Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar’s Soul-Stirring Tribute to Lata Didi Resonates Through Time at ‘Te Shri Sharada Vishwamohini’
Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar’s Soul-Stirring Tribute to Lata Didi Resonates Through Time at ‘Te Shri Sharada Vishwamohini’
The evening of “Te Shri Sharada Vishwamohini Lata Didi” unfolded like a celestial symphony, paying homage to the eternal legacy of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar. Held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, the event transcended the boundaries of a mere tribute, becoming an ethereal musical journey that captured the very essence of India’s nightingale.
The centerpiece of the evening was the prestigious “Didi” Award, presented to the gifted playback singer Sanjeevani Bhelande by the revered Talyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, amidst an august gathering that included luminaries such as Sharad Ponkshe, Sonali Kulkarni, Sonu Nigam, Smt. Bharati Mangeshkar, and Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
This third edition of the “Didi” Award, presented in honor of Lata Mangeshkar’s indelible mark on the music world, holds within its embrace a shawl, a memento, and a cash prize – a symbolic gesture of reverence to those continuing the legacy of vocal excellence. The esteemed list of past recipients, including Pandit Satyasheel Deshpande and Vibhavari Apte Joshi, was further enriched by the recognition of Sanjeevani Bhelande’s evocative artistry.
As the program commenced, the atmosphere was charged with spiritual grace, as MIT students presented a mesmerizing Ganesh Vandana, invoking divine blessings with their fluid dance. What followed was an evocative medley of musical offerings by Sanjeevani Bhelande, Ajit Parab, Dr. Shreyasi Pawgi, Manisha Nischal, Dr. Unmesh Karmarkar, and Vibhavari Joshi, their voices weaving a soulful tapestry that resonated with Lata Didi’s timeless influence.
In a moment that transcended time, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar graced the stage to share rare, intimate memories of his sister, Lata Mangeshkar. His words brought to life her humble beginnings, her perseverance, and her divine connection with music, while rare and treasured photographs of Lata Didi illuminated the screen. As Vibhavari Joshi lent her voice to the songs that marked these memories, the auditorium was transported to a realm of nostalgia and deep emotional connection.
The music was elegantly supported by a stellar ensemble led by Vivek Paranjape on arrangements, with Kedar Paranjape and Darshana Jog on synthesizers, Vishal Thelkar on guitar, Nilesh Deshpande on flute, Vikram Bhatt on tabla and ektara, Vishal Gandratwar on tabla and dholak, Ajay Atre on rhythm machine, and Padmakar Gujar on percussion. The seamless audio mastery of Ayaan Momin elevated the performances to new heights, ensuring each note resonated with clarity and emotion.
This tribute, conceptualized by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, was not merely an event but an experience – a sacred offering to the goddess of music herself. The logistics, orchestrated to perfection by Shirish Rairikar of Manoranjan, added to the elegance of the evening, ensuring a timeless spectacle for all attendees.
Audiences were also treated to a sumptuous thali, featuring some of Lata Didi’s favorite dishes, adding a heartfelt and personal touch to the celebration of her legacy.
As the night closed, the audience left with hearts full of music and memories, knowing they had been part of an event that truly captured the eternal essence of Lata Didi’s voice, which continues to echo in the very fabric of Indian music history.
By Sunder M
