LEGACY IN EVERY NOTE

Santoor exponent Satish Vyas talks about upcoming Gunidas Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai, and more

- Narendra Kusnur

Started in 1977 by vocalist Pt C.R. Vyas under the aegis of Maharashtra Lalit Kala Nidhi, the annual Gunidas Sangeet Sammelan is one of the most-awaited classical music events in Mumbai. This year, in its 49th edition, it returns to the Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi.

C.R. Vyas' son Satish Vyas, santoor exponent, says the event was held at Ravindra Natya Mandir from 1977 to 1989. He recalls, "Each year, it was packed. After that, the Maharashtra government had other plans. Though they restored the venue after 10 years, we moved to Nehru Centre in Worli, Except for our silver jubilee year, held at Shanmukhananda Hall, and two years during lockdown, we have held it at Nehru only. But this year the Ravindra Natya Mandir has been renovated wonderfully, and we have gone back there."

This year's festival begins on Thursday, November 27, with Satish Vyas and vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty. On Friday, a tribute will be played to tabla great Ustad Zakir Hussain by Taufiq Qureshi on djembe and Yogesh Samsi on tabla. This will be followed by a vocal recital by M. Venkateshkumar. Saturday will feature vocalist Shubha Mudgal and violinist N. Rajam. Sunday's programme will be held in the morning, with Suhas Vyas's vocal recital followed by a sarod performance by Amjad Ali Khan.