Of melody and memories

Rang-E-Khusro - a two-day concert showcasing the life and works of Hazrat Amir Khusro was organised by Sakshi and Siet at India Habitat Centre recently. 

The first of the two day programme of poetry and music showcased a jugalbandi - ashaar and sitar, where renowned Sitar Maestro, Sudeep Rai accompanied by Ustad Rashid Zafar Khan (Tabla) flawlessly executed a masterly performance enhancing and building on the Poetic Reflections by well known litterateur and poet, Nazim Naqvi. 

The magical blend of the spoken word, reflecting on Hazrat Amir Khusro’s work mingling with the speaking strains of the sitar was unimaginably beautiful and had the audience spellbound.

The second day featured Kalaam-E-Khusro - a mesmerising sufi vocal by Ustad Shakeel Ahmed and Vaishali Rai accompanied by Ustad Salim Ahmed Khan (Tabla), Ustad Syed Rehman Khan (Sarangi) and Anees Ahmed (Keyboard) on the second day. 

The beautiful Sufi kalaam Piya Ghar Aaye… melodiously sung by Vaishali Rai  opened the evening.  Then came a virtual feast of Sufi kalaams  in Shakeel Ahmed’s solo and duet act, presenting mesmerizing Sufi songs in his unique style which included songs like ChhaapTilak.. and Dama Dum Mast Kalandar amongst others. 

Shakeel Ahmed treated the audience to the delectable farsee Amadabaqatl e man as also the khadi boli song Kahe ko byahi bides, exhibiting Hazrat Amir Khusro’s ease and mastery over these languages. Ahmed transported his listeners into Amir Khusro’s world of universal emotions, humanity and love. 

It was amazing to see such a houseful overflowing audience on two of the coldest and most foggy December nights making a perfect weekend for Delhiites.