Ritanjali Hastir, Keekli Reporter, 12th July, 2015, Shimla
People of Shimla City got a great opportunity to experience the magic of santoor played by Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya – a well known name in the field of music at the historic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla here today. Pandit Tarun is a commerce graduate from one of the most reputed colleges of Calcutta, young Bhattacharya followed the call of his heart, i.e., music after a few brief years of his professional life. His early talim (music instructions) was from his father Rabi Bhattacharya, he honed his skills under the strict vigil of Pandit Dulal Roy and finally the culmination of his learning curve was when the greatest musical icon of India, Bharat Ratna recipient late Pt. Ravi Shankar, accepted young Bhattacharya as his only disciple on Santoor of the Maihar Gharana. The musical evening was organized by the Department of Language Art and Culture, Himachal Pradesh in association with the North Zone Culture Center Patiala.
Bhattacharya has been a pioneering and revolutionary musician who has changed the face of Indian classical music, he has been truly an unparalleled music ambassador of India. One of the most celebrated torch bearers of Indian classical music, he has virtually traversed the globe many times performing in some of most awe-inspiring venues and cities such as Royal Albert Hall, Palace-de-beaux (Brussels), Theater- De-La-Viile (France), Apollo Theatre (Spain), Jubilee Auditorium (Canada), Kremlin (Russia). The mesmerized list of admirers includes Prince Charles, George Harrison, Paolo Solaris and many more respected figures across the globe.
While speaking on the occasion he said, “I am glad to be here as the people here are very polite and nice. They are in perfect harmony with nature and music. Recently, when I visited Switzerland, I said we also have our own Switzerland that is this beautiful city, Shimla. I feel very happy for this opportunity to play in the historic Gaiety Theatre”.
It is often said that music goes beyond geographical boundaries and the statement was proven right as the audiences comprised on not only of natives but foreigners too who stayed glued to their seats till the musician played.
While sharing their experience they said that first they thought maybe they will not be able to understand it but seeing Pandit play transported them into a new world. It was a great experience and the jugalbandi was the best part of the evening.
