An evening dedicated to Benaras

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 24

Remembering Lord Shiva and singing Raag Hanshav Dhvani, Padma Shri Soma Ghosh had brought Benaras on stage as she performed at Punjab Kala Bhawan wearing a Benarsi sari and a rose in her hair. The even was organised by Sharda Global Events and Pracheen Kala Kendra.

Minutes before her performance as she talked to us, Soma lent an ear to the classical fusion band playing before her. While she calls Punjab a state where every home has hidden talent, she hinted at performing Dama Dam Mast Kalandar to woo the Punjabi audience. The evening was dedicated to a tabla player of Benaras Gharana of Hindustani Classical Music, Pt Kishan Maharaj, whose 98th birth anniversary was on September 3.

The vocalist, who is unique for she is not specialised in a single way of singing. As good at khayal, gazals and Sufi music, she is a maestro of thumri, which she had given a glimpse of during her performance. An adopted daughter of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, she was the first women to get the honour of performing in Parliament. Talking about her achievements, she says, “I do take them seriously because when you are recognised for something, it triples your responsibility. Not only you are supposed to keep that heritage intact, maintain a public face by polishing your craft but also teach others to keep the legacy going.”

She had also campaigned for “Aao Bune Zindagi” and supported the women artisans involved in weaving Benarasi during the pandemic.