Raindrops and ragas: Royal mehfil finds magic indoors

Manjari Chaturvedi conceptualised the Patiala Gharana event of the Royal Darbar series featuring Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan

A sudden downpour altered the script for a royal darbar at Bikaner House recently. As guests rushed indoors, the ballroom transformed into an unexpectedly intimate mehfil, where the sound of raindrops blended with classical notes. “As destiny had it, we are in here in a very intimate setting. The weather in Delhi has forced us to present it to you in a manner we didn’t imagine,” said acclaimed kathak dancer Manjari Chaturvedi.The Patiala Gharana episode of the Royal Darbar series featured Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan, grandson of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, on Hindustani vocals with an Indian harp. The series aims to revive not just the music but the cultural ethos of each gharana. It was conceptualised by Manjari Chaturvedi.

Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan, grandson of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, on Hindustani vocals with an Indian harp

Preserving the soul of a gharanaJawaad Ali Khan’s raags were authentic compositions of his grandfather. “What we are presenting for you today are the actual compositions that were sung in the royal darbar. The maharajas listened to classical music and were the patrons. We bring together a curation of the songs which were sung in those times,” Manjari explained.“I started this initiative where we not only protect music but also tell stories of that particular gharana. It is a challenge that I am responding to because with the increasing influence of Bollywood and all that, somewhere, the intricacies are being lost. It cannot be the onus on only the musicians to save music, but has to be one of us too, to save the musicians as well,” Manjari said.

Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan (L), Manjari Chaturvedi (R )

‘Aaj toh aap meri mehfil mein phas gaye!’Expected to play spoilsport, the pattering rain added to the atmosphere as, Manjari began her performance with Jawaad Ali Khan playing Yaad Piya Ki Aaye. Dressed in a violet anarkaliensemble complete with maang teeka and jhumar, her striking expressions and evocative dance made the audience forget about the delays. “Mere paas kahaniyaan toh bahut hain par humne thodi kum kardi. Lekin kum karne se koi fayda nahi hai, kyunki bahar barish bohot tez ho rahi hai, aap log jayenge kahan? Aaj toh aap meri mehfil mein phas gaye,” she quipped as the audience laughed.

(L-R) Neelam Pratap Rudy, Mahima Kumari Mewar and Baisa Pushpita Singh

Flavours of a royal mehfilThe exclusive gathering was treated to a menu curated by Priya Paul, which included bajra-kala til tartlet, shakkarkandi ki chaat, aab josh, lotus stem and groundnut kebab, and hare masale di machli. Priya noted, “There’s a need to revive the culture, tradition and food of Punjab beyond bhangra and phulkari that we all love.”