Vidya Shah performs live at Times Pune Festival

"People ask me whether my kind of music has any future in the Bollywood inspired music scenario of today. Your presence and applause assures that it certainly has,” expressed classical vocalist Vidya Shah while addressing the audience who had gathered to see the artiste perform live at the Times Pune Festival on Saturday.
Vidya performed classical ragas, folk to sufi, Nirguni, carnatic and ghazals at the event.Her performance was inspired by legends like Meerabai, Kumar Gandharv, Amir Khusro, Rabia Al Basri and Guru Nanak. Each rendition reflected a different human emotion. While Aashiq Hai Toh Dilbar Ko Har Rang Mein Pehchan depicted a lover’s saga, Jo Poochaa Kaho Aaj Kya Ho Raha Hai brought out the painful emotions in true qawwali style. Folk renditions like the Awadh inspired Laike Jaibe Gavanva and Gagan Mandal Ghar Ma in Gujarati dialect infused a regional flavour. Bas Tuhi Mere Sai, Na Jee Sakiye Te Na Mariye, Mohe Apne Hi Rang Mein Rang De Rangeele were some other songs that were outstanding. The synchronisation of the musical team comprising Shanti Bhushan Jha on tabla, Satish Kumar Solanki on percussion and Badlu Khan on harmonium, was a complete treat.
Shah’s interaction with the audience in between her renditions kept them informed about the nuances of her presentations. The artiste ended her performance with Guru Nanak’s aarti in raag Kaafisaying, “Satsang ko aarti ke sang khatam karna chahiye.”