Anoushka Shankar's Kolkata Concert Blends Nostalgia with Musical Surprises
The final stop of Anoushka Shankar's acclaimed Chapters tour in Kolkata transformed into an unforgettable evening that masterfully blended deep nostalgia with thrilling musical surprises. The event, held at the iconic Netaji Indoor Stadium, carried special significance for the sitar virtuoso, as she emotionally reminded the packed audience that this very venue was where she had performed her first-ever concert in the city nearly three decades ago, when she was just fourteen years old.
Surprise Collaborations Illuminate the Stage
The evening's nostalgic atmosphere was beautifully punctuated by two unexpected guest appearances that electrified the performance. First, renowned tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh joined Anoushka on stage for a powerful rendition of Fire Night, a composition originally recorded and released in the mid-1960s. The collaboration showcased the timeless quality of classical Indian music and demonstrated the seamless musical chemistry between the two artists.
Even more surprising was the appearance of playback singing sensation Arijit Singh, who made his first stage appearance since publicly stepping away from mainstream playback singing. Arijit joined Anoushka Shankar and Bickram Ghosh for a soulful performance of Maya Bhora Raati, a hauntingly beautiful song originally composed by the legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar in the 1960s. The trio's performance received a standing ovation from the captivated audience.
Arijit Singh's Peaceful Transition to Independent Music
Backstage sources revealed that Arijit Singh was in remarkably high spirits throughout the evening, actively mingling with fellow musicians and crew members rather than isolating himself in his allocated makeup van. When questioned about his recent decision to step back from playback singing, the Tum Hi Ho singer expressed that he was completely "at peace" with his choice.
According to insiders present, Arijit explained that he had always aspired to devote more time to classical music, which aligns with his original training. "He said he had always wanted to devote time to classical music, since that is what he had been trained to do. Finally he has got the opportunity to do it," revealed one backstage source. The singer also confirmed ongoing collaborations with Anoushka Shankar for the original soundtrack of a film he is currently making.
Industry Support for Artistic Evolution
Tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh, who has known Arijit for years, offered insightful perspective on the singer's career transition. "Arijit came up to me since we have known each other for a while, we chatted a bit. It is evident he intends to explore independent music, spread his wings," Ghosh elaborated. "He has set an example for all musicians about how it is possible to go beyond restrictive formats of making music."
The concert served as a powerful testament to artistic evolution and musical legacy, with Anoushka Shankar returning to her roots while Arijit Singh boldly charts a new creative path. The evening's highlights included:
- Anoushka's emotional return to her first Kolkata performance venue after 30 years
- Collaborative performances with both Bickram Ghosh and Arijit Singh
- Arijit's first public performance since leaving playback singing
- Performances of classic compositions from the 1960s
- Industry support for artistic experimentation and growth
As the final notes echoed through Netaji Indoor Stadium, the concert stood as a celebration of musical heritage, artistic courage, and the enduring power of Indian classical traditions in contemporary performance.
