Buckinghamshire performers with ties to India brought a night of music to life.
Theatregoers were treated to an evening of Indian classical and Bollywood music on February 10.
The special showcase was curated by the Indian community group ‘Amerindis’ from Amersham as part of efforts to promote Indian culture and heritage for the social and economic development of the community.
Key organiser of the event Jai Vardhan Hada of Amerindis said: “We are thrilled to have brought together some of the most talented performers for this musical extravaganza. It was heartening to see the overwhelming response from the audience and their enthusiasm. The crowd was whistling and rhyming along with singers.”
The group was glad to see local British residents in the audience enjoying the show, and they welcome even more from all communities in the future.
First on stage were Jayashree Sundaresan and Archana Padala performing one of the earliest forms of Indian classical dance ‘Bharatnatyam’, which left the audience in a state of awe.
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Amersham- resident and dancer Jayashree Sundaresan has more than 30 years of experience performing across the UK and India.
Key organiser of the event Jai Vardhan Hada of Amerindis said one of the highlights of the night was the performance of Jugalbandi (Duet) of Tabla and Bansuri (Flute).
The Bansuri is the most intricate yet melodic woodwind musical instrument with significant religious significance, whereas the Tabla is the most well-known percussion instrument in north India.
Probuddha Basu played Bansuri, while supremely talented Kedar Deokule impressed on the Tabla.
The crowd witnessed one of the most gripping and jaw-dropping performances ever held at Elgiva theatre.
Next up came the notable singer Shri Rajan Shegunshi and team, followed by some Bollywood colour.
Local favourites Mandar sane and Vaibhav Thakkar together with Smita Barua and Shivani Gollapalli amazed the crowd with soulful singing from the early 1960s to the latest fusion songs of the 2020s.
“We would like to organise this event every year with the aim to provide a platform for local/next-generation performers to showcase Indian culture and music,” Jai said.
With the first successful night of ‘Dhun’ in Chesham and other events in the pipeline, Amerindis continues to cement its place as a vibrant voice of the local community.
Elgiva's theatre manager David Cooper said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming so many talented performers to our stage in our first Dhun event. The Elgiva is privileged to be a hub for community and local talent, and Amerindis' event is set to be a feast for the senses and a real showcase for culture.”
The event was sponsored by Veg 4 U and LifeLine Protect.
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