Rahman Timeless Rendition - Jana Gana Mana

A R Rahman's timeless rendition of Jana Gana Mana makes its cinema début at fame multiplexes Mumbai, June 24, 2006: Shringar Cinemas Limited in exclusive collaboration with BharatBala Productions today announced the Cinema launch of A R Rahman's soulful rendition of "JANA GANA MANA" at FAME Multiplexes across India. The film will be showcased to patrons prior to all movie screenings at FAME Multiplexes to add an emotive flavor to the National anthem. The first screening of the film was held at FAME Adlabs (Andheri), in the presence of an august audience including the musical maestros involved in the unique initiative viz. Pandit Jasraj, A R Rahman, Kavita Krishnamurthy , Sadiq Khan. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Shravan Shroff, Managing Director, Shringar Cinemas Limited, said, "We believe that this powerful rendition of the anthem created by AR Rahman and BharatBala Productions will appeal to the young and old alike, instilling a fresh sense of pride. We are proud to be the first and only multiplex chain in the country to introduce this moving and awe-inspiring performance of the national anthem. This rendition features the best of Indian musical talent, making this a timeless classic that will connect with our patrons each time they experience it." With "JANA GANA MANA", BharatBala Productions contributed to the country's emotional moment by bringing together all the musical maestros of India, from the classical to the contemporary, for a soulful rendition of the National Anthem as never before. The original composition by Rabindranath Tagore was recreated into a magnificent and dynamic rendition by A R Rahman. The song was led by Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, D.K. Pattamal, Asha Bhosle, Dr. Balamuralikrishna, Bhupen Hazarika, Jagjit Singh, Dr. S. P. Balasubramaniam, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Sadiq Khan Langa. Yet again, filmmakers Bharatbala & Kanika gave "India" back to the Indians through music and a film that struck an emotional chord with all Indians. And when people witnessed this great unification as the film was telecast at 8 p.m. on August 15, 1999, it had tremendous power in consolidating the emotions of Indians as a nation, and for once, joined by one thread  their Indian-ness.

Jagjit Singh Live at Ardh Kumbh-2007

Ardh Kumbh-2007 will witness the congregation of renowned artistes of international fame.

In the recent meeting held for allotment of budget, Kumbh mela officer Pragyan Ram Mishra and District Magistrate Amrit Abhijat have decided to give much preference to the entertainment aspect during the religious gathering in the city. The officials have proposed names of celebrities who will entertain the pilgrims and tourists with their dazzling performances.

In the 15-day cultural extravaganza, the prominent artistes supposed to perform during Ardh Kumbh-2007 are Kathak Samrat Pandit Birju Maharaj, Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, classical singer Shubha Mudgal and singer Sonu Nigam.

Added to the above names, the folk artistes from Rajasthan, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur will contribute their share of fun and excitement in the mela.

For the purpose, North Central Zone Cultural Centre has been allotted a fund of Rs 15 lakh.

According to programme officer Atul Dwivedi, the centre will also organise its annual cultural event but the final list of the artistes coming for the Ardha Kumbh fare will take a couple of months to be decided.

He said that in order to attract pilgrims to the city during Ardh Kumbh fare, the officials have also proposed the screening of documentary films highlighting the significance of Prayag. These films will be screened  in various States which will definitely act as crowd-puller, he added.

Further, it was decided to select the venue of cultural feat beforehand and it will supposedly be located in a peaceful environment.

Jagjit Singh charms St Louis ghazal lovers

Ghazal King Jagjit Singh charmed St. Louis ghazal lovers at Missouri Baptist University Auditorium. This live concert was presented by Trilogy Mortgage, -Abdul Wadood and Rahim Paracha- with the support of Seema Enterprises and Seema World Travel.

Over 800 attended this event. Jagjit Singh was accompanied by six talented musicians (Abhinand, Sunil, Shyam, Atul, Deepak, and Javed) with guitar, sitar, dholak, tablas, flute and saxophone. It was truly a memorable performance. The performance started with "kaun kehta hain mohabbat ki zuban hoti hai" followed by hit ghazals of Jagjit Singh from the last four decades such as "yeh daulat bhi le lo", "tumko dekha to", "apko dekh kar", "meeti da baba", and more. Jagjit Singh paid tribute to the late music director Naushad with his song "bachpan ki mohabbat ko". Jagjit Singh presented a thrilling ghazal night for members of the St. Louis Indo-Pak community. It was a wonderful experience for all and many yearned for a repeat performance.

Ready for an encore

Wednesday, May 31, 2006  19:39 IST

Jagjit Singh talks about his his upcoming album penned by Gulzar, the definition of love and his Sufi leanings.

Jagjit Singh is an artiste of interesting paradoxes — though he recently celebrated his 65th birthday, he'd rather raise a toast to completing 40 years of music. "I'll be launching an album penned by Gulzar in July. It's tentatively titled 'Sehma Sehma'," he reveals. While he's known for capturing existential angst, Jagjit can surprise you with his light-heartedness. "I believe in living in the moment, with an eye on the future! I don't know what life is. I am no gyani!" he laughs.

His vintage anthology including 'Unforgettables', 'Milestones' and 'Mirza Ghalib' still move off  the shelves. Jagjit attributes this to the "reality-based content" of his ghazals, penned by contemporary poets including Nida Fazli, Kafeel Aazer and Sudarshan Faakir, "They have watched life closely. Their poetry is not just about chand, tare and shama!"

For a singer who has sung myriad odes of love, what attracts him to a woman? He says, "You first get attracted by a woman's looks. But it's her tenderness that charms you eventually. It makes you feel protective about her."  He adds, "Romance is not only restricted to the man-woman relationship. It extends to nature. We confuse love with lust. Love is caring and it can happen at any age!"

His wife Chitra gave up music after the tragic demise of their son Vivek, the resilient Jagjit sublimated his pain through music. "Chitra withdrew from music and delved into spirituality. She practises Bowen healing, which is more advanced than Reiki. I don't miss her on stage!"

Yet the rites of passage have made Jagjit a "Sufi at heart." But he cautions, "Everybody thinks that Sufi music is all about baal bade karlo, shor machao and shake the stage! Sufism is a way of thinking, a detachment. Emotional upheavals do not bother me anymore."