of Indian classical art forms and the Indian culture throughout various countries in and around Africa. They performed in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Reunion islands. This turned out to be an exhilarat- ing & blissful experience for Rucha whose love for dance Rucha KATHAK DANCER KATHAK www.indiantalentmag.comGhamande 61 like the College of Engineering Pune (COEP), The Gyaan Adab Centre of Literature and Art, The Model United Nations (MUN) inaugural ceremony for Symbiosis University, The Kalachayya center amongst other prestigious events. She then went on to perform at the Varsiddhi Vinayaga Temple in Chennai and recently had the opportunity to dance with the troupe in the presence of Guru pt. Birju Maharaj in Lucknow. Performing before one such as Maharaj himself was a moment Rucha could cherish all her life, and her deep-rooted love for dance erupted when Birju Maharaj himself appreciated her troupe’s performance and gave them his invaluable blessings. She also is a part of Nrityadham’s ongoing glori- ous silver jubilee celebrations, as a part of which they presented a very rich and beautiful concept by Guru Pt. Mohanrao Kallianpurkar - Taal Mala on the 3rd of February, this beautiful piece was choreographed by her Guru Prerana and garnered accolade and appreciation from all over Pune. Along with performing, Rucha started to explore another aspect of her life as a dancer which was being a teacher. It began in 2014, when her guru asked her to teach at an academic school in Pune. Slowly Rucha began to realize how much she could learn from this and understand the wide concept of Kathak a little better. Being a teacher gave her tremendous joy because it allowed her to pass on the valuable heritage of Kathak to fellow students. Since then she has been teaching at Nrityadham Institute as Guru Prerana’s assistant and also helped in organizing various dance and art events. She received an opportunity

to judge the dance competitions of The Maheshwari Samaj Festival in 2015. Having the privilege and honor to be a teacher herself compelled her to dig deeper in order to examine her own dance and learn the subtle nuances of the beauty that lies in Kathak. Currently, Rucha is pursuing her Master’s De- GREEIN+ATHAKFROM0UNEANDISALSOCERTIlEDIN$IGITAL Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She is forever grateful for the encouragement that she receives from her parents and the support and blessings of her Guru, Rucha is working towards combining her love for Kathak and her academic knowledge to forge a new creative path for herself.

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