Tributes

"Shaam-E-Madanmohan" in Kolkata a memorable event
29 April 2011


SUR SIDDHI, a very well known group of Kolkata for almost 2 decades now, organized a tribute event for Madan Mohanji in Kolkata on 17 April 2011 at the renowned Kala Mandir auditorium in the heart of the city.

The packed audience were unanimous in their feedback that it was one of the most enjoyable musical evenings in recent times.

The organizers made excellent efforts to perpetuate Madanji's music and memories through the extraordinary stage décor, which had large blowups of Madanji's photos, solos and with key personalities, as well as through a well researched and executed audio visual which accompanied the music throughout. While the aesthetically lit large portraits and pictures created a haunting effect, the audio visual shared a lot of information on Madanji and his music.

Excellently compered by Rohit Bihani and Sheetal Mohta, the evening shared a lot of well researched trivia on Madanji's life and music. Rohit also played a major role in putting together the audio visual.

Rajesh Sadani, one of the key organizers of the event displayed his organizational abilities while he also led the talented group of singers who included Sangeeta, Rekha Mimani, Sangeeta Parasramka, Kavya Daga as some of the lead female singers and Rajat Baid, Srinivas Sadani, Vivek Jhawar, Vivek Phumra and Rajesh himself as the male voices among others. Each of them gave an excellent account of themselves.

They regaled the rapt audience with evergreen solos like Naina Barse, Lag Ja Gale Se, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, Aye Dil Mujhe Bata De, Ek Haseen Shaam Ko, Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho, Rang Aur Noor Ki, Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil, Jhumka Gira Re, Bhooli Huyi Yaadon, Dil Dhoondta Hai as well as duets like Tum Chal Rahe Ho, Ek Manzil Rahi Do, Tere Paas Aake, Zameen Se Humen Aasmaan Par, while even songs from Veer-Zaara like Tere Liye, Do Pal, Main Yahaan Hoon and the title song of the album TERE BAGAIR, Kaise Kategi Zindagi formed a part of the repertoire of melodies.

The curtain raiser was the apt Woh Bhooli Daastan, while the show concluded with Mera Saaya Saath Hoga in a chorus from the entire team of participants. Some interviews from other legendary film personalities aired between the songs further bonded the song sequences.

Some of the renditions were embellished by imaginative use of dance, very well presented by members of the Sur Siddhi group. The audience sang along with each song and was lavish in its appreciative applause.

Sanjeev Kohli, the eldest son of Madanji, was a special invitee and spoke on his memories of his father and his music. This further added to the nostalgia and was received with great admiration.

The Kala Mandir auditorium had many people waiting outside to get entry for the house full event. The team of the auditorium claimed that they had rarely seen such a response in recent times.

Indeed, Sur Siddhi did a very commendable job in creating a memorable evening!