Nisha Jalori | nisha@jalori.co.in

“You have to take a deep breath and allow the music to flow through you. Revel in it, just leaving you in awe”. This is what exactly happened while enjoying the mesmerizing concert, Ek Mutthi Asmaan. The event held on the 23^rd of April, 2022 at Nehru Centre Worli Mumbai. It was an evening dedicated to the Legendary music composer, Madan Mohan, and was executed by Swar Aalap under the auspices of Global Vikas Trust.

“Music is the moonlight in the gloomy night of life”, and just as life had come to a standstill for a long owing to the deadly pandemic, this live show was extremely welcoming to soothe our souls. Sameer Madan Mohan Kohli conceived this event. He was keen on organising it to pay tribute to his father. After a lot of research, he finally approached Dinesh Ghate from Swar Aalap who is known for his passion for music. Sameer Kohli believed that Dinesh could bring life to his vision. And he rightfully agreed to conceptualize, organise and manage this event.

The concert was designed with a 25-piece orchestra conducted by ace music director, Shri Uttam Singh. Lending their voice to this wonderful music were great singers Padma Shree Anup Jalota, Javed Ali, Bela Shende, Bela Sulakhe and Chetan Rana. It was hosted by Anchor and Lyricist Manoj Muntashir. The show was mainly supported by VIP and Motilal Oswal, also Aurum Ventures extended its support to make this event a success. The radio partner was Big FM 92.7 and Dwapar Promotors was the PR partner.

Swar Aalap organised and managed this Musical fundraising Evening with the kind support of Shri Sushil Jiwrajka and Shri Mayank Gandhi. Global Vikas Trust will use the proceeds of this event for their projects. They work for rural and economic transformation goals with a focus on the rural economy, environment and 360° development of the farmers & their families.

Uttam Singh Ji said, ” I got a call from Sameer some one and a half years back. He asked me to conduct the orchestration for this show and also play the violin. But as God would have willed, it could not happen then, but now it has by God’s grace. It’s been a real pleasure for me to be a part of this. I owe a lot to the veteran composer, from whom I learnt a lot.”

And the man behind the management and designing of this grand show – Dinesh Ghate. He is a mastermind, a musical genius himself. In fact, when it comes to music, he leaves no stone unturned to execute thoughts into reality. He reiterates, “Sameer approached me with the idea of this show. I immediately felt connected with the concept and decided to put my heart and soul to have it materialise. I am incredibly cheerful with the outcome of this show, it has been far past my assumptions. We are receiving great accolades for the same. Now, this is what I consider as the real reward for my dedication to music.”

And then behold, awaiting for the curtain to unfurl and watch the stalwarts take the stage by storm. The show started with Bela Sulakhe “Ai Dil mujhe bata de, Aapki nazron ne samjha, Betaab Dil ki Tamanna, Zara si Aahat and others.” Bela Shende sung, “Tu jahaan jahaan chalega, Jhumka gira re, Yun hasraton ke daag, Rasm e ulfat ko nibhaayen and some more.” Both these female singers had the audience swooning to their melodious renditions.

Padma Shree Anup Jalota lent his voice to “Kaun Aaya mere man ke dware, and Phir wahi shaam which the audience enjoyed greatly. Chetan Rana blew away all with just one song, the title of the concert, “Har koi chahta hai Ek Mutthi Aasmaan.” Javed Ali sung, “Ek haseen shaam ko, Rang aur noor ki baaraat, Teri aankhon ke siva, Tum jo mil gaye ho, and some more,” – the audience completely lost themselves to his soulful renditions. The mind-blowing and fascinating orchestra has rendered all these songs.

Now as was asked, Uttam Singh Ji, not only conducted the music accompanists but played the violin and what left all surprising was when he sang, “Har Taraf ab ye hi afsaane hain.” The cherry on the cake was the finale, “Lag ja gale“, a tribute to Lata Mangeshkar, sung by all the singers and this got a standing ovation. The magical words by Manoj Muntashir especially his description of HEER seemed surreal as though Beauty was Personified. This left the audience in awe.

The veterans – Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha could not make it to the show but sent their best wishes. Dharam Ji said, “The maestro Madan Ji still lives between us through his music. Am so happy that Sameer is doing this show so wishing him good luck for the same”.

Shatrughan Sinha said, “Good luck to Sameer, Global Vikas Trust and especially Swar Aalap, for paying a musical tribute to the Betaaj Badshah of Indian music, Madan Mohan Ji. I want to tell the gen next that, whatever goal you want to attain, whatever competition you may be in. Try to prove your mettle. Best wishes again”.

“Music is a great uniter – An incredible force.” Something that people who differ on everything else, can have in common. The elite audience present at the show just revelled in the musical melodies. They lost themselves to music not bothered about what anybody else around felt for them. Good music, good people and good vibes – Such was the power of this musical extravaganza.

But how can this musical evening be complete without the mention of our biggest supporters, Shri Sushil Jiwarjka & Shri Mayank Gandhi. Mr Sushil Jiwarajka, is a prominent industrialist, and the Chairman of Artheon Group of companies. He is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Essjay Ericsson Pvt. Ltd. Mr Jiwarajka has set up joint ventures and held long-term partnerships with some of the world’s largest companies.  To mention a few, it includes Ericsson of Sweden, Matsushita of Japan, and HP Global Finance of the US. Recently, He promoted Omnigrid Micro Power Company Pvt. Ltd. Mr Jiwarajka is a keen enthusiast and promoter of Indian Film music. He shares an association with Swar Aalap since the year 2007.

Mr Mayank Gandhi, is a social activist from India. He was previously a member of the core committee of India Against Corruption movement. He was also a National Executive Member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Presently, he is the chief coordinator of the non-governmental organization Global Parli. It aims at transforming the drought-hit villages of  Marathwada, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

And what can I but just say about this fantabulous concert – “For me, there was something primitively soothing about this music and it struck a chord with my nervous system, making me ten feet tall.” Here’s wishing Swar Aalap good luck for all their musical endeavours and a great musical journey ahead.