Shujaat Husain Khan’s renditions make ‘Swaranjali’ memorable

 Media Coverage  |  25-03-2025

Magical voice, ‘jugalbandi’ of sitar  and tabla enthrall audience

Lokmat News Network Yavatmal

The magic of fingers gliding effortlessly over the strings of the sitar, the mesmerising sounds (naads) of classical music, the equally captivating accompaniment of tabla players and the soulful voice of Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, received immense appreciation from music lovers of Yavatmal during the ‘Swaranjali’ programme organised to mark the 12th death anniversary of Lokmat Sakhi Manch founder Jyotsna Darda.

A grand musical concert of Sufi singer and sitar maestro Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan was organised at the ‘Shakti Sthal’ in Darda Udyan here on Sunday evening. The event commenced with the lighting of a traditional lamp, followed by Ustad Shujaat Khan’s enchanting sitar performance. As he plucked the first string, the audience was instantly immersed in the resonating sound.

Through his opening Sufi ghazal, he presented the essence of human life: “Zindagi se badi saza hi nahi, Aur kya jurm hai, pata hi nahi. Itne hisson me bat gaya hoon main, Mere hisson me kuchh bacha hi nahi.”

Shujaat Husain Khan’s approach to rhythm was spontaneous, effortless, joyful, and refreshingly uplifting. The audience, equally captivated, surrendered to the magic. His deeply meaningful Sufi renditions moved the audience into a trance of music, devotion, and love: “Maula Maula mere Maula…” “Palkon se gir na jaye darte hain khwab Maula. Phir bhi tamanna koi karte hain khwab Maula, Is umr ke safar ne mujhko yahi sikhaya Maula.”

Blending Hindi and Urdu poetry, he beautifully depicted human emotions: “Jo khandani raees hain, Mizaaj rakhte hain narm apna. Tumhara lehja bata raha hai, Tumhari daulat nayi-nayi hai.”

The ghazal subtly reflected the nuances of human personality, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. With another powerful couplet, he conveyed the fickleness of relationships: “Har koi ab jodta hai, Humse ek rishta naya, Kaamyabi kya mili,Rishton ka mausam aa gaya.”

No one chases a person who fails, but the moment someone becomes successful, everyone suddenly claims a close relationship. It’s as if a ‘season’ of relationships arrives.

As waves of tender love surged, Shujaat Husain Khan’s rendition of a devotional song further elevated the atmosphere into spiritual bliss: “O Palan Haare, nirgun aur nyare, Tumhare bin hamra kauno nahi. Hamri uljhan, suljhao Bhagwan, Tumhare bin hamra kauno nahi.”

The spellbinding sitar and singing performance was accompanied by Sapan Anjaria, Zuhaib Khan, and Shariq Mustafa on tabla.

“Do you want to go home or not?”

The audience of Yavatmal was so absorbed in the ‘Swaranjali’ concert that even when it was time to say goodbye, no one wished to leave. “Do you want to go home or not?” Shujaat Husain Khan playfully remarked while concluding the concert. As they stepped out onto the lush lawns of Shakti Sthal, the audience continued humming the melodies they had just enjoyed.

Awards give new energy: Dr Darda

“Music resides in the heart of every person. Many young talents are stepping into the world of music, and they need encouragement. That is why the Sur Jyotsna National Music Award has been instituted. A national-level jury carefully selects promising artists throughout the year. Awards like these infuse new energy into artistes,” said chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha  Dr Vijay Darda.

Distinguished guests in attendance

The Swaranjali event was graced by the presence of  chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, managing director and editorial director of Lokmat Media Group Devendra Darda, MLA Balasaheb Mangulkar, superintendent of police Kumar Chinta, Divya Chinta, former MLA Kirti Gandhi, Kishore Darda, A P Darda; Adv R K Manakshe, Ramesh Munot; Purva Darda Kothari, Rachna Darda, Seema Darda, Kantadevi Lunkad, Premlatatai Darda and others.

Sitar maestro Shujaat Husain Khan accompanied by Sapan Anjaria, Zuhaib Khan, and Shariq Mustafa on tabla performing at ‘Swaranjali’ concert to mark 12th death anniversary of founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch Jyotsna Darda at Darda Udyan in Yavatmal.

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