Performing Arts Department of Lovely Professional University celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of ‘Tabla Wunderkind’ Ustad Allah Rakha Khan at Shanti Devi Mittal Auditorium of the university. For this, six-hour long mega-musical programme was chalked out, where the grandson of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, Shikhar Naad also performed. Highlighting, in order to manifest the great contributions made to ‘Tabla’ genre by Ustad Khan Sahib, nine celebrity musicians from across the country including Mumbai presented enthralling performances for thousands of LPU staff members and students. Leading female Tabla Genius Sushri Unmesha Athavale Gangal from Mumbai enchanted the audience through her excellent ‘Tabla’ skills. The event put forth the best of Tabla Vaadan, Djembe Vaadan, Taar Shehnai Vaadan, and Vocal Recital from disciples of great masters of different Gharanas.
Commonly reputed as ‘Allaji’ to the world and ‘Abbaji‘ to his students, King of rhythms, Ustad Alla Rakha Khan had rigorous training in early stages of his life, which made him that greatly worshipped musician of the world. As a teacher, he was also extremely loving, gentle and encouraging.
In addition to Sushri Athavale Gangal, Tabla Vaadan was also displayed by Harmeet Singh, Disciple of Ustad Allah Rakha Institute of Music (Mumbai); Jaidev Ji , Senior Tabla Maestro from Patiala; Surjeet Singh, Disciple of Ustad Joginder Singh (New Delhi); and, by Satpinder Saifi, Disciple of Shri Jagmohan Sharma (Patiala). Djembe Vaadan was made by Shikhar Naad and Raagjot Singh, both disciples of Ustad Taufiq Qureshi (Mumbai). They also shared all about the djembe vaadan and the type of musical instrument for the same. The vocal recital was made by Angad Singh, Disciple of Ustad Mazhar Ali Khan and Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan of Kasoor Patiala Gharana (Chandigarh). This all was topped by added melodious Taar Shehnai Vaadan by Isher Singh, Disciple of M. Rajan (Ludhiana).
Prior to this, welcoming all the celebrity musicians at the campus, LPU Executive Dean Dr Sanjay Modi shared that the Performing Arts department at LPU is regularly guiding and inspiring its students through such classical organizations for illustrious achievements. Many of its students have shared great daises and also participated in many TV Reality Shows of Sony, ZEE, Colors and other channels to bring laurels to the university and themselves. Some other students of the department have also been honoured at Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival Awards’ Ceremony too.
