Waiting for rains

Dark clouds herald pre-monsoon dawn. Wait and wait…a pining for both rain and the hidden sun.

I have listened to Kumar Gandharva at different times, but mainly with my best friend when I became an adult. The much older worldly-wise corporate guy would turn into a blind devotee. Our conversations were silences then as I soaked in the rain pouring from the singer’s voice.

Aisan kaisan barsaat barkha – Kumar Gandharva

The Bharat Ratna for Bhimsen Joshi

The Bharat Ratna, always mired in controversy, has this time gone to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, a bit late in the day. My knowledge of classical Hindustani and Carnatic music is limited. Instinct takes me to it or away; not all of Panditji’s singing attracted me; there seemed to be a straining of the voice, but then he could go on for hours.

I think of him as a technician, and I know connoisseurs will be at my throat for saying this. I have been touched beyond belief by Kumar Gandharva, Ustad Amir Khan, Siddheshwari Devi, M.S.Subbulakshmi…and Balamurli Krishna.

This is an occasion to felicitate Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, but I have chosen this jugalbandi. Both are Bharat’s ratnas…

Pt Bhimsen Joshi & Dr Balamurali Krishna - Raag Yaman Kalyan