Basant Panchami at Lucknow

I learnt something new last week. It was after a program in Lucknow during Basant Panchami where I had presented Hindi bhajans. On stage I was accompanied by musicians playing the tabla and harmonium. Despite my initial fears on how it would pan out (having only performed with musicians playing instruments one would see in a typical carnatic concert) it was an experience that stood out for many reasons. There was none of the pressure of the technicalities of a classical concert. The intimate ambience and audience that loved listening to bhajans made me focus more on the beautiful poetic words of Tulsidas, Kabir and other poets and how best to bring these out musically. My accompanists were wonderful - gifted musicians in their own right and very supportive on stage. And yes, the icing on the cake was that I introduced a Hindi bhajan by a carnatic composer to this audience as well presenting it in the Hindustani style! While we know that life is about being open to trying new things often times it is the fear of the unknown that makes us hesitate taking that first step towards exploring unchartered territories. As a Star Trekkie I continue to hold onto the mantra ‘to boldly go where no (wo)man has gone before'!