Latest news with #SPICMACAY
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The rise of soulful concerts
They sell out arenas, auditoriums and also go on multi-city tours, but its the concert experience they offer that separates them from the mainstream performers like Guns N' Roses, Travis Scott, Bryan Adams. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Attendees not only dance at these gigs but sway to the rhythm. They focus on something more inward – a shared experience of inner peace, reflection and meditation – a soulful concert. India's live entertainment scene is evolving, making room for more than just a spectacle. When artistes like Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and Jahnavi Harrison perform, they offer a different kind of concert experience – one that transcends genre and creates a soulful, immersive environment. These are concerts not just for the audience, but with them. It's less about stimulation, more about satiation of the soul. 'This is a mix of spirituality, culture, and entertainment,' explains Deepak Choudhary of Eva Live. 'The vibe is defined by the music, but it's the shared emotional space that sets it apart.' Jahnavi Harrison recently performed in Delhi and Chandigarh 'New-age artistes are democratising the genre' This inclination towards culturally rooted music is not a nascent phenomenon. India's love for classical and fusion music dates back to several decades, courtesy communities such as SPIC MACAY, adds a District Spokesperson, adding, 'These communities have done a great job popularising this genre across generations. Building on this, today, new-age artistes such as Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Anoushka Shankar and Jahnavi Harrison are further democratising this genre, making it more accessible and engaging for a larger, younger audience. Interestingly, the audience drawn to these concerts represent more than just dedicated fans. The attendees, increasingly seeking authentic connections to their cultural heritage, find a powerful and resonant thread in this music, offering both artistic fulfillment and a deeper sense of belonging.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rishab Rikhiram Sharma conducted a ten-city India tour titled Sitar for Mental Health 'Such concerts aim for emotional and spiritual connection With instruments like the dhol, sitar, and harmonium, these events are rooted in Indian classical and devotional traditions, yet carry a contemporary freshness. The artistes may vary in genre and style, but the common thread is great content, curated with intention and depth. 'It's about the vibe – different artistes bring different flavours, but the purpose remains shared experience,' shares Deepak. Explaining the category of these concerts, Mohit Bijlani from Team Innovation, shares, 'It is a form of sonicmeditation. The atmosphere at these concerts is distinct, characterised by energy that encourages both vulnerability and introspection. It transcends a mere performance; it's a collective gathering centered on shared presence and profound spiritual exploration.' The focus is beyond just performance. 'These concerts are curated keeping in consideration the subtle feelings, emotional or spiritual connection and fostering a strong sense of community among the attendees. The venue and its setup contribute significantly to this unique and often more intimate atmosphere,' points out the District Spokesperson. Acyuta Gopi, who is also going on tour in India, shares that 'This is a new genre of immersive entertainment with spirituality at its core' 'Substantial portion of attendees fall within the 25-40 age bracket, contrasting the previously dominant 50+ demographic' Interestingly, the demographic is shifting for these gigs drawing in the 25–40 age group, who are driven by FOMO and the search for something meaningful. 'These gigs tap into the deep-seated human desire for meaning, community, and transformative experience, with contemporary artistic expression. Interestingly, we've observed a significant demographic shift, with a substantial portion of attendees falling within the 25-40 age bracket, contrasting the previously dominant 50+ demographic for events of this nature,' points out Mohit Bijlani. Radhika Das is set to go on a nine city tour in India in November this year ' Soulful concerts are demonstrably gaining momentum, rivalling mainstream genres' The movement is no longer niche. These concerts are filling stadiums, selling out in hours, and becoming just as popular as mainstream music events. 'They will become bigger in the coming time,' says Deepak. 'These concerts are demonstrably gaining momentum, as an increasing number of individuals recognise their capacity to heal and inspire. They signify a cultural evolution towards prioritising experiences that genuinely nourish the human spirit, rather than merely stimulating the senses. Indeed, these concerts are now filling stadiums and rivaling mainstream genres in popularity. We've experienced sold-out shows within hours of announcement, and consistently fill arenas – exceeding 10,000 attendees,' adds Mohit.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Mangala Bhatt's legacy lives through dance
Senior Guru Mangala Bhatt was the doyen of Kathak dance in Hyderabad. Her untimely passing in the early afternoon of June 16, 2025, at the age of a little over sixty, due to a serious illness which she battled courageously—having recently conducted a workshop for SPIC MACAY—has left a void that cannot be filled. Hers was a life devoted wholly to the service of art, to the very last breath. Among the senior-most members of the classical dance fraternity in the Twin Cities, her contribution to the field of Kathak in Hyderabad was unparalleled. Kathak and her name were synonymous. She was the senior disciple of Pandit Durga Lal of the Jaipur Gharana, whose memory she held in utmost reverence. In his honour, she instituted an annual festival that brought guest artistes from across India. She was the director, curator, and host of the Antarang Music and Dance Festival. Her immense contributions were recognized through countless awards, the most prestigious being the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2019. She was also the founding director of Aakruti Kathak Kendra, where her students were nurtured with care and loving discipline. Her students were rigorously corrected when needed, but always in an atmosphere of care. Even the youngest felt free to speak up in class if they had doubts. This critic recalls visiting her classes, where the sheer number of students could have overwhelmed any teacher—but not her. Her limitless capacity for dedicated focus and attention ensured each student was under her keen gaze and was molded accordingly. Her entire day revolved around her students. Her main goal was to continually expand her vast knowledge and repertoire and pass it on to the next generation. Many vocalists and orchestra members groomed by her have become solo artists in their own right, adding great value to the cultural scene. A gracious host and always impeccably dressed with a superb sense of style, her residence was filled with exquisite artefacts collected from tours across India and abroad. These artefacts were fascinating reflections of her aesthetic sensibility. 'Kathak is not just about chakkars, there is much more to it,' she would often say. Her technique and hastaks were inspired. Her group productions featured gossamer costumes in breathtakingly refined colour palettes, adding a rainbow richness to the stage. Her abhinaya was nuanced and mature, marked by innate precision. In her creative explorations, she combined Kathak with diverse art forms—jazz drums, flamenco, ballet, painting, and more. Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, she met her life partner and fellow Kathak artist, Raghav Raj Bhatt, while training in Delhi at Kathak Kendra. He was a senior disciple of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj. Together, they brought a rare confluence of Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas to their artistic endeavours. They were blessed with a son, Madhav. Under her direction, students collaborated with William Dalrymple for the BBC, and she trained many well-known film artists in Kathak. Her recitals at the magnificent Chowmohallah Palace, under sparkling chandeliers, remain etched in memory. One of her celebrated performances was a jugalbandi titled 'A Confluence of Bharatanatyam-Kathak', performed nearly a decade ago with renowned Bharatanatyam artiste Dr. Rajeswari Sainath. Accompanied by live Hindustani and Carnatic orchestras, the performance was hailed for its harmony and authenticity. Tributes from senior colleagues and fellow artistes: Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, eminent Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer: 'Gone too soon! Immensely sad as a brilliant artiste merges into Nataraja. Ever-smiling, graceful, she ploughed through a rare illness with grit and strength.' Dr. Rajeswari Sainath, renowned Bharatanatyam exponent 'A huge loss. I remember sharing memories of our dance journeys during our jugalbandi partnership. A warm person filled with passion for dance. May she rest in peace.' Deepika Reddy, senior Kuchipudi dancer: 'Carrying herself with remarkable dignity, with unwavering strength and courage in the face of many challenges. Met her just a few weeks ago at a workshop where she addressed me with affection. Her legacy will continue to live through the lives she touched.' Prof. Anuradha J Tadakamalla, senior Kuchipudi dancer and academician at University of Hyderabad: 'Her name brings to mind a serene face with a smile full of compassion and love. A torchbearer of Pandit Durga Lal's legacy. Shocking to see her leave this world so soon. Praying for her sadgati.' Dr. Alekhya Punjala, senior Kuchipudi dancer and chairperson of Telangana Sangeetha Nataka Academy: 'A loss I cannot express in words. Will always remember her fondly as someone very dear to me.' Prof. Aruna Bhikshu, senior Kuchipudi dancer and academician at University of Hyderabad: 'She enriched our dance landscape with authentic depth. Her dynamic teaching style—of which her smile was as much a part as her taal and footwork—made Kathak both sacred and accessible. As a friend and colleague, her presence as an artiste and human being was a gift I will always treasure.' Harini Rao, Hindustani Classical Vocalist: 'Mangala ji was an absolutely graceful and gentle human being, alongside being an exceptional artiste. The first time I met her, she asked me to sing, and she was so sensitive to sur and lyrics that she was moved to tears. I was fortunate to collaborate with her on multiple occasions, and each time was a delight. My heart goes out to her entire student community—a world she built on love, discipline, and grace. She will definitely be missed, but will be fondly remembered by generations of Kathak students she has nurtured.'
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Pandit Venkatesh Kumar: Fame will come on its own, just keep practising
A doyen of Hindustani Classical music, Padma Shri Pandit Venkatesh Kumar has a voice that carries the weight of tradition and the warmth of a lived-in raga. Over the years, his performances have stirred hearts across India, including Hyderabad, a city he loves immensely. 'I've been coming to this city for a long time; it's not new to me,' he says, adding, 'I've done many programmes here. The recent one was for SPIC MACAY's international convention — it was wonderful. The audience was great and listened with such devotion. That kind of audience motivates us to perform. Hyderabad gives importance to culture.' Born in Karnataka and trained in the Kirana and Gwalior gharanas, Pt Venkatesh's journey is rooted in spiritual discipline and simplicity. When asked about his guru, his voice fills with quiet reverence. 'My guru was Padma Bhushan Pandit Puttaraj Gawai, a saintly musician and scholar. I began with the basics — swaras, alankars — then moved on to bandishes in different talas. After four to five years, I started learning bada khayal. My uncle, a great theatre artiste, sent me to the Veereshwar Punyashram in Gadag, where I studied music for 12 years under guruji's blessings,' recalls the khayal vocalist.
New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
SPIC MACAY fest: A cultural jamboree that took Hyderabad's breath away
Mornings began with yoga, Shramdaan, and workshops led by master artisans, while evenings came alive with magical folk performances and classical art by legendary maestros — this was the vibrant experience at the 10th Annual International Convention of SPIC MACAY held at IIT-Hyderabad. 'We were excited to be involved. Indian education has traditionally been left-brain centric. There is a strong need for balance, as innovation arises from a balanced mind — and SPIC MACAY fosters that,' IIT-H director Budaraju Srinivasa Murty told CE. Day 1: A deep dive into devotion
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
SPIC MACAY is a movement portraying Indian cultural strength, says Governor
Hyderabad: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is a movement, 'portraying our culture that is growing from strength to strength bringing out the Sanskriti (Soul of the nation) as a collective consciousness through which the nation was once formed through thinkers, philosophers and, through the teaching of the Vedas and Upanishads.' Inaugurating the 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY at IIT Hyderabad late on Monday evening, he said, 'Dharma is the way we think and religion is the way we worship, and do not be confused with their representations'. Sharing his experience with SPIC MACAY, he expressed his happiness over the dance form of Tripura – 'Hojagiri' being preserved, including it as one of the art forms to be performed at the 10th International Convention being held at IIT Hyderabad, and more so when he is representing the beautiful state of Telangana during his tenure as the Governor. He said that Hindustani music was popular in Tripura during the Maharaja's times, which is being revived through SPIC MACAY. He recollected his visits as the guest of honour to the previous international conventions of SPIC MACAY held in Delhi, Kharagpur and Nagpur and that he has been and continues to be a member of SPIC MACAY. He congratulated IIT Hyderabad for hosting such a prestigious event. More than 1,500 students & volunteers from across India and overseas have gathered at IITH for this immersive experience. The day began with a holistic breakfast, setting the tone for a balanced and mindful routine. In the forenoon, participants watched 'Gandhi', the Oscar-winning biopic directed by Sir Richard Attenborough. The screening was followed by a discussion led by Dr Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, who reflected on the film's philosophical depth and its portrayal of Gandhian ideals such as simplicity, discipline, and inner strength. The orientation session was led by Dr Kiran Seth, who encouraged students to view the convention as an inner journey—similar to a stay in an ashram—characterised by simplicity, discipline, and reflection. Following this, an orientation for the faculty coordinators was conducted emphasising their crucial role in guiding and supporting students throughout the week. Earlier, a Nadaswaram recital by Padma Shri Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob filled the air with auspicious sounds. The performance is rooted in temple tradition. Following the formal inauguration, Padma Bhushan awardees Raja and Radha Reddy presented an evocative Kuchipudi recital. Their performance, featuring excerpts from 'Bhama Kalapam' and other classical compositions, displayed grace, expressive clarity, and devotion.
