‘Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav’ to hold ‘Shadja, Antaranga and ‘Swar Shatabdi’

– ‘Shadja’, a short film festival to showcase films related to maestros in music and dance.
– Conversation with renowned artists in ‘Antaranga’.
– ‘Vatsalabai Joshi Puraskaar’ to be given to veteran vocalist, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande.
– ‘Swar Shatabdi’, A unique photo exhibition is an attraction for audience.
– The Rickshaw Panchayat to participate in the festival.

Pune, December 5, 2019: ‘Shadja’ and ‘Antaranga’, two special programs that have been a part of ‘Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav’ will be organized this year between Wednesday, December 11 and Saturday, December 14, 2019. Both the programs will take place at ‘Sawai Gandharva Smarak’ on Ganeshkhind road near Rahul Theatre, Shivaji Nagar between 10 am and 12 pm. Entry to both these programs will be free on first come first serve basis.

The information was given by Shrinivas Joshi, Executive President, Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal during a Press Conference held in city today. Nitin Pawar, General Secretary, Rickshaw Panchayat and Sateesh Paknikar, renowned photographer were also present at the occasion.

‘Swar Shatabdi’ – A photo exhibition – A Photo exhibition on various themes and various artists by photographer, Sateesh Paknikar is always one of the major attractions at Sawai Festival. This year’s exhibition in its 13th year will be based on the concept of ‘Swar Shatabdi’. Celebrating the birth anniversary of four talented Indian classical musicians which include, Ustad Alla Rakha, Pandit Firoz Dastur, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande, the exhibition as a tribute will display photographs of these music maestros. The exhibition will remain open on all the five days of the festival in a separate tent behind the main tent of the congregation.

‘Special programs- ‘Shadja’ and ‘Antaranga’-

Day 1 – Wednesday, December 11, 2019
On the first day of ‘Shadja’ two short films will be shown to the audience, which will include ‘Pandit Ramnarayan- A Tryst with Sarangi’ directed V. Packirisamy followed by ‘Ustad Amir Khan’ directed by S.N. Sastri. In the second half of the program- ‘Antaranga’, music lovers will get an opportunity to witness a conversation with renowned flutist, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia during the interactive session conducted by Amarendra Dhaneshwar.

Day 2 – Thursday, December 12, 2019
As a part of ‘Shadja’, a short film called ‘Moments with the Maestro (Pt. Ravi Shankar) directed by Pramod Pati will be played. Following that, documentaries called ‘Music of India’ (Santoor), followed by ‘Bharatnatyam (Dance of India)’ directed by Madhu Bose will be shown to the audience. Later, in ‘Antaranga’, the audience will get to witness an interview of Sarod Player, Ken Zuckerman conducted by Amarendra Dhaneshwar.

Day 3 – Friday, December 13, 2019
On the third day of ‘Shadja’, a short film called ‘Khayal’ directed by Usha Deshpande will be shown. Following that, Ulhas Pawar will interview vocalist, Swami Krupakaranand.

Day 4 – Saturday, December 14, 2019
Famous Kathak dancer Poorva Shah will interview noted Odissi dancer Reela Hota on the last day of ‘Antarang’.

‘Vatsalabai Joshi Award’ to noted vocalist Ashwini Bhide Deshpande-
Each year ‘Vatsalabai Joshi Award’ is given to an artist for his/her precious contribution towards Indian Classical Music. This year the award will be conferred on vocalist Ashwini Bhide Deshpande of Jaipur Gharana. The award will be in the form of cash prize of Rs. 51,000/-, a citation.

PMPML Special Bus Service –
Like every year, PMPML will offer their special bus services for the convenience of music lovers this year as well. The routes to which it will be operated are Dhayari (Maruti Mandir), Kothrud Depot, Warje Malwadi and Nigadi (Bhakti – Shakti Chowk). The bus service will be operated from Maharashtriya Mandal Krida Sankul, Mukundnagar after the festival to take the audience to their respective areas listed above. The service will be offered all the five days between Wednesday, December 11 and Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Apart from this, the Rickshaw Panchayat of Pune will also offer services to the music lovers. The Panchayat along wi th CityGlide Auto service will provide autos at the festival site for the visitors. The autos will run on meter and will also be tracked. Also, a stall will be put for the assistance of women and senior citizens at the campus of the Maharashtra Mandal. Along with it, a ‘selfie point’ will be made available for the visitors. The organization has appealed to all rickshaw drivers interested in ferrying passengers to give a missed call on 9859198591.