NCPA Citi Nad Ninad: From Our Archives

A guided listening session on the artistry of Nasir Aminuddin Khan Dagar

By Uday Bhawalkar

An NCPA Presentation
Supported by Citi

This event makes available to lovers of Indian music some of the priceless recordings of great masters from the archives of the NCPA.

Dhrupad is one of the oldest surviving genres of Hindustani (North Indian music) today. Historically, based on the tempo of its rendition and use of embellishments, four vani/bani (distinct styles) have been identified with this genre: Gauhar, Dagar, Nauhar and Khandhar. Of these, the Dagar bani is believed to be the oldest tradition that can be traced back to Swami Haridas (15th century).

Nasir Aminuddin Khan Dagar (1923-2000), the legendary dhrupad singer representing the Dagar tradition, learnt under his father, Nasiruddin Khan Dagar. He also received training from Riyazuddin Khan and Ziauddin Khan Dagar. Having given his first performance at the tender age of 11, Aminuddin Khan Dagar, along with his elder brother, Nasir Moinuddin Dagar (1919-1966), took this tradition to great heights by breathing new life into the form of duet (jugalbandi) singing. The ‘Senior Dagar Brothers’, as they were popularly known, brought back the concept of harmonious synchronisation in the jugalbandi. Aminuddin Dagar’s voice, especially in the lower octaves, could draw the audience into a deep meditative mood. During the 1960s, the brothers performed under the banner of UNESCO in Europe and were largely instrumental in popularising dhrupad outside India. After the untimely demise of Nasir Moinuddin Dagar, Aminuddin Dagar continued as a solo performer.

Trained by rudra veena maestro Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and his brother Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Uday Bhawalkar represents the Dagar tradition of dhrupad. His style is aligned with the serenity, majesty and grace associated with dhrupad.

The session will feature select excerpts of Nasir Aminuddin Khan Dagar’s audio recordings specially made at the NCPA during 1971. Bhawalkar will offer relevant comments to enrich the experience.

Entry free on a first come, first served basis.