February edition of our e-Swaranubhuti series
Featuring:
Smt. Bharathi Prathap (Vocal)
Accompanied by:
- Shri Suyog Kundalkar (Harmonium)
- Shri Bharat Kamat (Tabla)
Registration and viewership are free for this event.
Bharathi Prathap’s musical mastery and the rich tapestry of classical ragas…
In a mesmerizing rendition, renowned Hindustani singer, Smt.Bharathi Prathap, graced the stage at the Swaranubhuti program, a musical extravaganza hosted and curated by the Rithwik Foundation for Performing Arts. Bharathi Prathap’s vocal prowess and emotive delivery were on full display as she presented a soul-stirring performance featuring classical compositions in three distinct ragas.
Bharathi Prathap, was skillfully supported by the rhythmic expertise of Shri Bharat Kamat on the Tabla, infusing the performance with dynamic beats and intricate percussive patterns. Adding a harmonious layer to the ensemble, Shri Suyog Kundalkar showcased his mastery on the Harmonium, contributing melodic richness and tonal depth to the overall musical experience.
Together, the trio crafted a spellbinding auditory journey, with each artist’s unique contribution weaving seamlessly into the fabric of the performance. Bharat Kamat’s Tabla and Suyog Kundalkar’s Harmonium not only served as accompaniments but became integral elements, enhancing the depth and diversity of the musical presentation led by Bharathi Prathap, creating an immersive and harmonically rich musical tapestry for the audience to relish.
The performance commenced with the mellifluous Raga Puriya Kalyan, where Bharathi Prathap delved into the intricacies of Pt. Anna Saheb Ratanjankar’s compositions. The Vilambit Ek Taal unfolded with “Hovana Laagi Saanj, Cheto zara momanavare, Ab to yaad karo naam Hari ko Dhyan Dhare,” creating a contemplative and devotional atmosphere. Transitioning seamlessly into the Drut Teen Taal, Bharathi Prathap brought to life the evocative verses of “Dhan Dhan Bhaag Jaage aaj mere aagam bhayo peeko aaliri, Goonde laavori maalaniya sarasa sugandhita harava daaroo Garava peeta jataavu peeso aaliri,” captivating the audience with her emotive expression and rhythmic precision.
The journey continued with Raga Hameer, where Bharathi Prathap showcased the versatility of her vocal artistry. The Madhyalay Teen Taal unfolded with the composition of Pt. Anna Saheb Ratanjankar, “Mana Mohana Brij raaja dulhaaro,” invoking the romantic essence of the raga. The Drut Ada Choutaal, a composition of Ustad Inaayat Khan, elevated the performance with its vibrant energy and intricate expressions, as Bharathi Prathap sang “Dekhi aisi pyari laadaliki sundara sindara moorat moorat pyari pyari.”
Raga Jhinjoti brought forth a unique blend of classical elements, starting with Nom Tom alap—a specialty of the Agra gharana popularized by Ustad Faiyaz Khan. The Dhamar that followed, a traditional composition sung by Agra musicians rooted in Dhrupad, showcased Bharathi Prathap’s command over the classical nuances. The Drut Teen Taal, set to the composition of Ustad Khadim Hussain Khan, unfolded a lyrical narrative with “Saavare salone se laage more nain sakhiri,” leaving the audience enchanted by the profound emotions conveyed.
The grand finale featured Raga Bhairavi, with Bharathi Prathap presenting the popular Dadra “Banavo Batiya Chalo Kaahe ko Jhooti.” This composition, attributed to Ustad Faiyaz Khan, resonated with emotional depth as Bharathi Prathap poured her heart into each note. The captivating performance concluded, leaving the audience in awe of Bharathi Prathap’s musical mastery and the rich tapestry of classical ragas that had unfolded before them.
Featured Artist
Smt. Bharathi Prathap
Born and raised in Bengaluru, Bharathi Prathap was initiated to Carnatic classical music at the age of seven, by her parents. Encouraged by her uncle, Bharathi switched over to Hindustani classical music. She has been groomed under the guidance of the late Pt. Maruti Rao Inamdar, Davangere, and the late Pt. Rama Rao V. Naik, in Bengaluru who was a doyen of the Agra Gharana.
She is also trained in Bhavageethe & Vachana gaayana by the late Sri H.K. Narayana. Bharathi’s immense passion for music, inspired her to give up a career as electronics engineer in HMT and take up music as her main pursuit.
Bharathi’s musical career took a significant leap after she came under the tutelage of Vidushi Lalith J Rao, an outstanding exponent of the Agra-Atrauli Gharana.
Vidushi Lalith Rao has been giving her intensive training in the various aspects of the traditional Agra gayaki since 2000.
A trip to France by the Guru and her protégé for a concert and recording in Radio France is an important milestone in her musical journey. Bharathi was the recipient of the Daughter’s Day Award-2015 instituted by the Public Relations Council of India, in memory of Late Kalpana Chawla.
She was conferred with the title ‘Ganashree’ and was a recipient of the prestigious ‘Sri Guru Puttaraja Puraskara-2017’ by the Gana Gandharva Kala Trust-Gadag. She was the recipient of Rageshree Puraskar-2020, instituted in memory of Pt. G.R. Bhat, Balegadde. She was also conferred the title ‘Raga Ratna’ by Ragamitra Pratishthana of Sirsi.
2 Comments
Need to register for the on line Bharti Pratap Concert. Not for updates please.
Hello Mr. Kishor, the online concert for Smt. Bharathi Prathap is free to watch on this very page ( https://rithwikfoundation.com/e-swaranubhuti-february-2024/ ) which you can visit on the day of the premier (18th February 2024, Sunday, 7 PM (IST) onwards.) Hope you enjoy the show!