NCPA Promising Artistes’ Series

A dhrupad duet by Janhavi Phansalkar & Dhani Gundecha (vocal) with Anuja Borude (pakhawaj)

Dhrupad is the oldest extant genre of Hindustani art music. Whether vocal or instrumental music, traditionally, dhrupad is regarded as a masculine genre, and has been practised only by male artistes. Nevertheless, since independence, there have been a few isolated cases of female exponents taking up the challenge of entering this male bastion.

Trained by Ramakant and Umakant Gundecha in the Dagarbani style of dhrupad, Janhavi Phansalkar and Dhani Gundecha represent the artistes of the younger generation, aspiring to break the stereotypical image of dhrupad. Both are recognised as independent performers who also come together to render a duet. Accompanying them on the pakhawaj is Anuja Borude, who has trained with Vasantrao Ghorpadkar and Akhilesh Gundecha. As an accomplished solo performer and accompanist, she defies the myth about pakhawaj, which is a double barrel drum that is invariably included in the dhrupad ensemble, as an instrument that is off limits for female exponents.

This all-women collaboration will present a typical dhrupad recital featuring alap, jod, jhala and some traditional compositions of Dagarbani.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 6:20 pm.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY: –

• Advisible to wear mask and to maintain social distancing
• Double vaccination certificate of Artists / Visitors / Patrons not mandatory