The passing away of Vidushi Girija Devi was a great loss to the world of music and a host of programmes were held as a tribute to her since then, but the Girija Devi Baithak organised by the VSK Baithak last Sunday at the Godrej auditorium WWF; was different in many ways. It was a Shradhanjali Sabha dedicated to her memory by Vinod Kapur who, inspired by her music, conceived and efficiently curated the Purab Ang Gayaki Utsav with the sole aim to promote and propagate this soulful gayaki, which was looked down upon as ‘semi’-classical. The series of Purab Ang Gayaki Utsav were organised year after year, in a number of cities covering a wide range of participants who performed in front of invited audience and received Girija Devi Puraskar, instituted in the name of the Thumri Queen in three subsequent categories.
Book release
The solemn occasion was marked with a book release ‘Remembering Girija ji’ by Vinod Kapur who said, “ I cannot thanks Girija ji enough for having enticed me into the bejewelled world of music 51 years ago in 1967 and for her sustained charm, affection and inspiration since.” A film ‘Tribute: Girija Devi’ was screened courtesy Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra and ‘Recalling Girija Devi ji’ by Vijay Kichlu, was to follow, but he could not make it for health reasons. The Purab Ang recitals by three winners of the Girija Devi Puraskar were followed by a tribute on sitar by Ud. Shujaat Khan.
There were ace artistes like Pt. Vinod Lele on tabla and Dr. Vinay Mishra on harmonium, to inspire and accompany the talented vocalists. Piu Mukherjee, a gifted disciple of Vidushi Girija Devi, opened with thumri Mishra Khamaj “Itni araj mori maan le…”, set to vilambit (slow) Deepchandi and followed it with a Chaiti, “Chait maas boleli koyaliya….”.
The long years Piu had spent under the grooming of her generous guru were evident in her flawless treatment of both the renditions. She was comfortable enough to enjoy and appreciate the moving touches of harmonium and tabla, while giving authentic treatment to the Purab Ang Gayaki.
Indrani Mukherjee exhibited subtle grasp of the lyrical substance in her restrained rendering of the thumri “Gori chitwat badra ki ore…” in raga Desh and the Jhoola “Siya sang jhoolen bagiya mein Ram Lalana….”. Her Khayal training was visible in her untrammelled akaar and the leisurely bol banav had all the persuasive pleading of thumri where she seemed in no hurry; and sang with the kind of disguised virtuosity that seems casual and unintended.
Anjana Nath offered her musical homage with thumri Mishra Tilang and a dadra in Mishra Kirwani set to addha theka.
Filled with nostalgia
Ustad Shujaat Khan
Ud. Shujaat Khan sung and played nostalgic tribute with a number of bandishi thumris in raga Khamaj which had the old world charm. Opening with the all time favourite “Na manungi…..” set to Addha Theka, he maintained the same pace and tala throughout the changing compositions like the “Koyaliya kook sunaye…” and the enchanting “Rang Rangili, Rasili, Chabili dekhi naar….”; concluding with a tarana that ended with an Urdu couplet.
Vinod Lele gave him inspiring support on tabla. One only wished he had time and inclination to tune his instrument to match the aroma and romance of the bandishes!
