When Kabir meets Tukaram

Carrying forward Kumar Gandharva's legacy, his grandson, Bhuvanesh Komkali, brings together the two saint-poets alive in his music

- Narendra Kusnur

Being the grandson of the legendary Kumar Gandharva, Bhuvanesh Komkali has been exposed to the poetry of Sant Kabir from an early age.

After all, Kumarji is known for pioneering the use of the saint-poet's repertoire in Hindustani classical music.

Forty-seven-year-old Komkali has presented many concerts themed around Kabir, besides singing his bhajans at classical shows.

Now, he is ready for a new theme Tuka Mhane Kahe Kabira, which will be presented at the Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, on September 25. He and Kirana gharana vocalist Jayateerth Mevundi will jointly present the programme, organised by Pancham Nishad and narrated by Dhanashree Lele. While Komkali will focus on Kabir, Mevundi will render Marathi poet-saint Tukaram's abhangs.

In a telephonic interview, Dewas (Madhya Pradesh)-based Komkali talks about the concert, his influences and the current state of classical music.

Excerpts from the interview:

You've presented Sant Kabir's work for many years now. What makes this concert unique?

The very concept is different. Kabir was known for his nirgun or formless bhajans. They did not talk of any deity as such but referred to a higher power, focusing on daytoday life. Most of Tukaram's abhangs were dedicated specifically to Lord Vithoba. They are sagun bhajans, written for a deity. But both poets had important messages. Behind the use of the terms Tuka Mhane and Kahe Kabira, there was a lot of meaning in their writing.