20/04/2024
Anup Jalota the legend continues to enthrall
-Kim Singh
Music Critic Asia News
I have had the opportunity to have enjoyed Anup Jalota’s concerts for over 40 years.
Invariably the concerts were in famed auditoriums across Bombay. Today, Anup Jalota performed in an open air space and the results were truly magical.
It is a warm April Bombay evening, but the outdoor space with large fans conjured a cool milieu.
Anup Jalota rendered ghazals with a sprinkling of his expected religious renderings.
Padma Shri Anup Jalota graced the stage at the Naushad Academy of Hindustani Sangeet, delivering a spellbinding performance.
Anup Jalota, an icon in the world of music, needs no introduction. With a career spanning over five decades, he has continuously reinvented the rendition of devotional songs and ghazals, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and timeless melodies.
Singing his heart out he belted out songs like Damadum Mast Qalandar (Qawali), Aisi Lagi Lagan (His Bhajan), Rang De Chunariya (His Bhajan), Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aya (Jagjit’s Ghazal), Yeh Dawlat Bhi Lelo (Jagjit’s Ghazal), Itni Shakti Hamay Day na Daata (Kuldeep Singh Jee's song) and many more to the audience’s delight.
Anup Jalota was backed by his talented musicians Tabla player Divendra Bhartti, Synth Guitarist - Dhiren Raichura and Violinist R Mahesh.
Rehman Naushad, well-known film director, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are honoured to host Padma Shri Anup Jalota, whose melodious songs and ghazals enchanted us all, filling the evening with serenity and joy."
World renowned legendary music director and composer Uttam Singh, a close family friend of Anup Jalota, shared, "Anup Jee's music and his renditions have brought the sublime beauty of songs and ghazals to India and beyond."
Gurmeet Singh, esteemed music composer - producer and son of Shri Uttam Singh, added, "Anupji's mesmerizing devotional songs and ghazals have touched my heart and It's truly a delight to experience his artistry this evening."
Attendees savored each moment of the performance, indulging in a delightful evening filled with timeless melodies. This event was guided by the expertise of Rehman Naushad, Uttam Singh, Gurmeet Singh, alongside the meticulous organisation by Parmeet Kaur (Mini), was also complemented by Gujarati snacks.
Anup Jalota a Punjabi brought a zest to his performance that was endearing.
