Former announcer, Sandhya S Kumar, talks about the upcoming 21st edition of her music show sun evening
For the first time since the pandemic, Sur Sandhya is back with its 21st edition this year. Powered by Saras Communications, this musical fundraiser is emceed by MC and former Doordarshan announcer Sandhya S Kumar. The three-hour event, to be held on November 30, will include more than two dozen songs from the golden age of film music. This income will go towards rural development of child education and women empowerment
Although the program is Mohammed Rafi – Moods and Melodies special, the evening includes some hit songs of music director Madan Mohan as it is Rafi’s birth centenary as well.
Over the years, Sandhya has been donating all the proceeds from this event to an NGO. “This year, we will send it to Rural Development Child Education and Women Empowerment (RDCEWE), a public charitable trust near the tribal area of Jharkhand, run by Basmati Gagrai, a member of one of the tribal communities there. Basmati is also the winner of the 2024 Woman Exemplar Award instituted by the CII Foundation.
Sandhya S Kumar Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Sur Sandhya is as much about music as it is about a purpose. Thanks to this event, many people have become aware of promising musicians and organizations working for the underprivileged – that’s my aim. It is also an opportunity to showcase them to Bengaluruans and connect them with people who want to help a cause.”
voices in unison
This year’s event will feature singers who have made their debut in reality shows and are also classically trained. Saurav Kishan, who is slowly making his mark as ‘Chhota Rafi’, Aaroh Shankar, Ranita Banerjee and Shruti Bhide will sing this year.
“We have also included three medleys for the event that everyone will enjoy,” says Sandhya, adding that her choice of singers was based on a selection of songs that she chose from a long list. , which included classics like Baiju Bawra’s ‘Mann’. Tadpath Hari Darshan today, with upbeat songs like ‘Na Ja, Kahin Ab Na Ja’ and love songs like ‘Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bulegi Woh Barsaat Ki Raat’.
Ranita Banerjee, one of the singers of Sur Sandhya 2024. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
According to Sandhya, a live orchestra is the best way to enjoy the music of this era. “This time, our 25-instrument orchestra will include 10 violins along with a cello and double bass. Other instruments include tabla, conga, dholak, banjo, rhythm pad, viola, sitar, flute, guitar and saxophone. Many of the musicians in the orchestra – including flutist Ashwini Kaushik, an accomplished Western and Indian classical player – are from Karnataka.
first note
What inspired Sandhya to take on this philanthropic track? “I grew up in Chikmagalur and come from a family where classical music and film tracks were part of our day, thanks to radio and transistors. My mother Shanta and father Venugopal, an engineer, loved old Hindi classics. He often used to say, ‘If Rafi is the king of melody, then Mukesh is the king of sadness.’ My father also had a huge LP collection which was a prized possession of our family.
Sandhya’s father was not even 60 years old when he died. “We were heartbroken. We just wanted to plan a tribute to the man who introduced us to the world of music. Sandhya was encouraged by her school teacher Shadakshari (Best Teacher Rajyotsav Award winner) to improve her public speaking skills.
Saurav Kishan, one of the singers of Sur Sandhya 2024 Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This made it easier for him to approach playback star Manna Dey – who was then settled in Bengaluru – to lead the show for his first Sur Sandhya in 2001. “Since then, it has been a well-oiled, sweet-talking machine with a theme for every edition and contributions for deserving people.”
Sandhya credits her family for the continued success of the event. “My entire family – from my husband ST Ramesh, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police and music expert, to my sisters, brothers and daughters – work together as a team to give meaning to this melodious practice. Everyone has a role to play in making this happen.”
Shruti Bhide, one of the singers of Sur Sandhya 2024 Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
driving force
In 2016, Basmati Gagrai started a primary school with only four students under a tree in Lamjhari village near West Singhbhum forest. It was later registered as a public charitable trust – Rural Development Child Education and Women Empowerment (RDCEWE). Today, the school has about 350 students and some of his friends are employed as teachers.
Making good use of her funds and resource management skills, Basmati managed to build five classrooms with locally available soil, clay and an asbestos roof, on a piece of land owned by her cousin. After school hours, Basmati and her friends worked in nearby fields to make ends meet.
Despite her efforts, she is quick to share the praise. Basmati, who has also brought other community-driven projects and women empowerment programs to her village, says, “It is fortunate that the team along with Chokkalingam and Hariharan, led by former bankers and businessman R Venkatnathan, are raising funds for this cause. Was generous in gathering.”
Sur Sandhya will be held on November 30 at 6 pm at the Prestige Srihari Khode Center for Performing Arts, Kanakapura Road. Tickets on BookMyShow
published – November 28, 2024 01:37 PM IST
