‘Asha’ springs eternal

Globalisation has changed society in more ways than we can count, leaving us with a renewed thirst for exploration and discovery, to look for the new, whether it’s in the food we eat, the films we watch or the music to which we listen. Traditional art and dance have become infused with influences from across the world, creating new genres that stand on their own. Even so, nostalgia will always have its place, the music we heard as children will always have its hold over our hearts. An evening of Asha Bhosle’s greatest hits fits in that category, and Bengaluru will host a concert this weekend, part of the Chitrahaar series paying tribute to one of the greatest voices of our time.

Samanvitha Sharma, a well-known singer here in  Bengaluru, is behind the series and this concert, Asha Hamesha, will raise funds for a charity, Saadhya Group of Residential Schools for the Specially-Abled. “The show will comprise an 11-piece band,” says Samanvitha, “Comprising keyboards, guitars, drums, Congo, dholak, flute, handsonic, rhythm pad, table and more,” with Samanvitha herself as vocalist. The show will feature some of Bhosle’s most remembered songs, with a generous sprinkling of her newer numbers as well. Other noted singers from Bengaluru and Mumbai, including Chetan Rana, of K for Kishore fame, Govind Kurnool, Aniket Prabhu, Subrat Sahoo, Shruti Bhide and Rohini Prabhunandan. The 11-piece band will be led by keyboardist Pradeep Patkar.

The Chitrahaar series started four years ago, to bring top quality entertainment together with social outreach. This year, the concert showcases an interesting bouquet of songs of the most versatile artist in Indian Playback, Asha Bhonsle. The songs range from melody to mujra to pop/jazz to foot-tapping songs. Bangalore's  celebrity singer, Samanvitha has carved a name for herself both as an energetic and interactive performer on stage and an impeccable studio artist. An established playback singer in the Kannada film industry, she has travelled world over for performances.

Every year, Samanvitha Sharma and team conduct Chitrahaar in aid of a charitable institution which does not receive huge corporate funds. This year the show is in aid of Saadhya Group of residential schools for differently abled, a group that provides education and training to children with disability, Down’s syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy. Samanvitha Sharma will be the show’s lead vocalist, with the others there in supporting capacity. Samanvitha usually centres her shows on female centric themes. This year, she will be rendering a versatile collection of songs like cabaret numbers, quawali numbers, soulful numbers and classic numbers of the legend Asha Bhonsle. Samanvitha is privileged to have performed in front of the legend Asha ji herself. The franchise itself has found great success, for its top-notch music and music loving audience. The patrons and audience are deeply involved in supporting music and supporting the cause. This is the fourth edition and the patrons keep coming back and supporting the cause while enjoying the show. So this weekend turn time back and grove to retro beats.

What: Chitrahaar – 4 – Asha Hamesha
Where: Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval, Bangalore
When: Nov 23, 6 pm
Tickets: Priced at Rs. 1500/ 1000/ 750/500/300 and will be available on www.bookmyshow.com & at the venue. Pre-booking and delivery can be done by contacting organiser on 9845040503