Ustad Shujaat’s sitar creates a magical spell of ‘first showers’

 Media Coverage  |  23-03-2025

Ustad Ji’s salutation to ‘Nateshwar’: A grand confluence of sitar & tabla

Lokmat News Network

Nagpur

Music was born from the resonating sounds of nature which  later was given a particular form by the devoted practitioners. This ancient tradition continues even today unimpaired and its beauty was witnessed at the Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur on Saturday.

The 12th edition of Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards ceremony, organised in the memory of Lokmat Sakhi founder and connoisseur of music Jyotsna Darda, featured a mesmerising performance by renowned sitar maestro and Sufi singer Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan.

The tune from his sitar created an atmosphere of pure bliss as if dense clouds had gathered in the sky in the unbearable heat, intensifying the anticipation of relief to be followed by a heavy downpour.

After the award distribution, Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan took centrestage and he dedicated his first ‘bandish’ to ‘Nateshwar’, the divine ‘Mahadev’, presenting the ancient composition ‘Darshan De O Shankar Mahadev’ in ‘Raag Ram Yaman Kalyan’.

As the performance progressed, the sound of sitar strings blended seamlessly with tabla beats played by Shariq Mustafa, Juhaib Ahmed Khan, and Sapan Anjaria so much so that the transition between the instruments became imperceptible and the audience immersed themselves in the magical confluence of sitar and tabla.

He the performed soul-stirring ghazals including, ‘Zindagi Se Badi Sazaa Hi Nahi, Aur Kya Jurm Hai Pata Hi Nahi’, ‘Khamosh Lab Hai, Jhuki Hai Palken, Dilon Mein Ulfat Nayi Nayi Hai’ followed by his own couplets and ghazals like ‘Yeh Ghazal Si Nigahein, Yeh Shabaab Yeh Adaayein, Tu Toh Khud Hi Ek Ghazal Hai, Tujhe Kya Ghazal Sunayein’

After this, he performed ‘Raat Katati Nahi, Din Guzarta Nahi, Haaye Yeh Zindagi Kya Se Kya Ho Gayi’ followed by spiritual compositions like ‘Nirgun Ho Gaya Re O Palan Haare’ and ‘Chaap Tilak Sab Chhini Re’.

Music has power to heal: Dr Vijay Darda

There is often a question from the younger generation: Can Indian classical music cure ailments? The answer is a resounding yes. Music can aid surgeries, assist in childbirth and even increase milk production in cows! Such is the incredible power of music, said the chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda. He acknowledged concerns that the legacy of Indian classical music may fade with time but expressed confidence in the emerging new generation of artists who are preserving and advancing this tradition. It was Jyotsna Darda’s sincere wish to encourage and honour young musical talents and through Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards, Lokmat Media Group has successfully built confidence among young artists while ensuring that they received the blessings of senior maestros, he noted. For the past 11 years, Dr Darda said, this award has celebrated and nurtured promising musical talent, helping artists achieve professional success and recognition at both national and international levels. He assured that Lokmat Media Group’s future generations will continue this legacy with the same commitment.

‘I am not a singer,

I only express

beauty of words’

During the performance, the sitar maestro engaged himself with the audience, humbly stating, “I am not a singer. I merely express the beauty of words. If I make any mistakes, please forgive me,” adding “I do not come here every day, so I wish to present something pure and soulful tonight.”

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A fusion of tradition

& modern music

n The Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards 2025 also honoured two young and talented Hindustani classical artistes Aniruddha Aithal and the Nandy Sisters (Antara and Ankita Nandy) who performed at the event. Their music showcased a beautiful blend of classical tradition and modern influences.

n The Nandy sisters presented a fusion of traditional songs, Marathi and Bengali compositions.

n Aniruddha Aithal performed ‘Raag Marwa’, impressing the audience, including renowned singer Usha Mangeshkar and ghazal maestro Talat Aziz.

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Legendry sitar maestro Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, Aniruddh Aithal and Antara and Ankita Nandy mesmerised the audience with their soulful renditions during the Lokmat ‘Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards 2025’ ceremony at Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur on Saturday. Mukesh Kukade

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Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards 2025, instituted by Lokmat Media Group in the memory of Lokmat Sakhi founder and connoisseur of music Jyotsna Darda, were presented during a ceremony at Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur on Saturday. Renowned singer Usha Mangeshkar was honoured with the Legend Award, noted ghazal singer Talat Aziz was presented with the Icon Award, classical singer Aniruddh Aithal and new generation singers Antara Nandy and Ankita Nandy were honoured with the Emerging Talent Awards at the hands of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Also present on the occasion were minister of state for finance and planning Adv Ashish Jaiswal, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group Rajendra Darda, MLC Krupal Tumane, MLC Parinay Phuke, Yavatmal MLA Balasaheb Mangulkar, Major General Sanjay Vidyarthi, Satish Ambhore of Nirmik Gramin Vikas va Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha, divisional commissioner Dr Vijayalakshmi Bidari, district collector Dr Vipin Itankar, ZP CEO Vinayak Mahamuni, managing director & editorial director of Lokmat Media Group Devendra Darda, Rachana Darda, Sunit Kothari, Purva Darda-Kothari, Shashi Vyas, Gauri Yadwadkar and others. (See also Big State)                                                         Mukesh Kukade

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Legacy of Indian classical music safe, says Fadnavis

 

Contribution of Lokmat historic, says Maha chief minister

 

Lokmat News Network Nagpur

The rich legacy of Indian classical music is being carried forward by the new generation with great skill, ensuring its preservation. The effort of the Lokmat Media Group in discovering and honouring young music talents is historic, said Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at a glittering ceremony here on Saturday.

The 12th edition of Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards ceremony, organised in the memory of Lokmat Sakhi founder and connoisseur of music Jyotsna Darda, was held on Saturday. The awards were presented at the hands of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at this glittering ceremony at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Reshimbagh here.

In this edition of the awards, renowned singer Usha Mangeshkar received the Legend Award, famous ghazal singer Talat Aziz was honoured with the Icon Award and classical singer Aniruddha Aithal, along with the Nandy Sisters (Antara Nandy and Ankita Nandy), were awarded the Young Talent Award. Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis praised the event for recognising both legendary and emerging talents. He expressed great honour in presenting an award to Usha Mangeshkar, who belongs to the esteemed Mangeshkar family which has set a benchmark in Indian classical music. He also reminisced about the songs of Usha Mangeshkar and Talat Aziz, expressing gratitude towards Lokmat Media Group for organising the award ceremony.

The award ceremony was attended by Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, minister of state for finance and planning Adv Ashish Jaiswal, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group and former education minister Rajendra Darda, managing director and editorial director of Lokmat Media Group Devendra Darda, legislators Krupal Tumane, Balasaheb Mangulkar, Vikas Thakre, Adv Abhijit Wanjarri and Dr Parinay Phuke,

Major General Sanjay Kumar Vidyarthi, Gargi Vidyarthi, divisional commissioner Dr Vijayalakshmi Bidari, district collector Dr Vipin Itankar, ZP CEO Vinayak Mahamuni, Satish Ambhore of Nirmik Gramin Vikas va Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha, Rachana Devendra Darda, Purva Darda-Kothari, Sunit Kothari, jury members Shashi Vyas and Gauri Yadwadkar, NDRF DIG Hari Om Gandhi and other eminent personalities. Shweta Shelgaonkar conducted the proceedings while Devendra Darda proposed a vote of thanks. While Cello was the sponsor, Adani Group and Solitaire were the co-sponsors of the awards. Radisson Blu was the hospitality partner while Nirmik Gramin Vikas va Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha was the associate partner.

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