In a remarkable testament to the enduring power of classical music, a flute recital by renowned artist Rakesh Chaurasia held an audience of approximately 800 people in rapt attention in Ahmedabad. The event, part of the annual Saptak festival, witnessed a near-total disconnect from the digital world, with only two individuals briefly succumbing to the lure of their mobile phones.
A Concert That Commanded Complete Attention
The captivating performance took place on Thursday, which was the eighth day of the prestigious Saptak festival. Flautist Rakesh Chaurasia chose to present Raga Jhinjhoti, a melodic framework known for its deep emotional resonance. The artist commenced the recital with a light-hearted jest about musicians often overrunning their allotted time, promising the audience he would stick to the schedule, which was met with delighted laughter.
As Chaurasia embarked on the elaborate aalaap (the slow, unmetred opening section), the atmosphere transformed. The exposition carried the profound weight of unrequited love, yet it gracefully avoided any overt sentimentality or lament. It was during this intricate, immersive opening that a subtle observation was made. In the chairless sitting area directly in front of the stage, from a sea of engrossed listeners, only two middle-aged gentlemen were seen briefly checking their cellphones.
The Emotional Journey of Raga Jhinjhoti
Chaurasia masterfully guided the raga from its initial sighs of longing into more animated passages filled with anticipation and ornate musical phrases. The expansive emotional landscape of Jhinjhoti, which has inspired numerous Bollywood compositions, eventually won over even those two distracted attendees, who looked up from their screens and back to the stage.
A prime example of this raga's cinematic beauty is the timeless Kishore Kumar song "Koi humdum na raha" from the 1961 film Jhumroo. While the title translates to a feeling of loneliness, the combination of Kumar's voice and the raga's inherent elegance transforms it into a majestic acceptance of reality, rather than a mournful dirge.
A Legacy of Music and Wit
The concert also highlighted the charming wit that seems to run in the Chaurasia family. Rakesh's playful comment at the start echoed the humour of his uncle and guru, the legendary Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. In a memorable 2011 Saptak performance, the senior maestro had humorously remarked to the audience, "I don't know the raga, I will ask you about it later!" creating an unforgettable moment for all present.
Years later, Rakesh Chaurasia added a new cherished memory to Saptak's rich history. Through his skilful performance, he demonstrated that even in an age dominated by social media and constant digital notifications, the profound connectivity of classical music remains unbroken. The raga, through his flute, proudly announced its name and essence, proving that true artistry can still command undivided attention.
