One India Many Voices: A Celebration of Unity in Diversity
Updated: 5 hours ago
Show House presented a unique three-day music festival titled “One India Many Voices” to propagate the message of unity in diversity. This event showcased classical, semi-classical, and light music, featuring eminent performers like Ustad Shujaat Khan for Sitar recital, Dhrupad by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, Bhajans by Bhajan Samrat – Pt Anup Jalota, Carnatic vocal by Raga Sisters – Ranjani and Gayatri, Ghazal and Geet by Priyanka Barve, Khayal and Thumri by Ronkini Gupta, Sufi Qawwali by Tasawwar ensemble led by Shivam Bhardwaj, “Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon” – a musical theatre by Danish Hussain, a tribute to The Beatles by Wanted Yesterday led by Subash Kamath, and Fado Unplugged by Nadia Rebello. The third edition of this exciting festival was held at Taj Exotica Resort in Goa from July 24 to 26, 2026.
The Masterful Performance of Ustad Shujaat Khan
Ustad Shujaat Khan is one of the greatest classical musicians of his generation. He makes the Sitar sing, bringing it closest to the human voice. As the disciple and son of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan, he is a pioneer of the ‘gayaki ang’. His dexterity and command over the stringed instrument are impeccable. Ustad recounted that he had played several concerts with the legendary singer Asha Bhonsle, both in India and overseas.
During his performance, Ustad was momentarily disturbed when he noticed a spectator in the front row talking on a mobile phone. He remarked, “Hamara yaha pasina choot raha hai aur aap phone me lage ho” (We are perspiring on the stage and you are talking on the phone). After the musical interlude, he humorously suggested, “This is the best time to make a call, ‘Karo Na’,” which amused the audience.
As he created a mesmerizing impact, the Raga Sisters arrived. Ustad Khan playfully commented, “Aap Log abhi aa rahe ho” (You are coming now?). He was accompanied on the mridangam by Vijay Natesan and on the tabla by Suhel. The use of mridangam in a Hindustani music concert was surprising but added a unique percussion melody to the performance.
The Timeless Art of Dhrupad by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar
Dhrupad is the oldest form of Hindustani music, dating back to the days of Swami Haridas in the 16th century, whose disciple was the famous Tansen. Padmashri Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar has enthralled audiences with his unique style of Dhrupad gayaki. He has performed for UNESCO in Paris and the United Nations in New York.
Ustad Dagar demonstrated how each line of the lyrics can be interpreted differently with varied tonal modifications, creating a profound impact on the listener. He commenced with ‘Ayi Hay Gata’ and also sang “Jane Na De, Jane De Mohe,” leaving a lasting impression on the rapt audience. His musical range is astounding, effortlessly traveling through various octaves with mastery. Mohan Shyam Sharma accompanied him on the Pakhawaj.
The Enchanting Voices of Raga Sisters
The Raga Sisters, Ranjani and Gayatri, are sought-after Carnatic music vocalists in the country. They have performed at several prestigious concerts, including the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. Their performance included the traditional and intense Ananda Amruta Varshani raag, along with Marathi abhangs like Tukaram’s “Bhoot Mate Mote, Pandaricha Bhoot Mote.” This piece signifies that the Lord is like a ghost; once you visit the temple, you may dissolve completely and not return home.
In a romantic monsoon theme, they sang “Barse Badariya Sawan Ki, Man Bhaavan Ki” with amazing dexterity. They were accompanied by Sai Giridhar on Mridangam and Krishna on Ghatam.
The Divine Voice of Padmashri Anup Jalota
Padmashri Anup Jalota, known as Bhajan Samrat, is celebrated for his soothing divine voice that transcends barriers, creating a serene atmosphere wherever he performs. He arrived by early morning flight to regale the spectators on Saturday, leaving a lasting impression. He was accompanied by playback singer Shweta Pandit.
His performance began with the popular number of saint poetess Meera, “Yeasi Lagi Lagan Meera Ho Gayi Magan,” followed by “Achudam Kesavam, Krishna Damodaram, Rama Narayanam, Janaki Vallabham.” Panditji has a great sense of humor and often cracks jokes, lightening the atmosphere.
Another iconic number rendered was “Itni Shakti Hame De Na Data, Man Ka Vishwas Kamjoor Ho Na” (O Lord, please do not give us so much strength that we might become fickle-minded or weak). Shweta Pandit performed the popular solo number “Yashomati Maiya Bole Nandlala,” which pertains to the complaints of child Krishna.
The iconic number from V Shantaram’s movie “Do Ankhen, Barah Haat” – “Ye Maalik Tere Bande Hum, Aisse Ho Hamare Karam,” and the popular Ghazal of Jagjit Singh “Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho, Kya Gum Hay Jo Chupa Rahe Ho” (What is the sadness that you are hiding with your smile) were also highlights. The finale number was “Damadam Mast Kalandar.” He was supported by a talented ensemble, including Mahesh Rao on the violin, Himanshu on guitar, Devendra on tabla, and a skilled keyboard musician.
The Captivating Performance of Ronkini Gupta
Hindustani music vocalist Ronkini Gupta from Kolkata impressed the spectators with her commendable renderings. She commenced with raag Megh – “Koyaliya Gaye,” followed by the exciting number “Bunde Bunde Barse” (Little drops of rain), which elevated the audience's spirits, reverberating the atmosphere with her musical intensity. Ronkini was ably assisted on the tabla by Asish Ragwani and harmonium by Deepak Marathe. Notably, Ronkini has sung for the renowned A.R. Rahman in various projects.
The Ghazals and Geets of Priyanka Barve
Another powerful singer at the festival was Priyanka Barve. She consistently regaled listeners with various Ghazals and Geets from Indian cinema, including iconic numbers by Lata Mangeshkar and Mehdi Hasan. One of her memorable renditions was “Mohabbat Karne wale Kam Na Honge, Teri Mehfil May Lekin Hum Na Honge” (There may be many who may fall in love with you, but I may not be there).
She also performed the famous Lata number with music by the veteran Madan Mohan, “Agar Mujse Mohabbat Hay Toh Apna Gum De Do” (If you are in love with me, then give me your sadness). Another immensely popular number was “Lag Ja Gale Se, Phir Yeh Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho” (Do embrace me, as I do not know whether we can meet again for another beautiful night).
Priyanka's performance included the Pahadi film sangeet “Hamari Atariya Sawariya,” and “Yeh Dil Tum Bin Kahi Lagta Nahi Hum Kya Kare” (What can I do without you). She also sang “Mohe Panghat Pe Nandlal Ched Gayo,” picturized on Madhubala, and another hit number by Asha Bhosle, “Salona Sa Sajan Hay.” Interestingly, Priyanka plays the role of Anarkali in the theatre extravaganza of Feroz Khan’s “Mughal-e-Azam.” Her melodious renderings created a lasting impression.
A Nostalgic Journey with Danish Hussain
One of the most unusual and engrossing presentations of the festival was the theatre production “Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon” by Danish Hussain and his talented team of actors and singers. This production projected the life of veteran lyricist Shahir Ludhiyanavi through narration, storytelling, songs, and musical renderings. It was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, evoking nostalgia and portraying how Shahir Ludhiyanavi struggled to establish himself as one of the best lyricists in Indian cinema.
When Shahir started, the names of lyricists were not known, as they were not credited. However, Shahir fought for his rights, ensuring that along with the mention of the singer, the lyricist's name was also recognized. Interestingly, Shahir wrote the lyrics first, and the music was composed later.
The production featured iconic numbers like “Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon,” “Thandi Sawaye, Lehraye,” “Tasveer se Bigdi,” the iconic number picturized on Johnny Walker “Jab Sar Chakra Jaye,” “Allah Tero Naam,” and the hit number from Gurudutt’s “Pyaasa” – “Ye Duniya Bhi Mill Jaya Toh Kya Hai?” The talented team of artists included Geetika Srender, Kumar Singh, Srijonee Bhattacharya, Shantanu Nandan, Herlekar, Siddharth, Nirtyanada Padiyar, Kaustabh Shukla, Sohel Shaikh, Shantanu Surendra, Salvi, Devendra Singh, Kishwah, and producer Amita Talwar.
A Commitment to a Noble Cause
Besides the realistic Rain Dogs exhibition by Rohit Chawla, the proceeds of the festival will be donated to Angels for Animals, an NGO dedicated to the welfare and care of animals. This commitment to a noble cause further enhances the festival's significance, making it not only a celebration of music but also a platform for social responsibility.
In conclusion, “One India Many Voices” was more than just a music festival; it was a heartfelt celebration of India's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the diversity and unity that music can bring. Each performance resonated with the audience, leaving them with a sense of connection and appreciation for the arts.
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