Ameeras is a collection of alluring compositions by the Indian Classical Musician and Vocalist Mandar Karanjkar. Deeply impacted by the uncanny expressions found in Indian mystic literature and poetry, Mandar has poured his heart into crafting this collection of compositional works that attempt to resonate with the enduring wisdom of the ages. Ameeras, a word found in the poetry of Saint Raidas, means the divine nectar and the elixir of immortality. By choosing this name for his collection, Mandar boldly champions the transformative power of these percipient words. The compositions become the medium, encouraging listeners to embark on the journey of unlocking the eternal within our mortal bodies.
This programme will present the poetry of Kabir, Tukāram, Raidās, Janābai, Dyāneshwar and Yāri Sāhab
Musicians
Mandar Karanjkar is an Indian Classical vocalist, composer, author and communications consultant. As a singer, his work explores the possibilities of dynamic expression using the voice, and as a composer, he nurtures self-expression residing at the intersection of language, voice, self-transformation and social impact. He is the co-founder of the Baithak Foundation committed to harnessing the transformative power of traditional music and dance for a better society.
Dakshayani Athalye is a singer, writer and a lifelong student of Indian philosophy. She studied Law at the ILS Law College in Pune and then earned a Master’s in Education from Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. Her work as the CEO of the Baithak Foundation focuses on building a resilient organisation that prioritises self-reflection, self-change and social action. Dakshayani has been a kirtankar since the age of 10 and her performances use traditional stories to engage in critical questioning of contemporary conditions. She is a published author with two books to her credit and two in the making.
Madhavi Chakradeo was trained under the guidance of Pandit Padmakar Thatte. She has completed her MA in music from Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune University with a gold medal. Madhavi has participated in numerous thematic concerts and musicals.
Siddharth Padiyar, an emerging Tabla artist based in Mumbai, has been trained under Shri. Kishore Patre, Shri. Narayan Prabhu and Prashant Pimpale. He is presently learning Tabla under the guidance of Dr. Aneesh Pradhan. Siddharth has been performing for the past 12 years and has experience in accompanying Hindustani vocal and instrumental music, theatre, dance and collaborative music projects with international artists.
Adwait Gadgil is a Sitarist, recording artist, composer and teacher from Pune. Adwait is a disciple of Ustad Shahid Parvez, the well-known Sitar maestro of Etawah Gharana. Adwait performs across the globe and is an ICCR-empanelled artist.
Dhaval Joshi, a talented flautist training under the tutelage of Pt. Keshav Ginde. He has completed his MA in music from Lalit Kala Kendra Pune University and has also completed Sangeet Alankar.
Ruturaj Dhupkar, started learning harmonium from the age of five. He started his training under the guidance of his faster Shri. Raghunath Dhupkar and was later trained under Pandit Dr. Sudhanshu Kulkarni and Dr. Keshavchaitanya Kunte. He is currently pursuing MA in Harmonium at Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune University.
In association with the Loft Forum, Spotlight Forum and Baithak Foundation
Spotlight Forum is an initiative of non-profit organisation Integral Arts Foundation, focused on the performing arts.
Baithak Foundation works towards creating a society with equitable music access and learning opportunities for children from the most marginalised communities.
