Sada-e-Watan Sydney
sadaewatan@gmail.com
Ghazal Ki Shaam Another Success from Jazba
(Exclusive Report to Sada-e-Watan Sydney)
Ghazal Ki Shaam 8th of July Presented by Payless
World Travel Parramatta, was truly a night to remember. Almost 200 patrons
enjoyed the highest standard of performance. In total the show ran for almost 4
hours of performance. The Audience still wanted more. JAZBA and SNSR have vowed
to repeat this event each year and promise to raise the standard even further.
The first half of the program boasted some of the classical talents of each
singer. Avijit Sarkar, beyond doubt the musical maestro of Australia,
appropriately started with ' Baat Nikalegi to phir, dur talak jayegi'. The talk
definitely went a long way, as through the night Avijit, made the night his own.
Eventually, by the end of the evening, he ended up getting more public request
than he could possibly fulfil in one night. He sang songs from classical greats
from both Pakistan and India and his dedication to the great poet and writer
(present at the concert) Om Krishan Rahat, was simply outstanding. Rachana
stamped her classical authority from her opening song. It has to be said to the
many fans of Rachana who attended the concert that while she did her best to
sing as many of her hits as possible, one night simply wasn't enough to capture
the depth of ability this artist is blessed with. Rachana is commonly thought of
the folksong queen of Australia and for the many patrons that experienced Ghaza
ki Shaam she was simply outstanding. Her song selection, vocal control and
underlying classical knowledge all transpired into her near perfect delivery.
Rucha Lange, after the success of Nasha-e-Sangeet, showed why she is known as
Sydney's voice of Lata. Her first two numbers were not only melodious but also
musically complex. This underlined that this up and coming star, who is yet to
get to 25 years of age, has true vocal mastery, especially when it comes to
songs that are sung by her personal idol, Lata Mangeshkar. Dr Sadiq Rehmani the
last singer to be part of the musical procession, started with a sublime and
beautiful delivery of 'Hosh Waloh Koh Kabar Kya'. The Man who manages to Sing
songs from nearly every artist under the sun, showed why he is constantly dubbed
'Mr Versatility'. Throughout the night he became the artist who made people
smile and laugh with his punchy humour and wonderful song selection that anyone
could relate to. The trend continued through out the concert, and as they picked
up the pace after the break, it was evident that this night would last in the
memories of all that attended for a long time to come. In the end each artist
tried to fulfil as many request as possible but obviously there will be alot
more to come next year.
JAZBA, currently Sydney's No 1 - Hindi/Urdu band were at their level best, and
with their guest performer, Ravi on the violin it was truly brilliant the level
of mastery this group displays in each and every genre of Indian music. One of
their key strengths is the fact that their performers are multi-skilled. Each
can play many instruments and more than half the band can sing professionally.
This gives the group flexibility and versatility beyond belief, and it seems
only natural that this group of talents has got together under one banner. The
added dimension of the lead instrumentalist in the violin, gave the show a
totally different tinge. It has to be said that most pieces played by the
instrumentalists were improvised and created there and then by both Avijit and
Ravi. It just shows how at home artists of this caliber are on the big stage.
Maharshri Raval, Jazba's Tablist, showed why he is creating a stir in Sydney
with his wonderful Rhythmic display and he was perfectly backed by Salim Juddani
(Jazba's drumist) on side effects. Avijit Sarkar manned the harmonium in a way
that no one else in Australia can, and Sadiq strummed the string on his acoustic
guitar to put the icing on a very sweet cake. Jazba has 3 more members; however
it was impossible to have everyone playing on this night. If you're a Jazba fan,
be sure to catch the band when they deliver - 'Ek Shaam, Lata Ke Naam' on
September 2nd in the same venue.
The production by SNSR has really established them as a leading company in
Australia. The attention to detail and high levels of organization, show just
how much experience this father & son team have in there industry. The sound was
perfect, lighting was even and not fatiguing and topped off with wonderful set
design and professional back of the stage projection, ensured that the
experience for all patrons was wonderful no matter where they sat. The VIPs also
enjoyed a complimentary tea/coffee courtesy of SNSR. Many thanks also have to go
to Madan Lepcha whose video and lighting mastery are eagerly looked upon by all
members of the band and SNSR.
Catering was done by Wentworthville's very own Konark restaurant. Their food was
simply marvellous. It was tasty, fairly priced and not at all oily. Many years
of experience from the director 'Reddy' has shown why he ran a successful
restaurant for 5 years in Sydney's North before coming to Wentworthville. Jazba
and SNSR were happy to appoint Konark with this responsibility because of their
commitment to excellence and friendly customer service. Be sure to visit their
Restaurant in Wentworthville if you missed out in Ghazal Ki Shaam.
This was the second show in this year that SNSR, Payless World Travel Parramatta
and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan had got together to develop and there was no
letting down on the quality and attention to detail in every respect. After the
show Arshad Ladha the directof for Payless World Travel - Parramatta was
overjoyed at the program and vowed to continue supporting this event each year.
In just his first year as a travel agent, Ash Ladha and his team have shown why
they have been so competitive. It is entirely due to their commitment to their
clients, and ensuring that every detail is looked into. They run their business
with a focus on integrity and quality, and it is with the same focus that they
approached Ghazal ki Shaam and Nasha-e-Sangeet. All the patrons that experienced
these two concerts are sure to come back next year and see what they come up
with again. Photos for this event can be seen on the SNSR website
www.snsr.com.au.
The program had some high gentry attendance with the likes of Minhas Zulfiqar -
Director Crowne Plaza Norwest , Nash Patel - Good Guys Castle Hill, Ghambir
Watts - the president of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bashir Sumar - President of
the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim Council of ANZ, The President of the Sydney Urdu
Society and ofcourse the honourable Chief Guest, Om Krishan Rahat the doyen of
poetry in Sydney.
The question now that everyone is asking is When is the next Ghazal Ki Shaam?.
The answer is next June 2007.
Avijit Sarkar Rucha Lange Sadiq Rehmani Rachna Bhatnagar
(Side shot) Sadiq - guitar, Ravi - Violin
(Front) Chief Guest - Om Krishan
Rahat & his Wife, (L-R) Umar Ghani, Minhas Zulfiqar & Mahboob Manji SNSR (Father & Son team) Abdul & Mahedi Sajwani
(Upper Left ) Bashir Sumar & his wife
Wide shot of the performance set, (Upper Left) Salim Juddani - Side Effects
