By Anil Maybhate (03/31/2024)
A million thanks to Milind for the concept and flawless execution, with Milind and Rashmi leading the show through their captivating narration. A big bravo to all the singers! The evening kicked off with Shruti Bedekar (if I have the name correct) delivering two beautiful songs, setting the stage for a night of ever-increasing excellence. Sunetra, Rajan, Swati, Anjali, Ajay, Shrikant, Anjali Manohar, and, of course, our beloved Aniruddh, all performed flawlessly, backed by an expert crew of musicians, including Ketan, Ravi, Shreyas, Alap, and Tej. Shreyas’s rendition of an abhang on the harmonium was a highlight, evoking memories of Khale Kaka (Shrinivas Khale) and his enduring legacy.
The evening was so enchanting that I completely forgot to eat the samosas! Thanks to Asmita, the night extended into a long, musical celebration filled with delicious food, drinks, and the company of many friends. Every moment was memorable, including Arvind ji humorously attempting to average out the off-key notes in the chorus singing in the “काली पौने-चार” scale.
The performances that lingered with me included Aniruddh’s “gele the din gele” and Swati’s “yaa chimanyano,” both of which brought tears to my eyes, as well as the Maharashtra geet by Om Joshi, a remarkably talented young artist. And Sunetra’s Lavani! In my opinion, Sunetra has earned a new title, सुनेत्रा चव्हाण, our very own Lavani Samraadnyee, a nod to the original Lavani queen, Sulochana Chavan.
The selection of songs, the meticulously arranged sequence, Milind and Rashmi’s eloquent Marathi, and a galaxy of talented singers and musicians made for an unforgettable experience that will remain in our hearts for years. Thank you, everyone!
