‘O Ganavali’ is an ode for powerful female voices from the past

‘O Ganavali’ is an Ode for the mythological female singers who broke the glass roof and remained with art beyond the gender division. Artists like Rasulan Bai, Gauhar Jaan and Begum Akhtar showed the world how women can chase their passion without colliding with social norms.

‘Hey Ganwali, a show that celebrates the beauty of Thumri, Dadra and Ghazal, will launch its first EP – O Gaanewali Session 1. EP will be released on 7 June at a concert at Royal Opera House in Mumbai. Performed 55 shows across India in the last three years, behind the team O Gaanwali The series felt that it was time to exclude recording. The very first song Mirza Ghalib’s Ghazal ‘Mudat Hui Hai Yaar Ko’ will be followed by a Thumri later. ‘O Ganavali’ plans to release songs to every fortnight.

It is written and written by an Indian singer, Avanti Patel, with singer Rutuja Lad in the series. The concert contains dramatic elements such as storytelling. The terms of music will be displayed and explained in a converted mixture of Hindi and English. The show theater personality is directed by Mallika Singh and Meghna.

Avanti and Rutuja are trained under senior Hindustani singer Ashwini Bhid-Dashpande. They also take the legacy of Ashwini’s aunt, Sarla Bhide, who is a senior disciple of Shobha Gurtu. Avanti says: “It helps Rutuja and I have only one guru in Ashwini ThaiIn that, our approach to music is the same. ,

The idea for the EP, she reveals, originated during the lockdown as part of the series launched by the HCT studio. O Gaanwali In March 2022, the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) was presented at the experimental theater. Soon, the offers began to come, but Avanti wanted the show to be interactive, and educate new listeners about the nuances of Thumri. She says, “My knowledge about theater was limited, but Mallika and Meghnahland bring out that element and work with the working people and scripts.” The show was kept together after doing research on the life and music of the legendary female artists. “We also wanted to talk about their difficulties and challenges,” Avanti says.

Rutuja, who had previously learned from Jaipur-Atuli Gharana Dyne, Dhondutai Kulkarni, says he had obstructions, but quickly adapted and started enjoying the new format. She explains, “As a classical singer, I was addicted to the traditional style, where a piece of a piece and singing the composition. The directors helped me overcome it.”

The theme of the show changes to add some enthusiasm to the presentation. O Gaanwali Holi, monsoon and Shoba Gurtu’s songs are particularly special to mark their centenary year, as well as love songs and ghazals among others. Avanti says that it helps the audience to come back, as they know that they will find something different every time. She says, “By changing the original theme, someone will look for songs that have not been done before. Many times, we have to learn something new and practice, because it goes with the flow. But this is the place where happiness is a lie.”

Rutuja also shared that he sought the guidance of a student of Shobha Gurtu, singer Shubha Joshi, on how much he likes with Thumris. She also talks about learning Hori Ghazal ‘Mere Hazrat Mane Mane Holi’, popular by Gauhar Jaan. “Sung for Holi, and Ghazals.

As the shows participate by different types of listeners – puritarian and uninterrupted, Avanti says, “We structure it in such a way that it appeals for both. Therefore, we make it interactive. We are happy to see more youth in the audience.”

The idea of ​​releasing an EP came after several members of the audience asked the details about specific songs. “We will ask him to listen to the recording of the original singer, such as Begum Akhtar or Shobha Guru.

‘Hey Ganwali’ celebrates the heritage of Begum Akhtar Photo Credit: Hindu Archives

For Avanti, O Gaanwali There is a major project, as she conceptualize the new show most of her time. She is also in the composition and is currently composing music for a theater production. Rutuja, concurrently in classical concerts programs, is dedicated to singer Manik Bhid, Ashwini’s mother and Guru at a festival in Kolhapur with his recent one.

At the Royal Opera House in Mumbai, the upcoming concert, both will be accompanied by Akshay Jadhav (tabla), Apoorva Petkar (Harmonium) and Sandeep Mishra (Sarani). In addition to some ghazals, they will present a performance of thumri and associated forms.