The vibrant city of Kolkata recently wrapped up the month-long AMI Arts Festival with an electrifying final week dedicated to the universal language of music. The closing acts provided an unforgettable celebration, seamlessly blending classical roots with contemporary rock energy. The festival's grand finale served as a perfect crescendo, uniting legendary figures, modern icons, and bold experimental artists on a single platform.
Emotional Reunions and Timeless Classics
The festival stage witnessed a historic and emotional moment with the long-awaited reunion of the iconic Bangla band, Paras Pathar. This special comeback, which featured some changes to the original lineup, was facilitated by fellow band Prithibi and its vocalist, Kaushik Chakraborty. Chakraborty set a reflective tone, speaking on themes of friendship, loss, and music's power to connect. The revitalized group, supported by additional musicians, infused their classic hits with fresh energy. Evocative flute passages and deep, resonant bass lines added new layers to beloved songs, offering fans a nostalgic yet renewed experience filled with palpable camaraderie.
A Journey Through Hits and Heartfelt Melodies
Popular rock ensemble Agnee captivated the audience with a powerful setlist of their greatest hits. The charming, light-hearted interaction between lead singer Mohan Kanan and guitarist Kaustubh Dhavale (Koko) added a personal touch to the evening. The crowd connected deeply with soulful performances of classics like Aahatein, Shaam Tanha, and Kaise Ho Tum. Their two-hour performance masterfully mixed high-voltage energy with personal stories, giving fans an intimate look into the band's journey. Anthems such as Sadho Re and Kabira turned into massive sing-alongs, uniting everyone in voice and spirit.
Debojyoti Mishra's Soulful Exploration of Migration
At the KCC amphitheater, composer Debojyoti Mishra curated a profoundly moving evening centered on the theme of migration. The concert opened with O Alor Pothojatri, immediately evoking a sense of 'hiraeth'—a profound longing for home. Mishra's original compositions, including music from Ramchand Pakistani, were interwoven with global tracks like 500 Miles and folk classics such as Faande Poriya Boga Kaande Re and Banana Boat. With stellar contributions from vocalists like Portia Sen, the performance highlighted music as a powerful vessel for expressing loss, hope, and the search for belonging, leaving the audience deeply reflective.
A Rock-Powered Grand Finale
The festival's grand conclusion was a high-octane performance by the legendary rock band Parikrama at the Tollygunge Club. The event was a potent mix of raw energy and nostalgia. The current lineup, featuring Subir Malik on synthesiser, Nitin Malik on vocals, Saurabh Choudhary on guitar, Abhishek Mittal on lead guitar, Gaurav Balani on bass, and Srijan Mahajan on drums, delivered classic rock hits from legends like Pink Floyd, Queen, and The Rolling Stones. The excitement peaked with special guest appearances; violinist Sohail Ali Khan and Bangalore-based singer Megan Rakesh thrilled the crowd with renditions of Zombie and What's Up, ensuring the AMI Arts Festival ended with an unforgettable roar.
