Regarded as one on the greatest gurus of Indian instrumental music, Pandit Kartick Kumar will be adding yet another coup to his long list of commendable credentials. Today, on the 82nd birthday of the virtuoso, a first of its kind Indian Music And Arts Culture Centre found its’ home in the cultural hub of Bandra West. The Pandit Kartick Kumar Foundation, situated at Rang Mandir Bandra was launched to promote Indian music and culture.
To felicitate the living legend and honour his body of memorable work, the special guests for the inauguration included Amitabh Bachchan, Pyarelal Sharma, The Mayor Of Mumbai Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, President of Yuva Sena Aditya Thackeray and Bandra West MLA Adv Ashish Shelar.
The foundation was inaugurated with an all-day long music bonanza today at Sheila Gopal Raheja Auditorium. Patrons were privy to a stellar line-up with artists like Vishwamohan Bhatt, Mahesh Kale, Rahul Deshpande, Jayateerth Mevundi, Amaan Ali Bangash, Niladri Kumar, Vijay Ghate, Satyajit Talwalkar, Majusha Patil, Sheetal Kolwalkar, Atul Upadhye performing throughout the day. Pandit Kartick Kumar was also seen performing the Surbahar while his son Niladri Kumar performed a special set for Amitabh Bachchan.
To inaugurate the foundation, instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, Mr. Bachchan, in the presence of all the special guests, played a few notes on the Zitar gifted to him by Niladri Kumar.
Amitabh Bachchan stated, ” I am honoured to be be seated amongst such luminaries today. I had heard Niladri Kumar for the first time at an event where they were playing some ambient music through a CD. I was so mesmirised by that music I requested the person to tell me the name of the musician. He searched and then said it’s ‘some Niladri Kumar’s. I thought to myself, what a fool this person must be to say some Niladri Kumar, he has no idea about this artist. An artist so unique and one of a kind, such humans are rarely created. After that I searched and bought all Niladri Kumar albums and CDs and till date everyday I listen to his music and it gives me so much calm, peace and joy. It has a become a part of my life. My father had once told me that when Lataji sings she is like a stream of honey, in perfect continuous melody and synergy. When I hear Niladriji, I remember exactly that what my father said. Niladriji is that artist who’s sound is so special , his music is so unique and he is in such perfect melody just like that stream of endless pure honey. “
Pandit Kartick Kumar stated, “The motto of this foundation is to serve through music. This is a premiere centre for all kinds of individuals from all backgrounds to come learn, understand and experience the joy of Indian music, instrument and vocal training through user friendly and interactive formats, fit for this generation
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