The new always has its roots in the old. And no other culture than India can demonstrate this better. We still worship electric appliances on Diwali along with deities; our most expensive car will have an evil eye to ward off buri nazar; and we love to play religious songs on EDM atDurga puja and Ganeshotsav. The country though has stepped into 21st century is still bound by the age-old traditions. The traditions which do not bog us down but make us stand out. Even today, Indian students will touch their teachers' feet out of respect.
Aadi Anant has been celebrating this guru-shishya parampara for four years now. This travelling festival pays tribute to the guru-shishya parampara of learning that has been a part of our culture since time immemorial. Artistes like Zakir Hussain with Steve Smith, Deepak Bhatt (dhol), Vijay Chavan (dholki), V Selvaganesh (kanjira and ghatam), Dilshad Khan (sarangi) and Niladri Kumar (sitar) are coming together in Mumbai to celebrate this tradition. The ensemble consists of musicians who are trained under the tabla maestro, his father or under his long time colleagues. Dr. Suvarnalata Rao, Head Programming at NCPA, where the fest will be held says, "Zakir ji has been a constant feature of Citi NCPA Aadi Anant for the last four years, since its inception. This year, he presents 'Masters of Percussion', an outgrowth of his memorable tours with his father, the legendary maestro Alla Rakha Khan, while collaborating with artistes who are trained under him or his father, or under his long time colleagues.
The fest will culminate with an evening of Hindustani music with the timeless Pt Jasraj and his senior disciple, renowned vocalist Sanjeev Abhyankar. "Pandit Jasraj is a legend in his own time, an outstanding vocalist, he has created a style which is ornate an extraordinary appealing. More importantly the octogenarian maestro has trained many young musicians who have already made a mark and in time to come, some of them are sure to take the Indian music to new heights," says Rao.
When and Where: The fest starts from December 7 at NCPA
