Swar Aalap, an organization committed to the cause of musicians, organized an eventful program with well-appreciated prolific Indian Playback Singer Javed Ali performing on stage. Manik Sabhagriha, Bandra witnessed an energetic and engaging evening filled with songs and live performances by the singer that left the audience wanting for more.

We all know how important the contribution of songs has been to the success of Hindi movies. Those songs have remained in our memories for years. Importantly enough, their longevity has been due to the spirit and soul made possible thanks to the passion and meticulous artistry of music directors, arrangers, musicians, and instrument players. Swar Aalap, founded by Dinesh Ghate, has endeavored to recognize the efforts of those talented artists by acknowledging, researching, and presenting their work to the audience at large. As another opportunity to contribute to and bolster the noble intent, the evening of Aug 17 is intended to felicitate noted senior instrumentalist, music assistant, and ace Guitarist Gorakh Sharma. Felicitation was also planned for one more prominent yesteryear musician: Shashikant Kudalkar noted Tabla player and music assistant to composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

The proceedings commenced with Javed Ali rendering some of his own songs: ‘Tu jo Mila (Bajrangi Bhaijaan)’, ‘Kahne ko jashn-e-bahara hai’ (Jodha Akbar), and more. It was, however, the bouquet of vintage melodies that captivated all present in the auditorium. The magic of memorable yesteryear numbers was brought out via the singer’s sincere, energetic and passion-filled execution. Songs like ‘Parda hai parda’ (Amar Akbar Anthony, and ‘Mera toh jo bhi kadam hai’ (Dosti) immediately established a connection. ‘Nazar na lag jaaye’ (Night in London) and ‘Dard-e-dil’ (Karz,) with added trivia on Gorakh Sharma being Guitarist for both songs made it all the more nostalgic and delightful. Not to forget the eternally popular ‘Piya tose naina laage re’ (Guide) rendered on stage. The song is also remembered for Shashikant’s Tabla playing.

Expectedly, the felicitation function for the three artists was followed by a request for Gorakh Sharma to play the Guitar live on stage. It was amazing to see the ease with which the champion artiste quickly got ready with a different Guitar (i.e., not his own Guitar) and master it to play the evergreen theme music of the film Karz. Needless to say, the electrifying electric Guitar playing stood out and will remain in our memory for a long.

Javed Ali’s constant endeavor to charge the audience and keep all involved continued with songs like ‘Ek din teri raahon mein’ (Naqaab), ‘Maula mere Maula (Delhi 6), and ‘Khwaja mere Khwaja (Jodha Akbar). The “ever welcome” presence of veteran comedian Johnny Lever coupled with his unbeatable delivery style and light-hearted jokes had the audience in splits. On the other hand, the everlasting impact HFM (Hindi Film Music) has had on him and his appreciation for Swar Aalap’s tireless efforts presented a serious, though pleasant, contrast of sorts.

There were various others present who made the evening possible and more special: Co-singer Shrinidhi Ghatate (whose nice rendering of the popular “Deewani Mastani” from the film Bajirao Mastani stood out), Anup Shankar and his music conduction, associate sponsors Bank of India and Godrej Properties, Radio Partner 92.7 big FM and PR partner Bubble. No praise would be enough to highlight the efforts of the well-coordinated core Swar Aalap team driven by Rubina Khan and Nirav Ghate. The ongoing key support from Pratik Shah and Ashwin Boricha and the well-researched program content developed by team Rewind.

As a well-thought and executed theme, getting a contemporary singer on stage to share perspective and relive vintage numbers was the perfect message and re-iteration to music lovers not grown up on those songs. A solid demonstration of the power of those melodies to attract and move souls.

Not surprisingly, Bollywood music will remain in our hearts forever!!!