Dhrupad Evening by Shri Sanjeev Jha and Shri Manish Kumar

Dhrupad is a style of Indian Classical Music that has been performed for centuries and is still practiced and appreciated today. Its roots can be traced back to the ancient Vedic tradition, and it has been influenced by various cultures and traditions over time. Dhrupad is characterized by its slow, contemplative pace and its emphasis on intricate, detailed melodies and improvisation.

Dhrupad is typically performed by a small group of musicians, with a lead singer who sings the main melody and is accompanied by a drone instrument called the tanpura and a percussion instrument called the pakhawaj. The lyrics are often devotional in nature, and the music is meant to inspire a sense of spiritual contemplation and devotion in the listener.

Dhrupad is known for its complex and sophisticated musical structure, which involves a system of ragas (melodic modes) and talas (rhythmic cycles). It also features elaborate ornamentation and embellishments that require a high level of technical skill and training.

Overall, Dhrupad music is a deeply meditative and spiritual form of classical music that has a rich cultural history and continues to be a significant part of Indian musical tradition.

About the artists

‘Dhrupad Bandhu’

Shri Sanjeev Jha received his initial training from Ustad Habeeb Khan (Hazipur) and Pandit Arun Bhaduri (SRA, Kolkata). He has done his Bachelor in Music (BMus) from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Master in Music (MMus) from Delhi University. He is the first male Dhrupad singer to be trained at the Dhrupad Sansthan under Padma Shri Gundecha Brothers. He was part of the ICCR team that performed in a five-country Dhrupad tour in Singapore, Philippines, Belgium, Argentina and Brazil. He has been imparting Dhrupad training in Delhi and is currently a visiting professor at The Ashoka University in Sonepat, Haryana.

Shri Manish Kumar received his initial music training from Dr. Vijay Kapoor (Varanasi). He has done a Diploma in Vocal (Hindustani Classical) Music, and Bachelor in Music (BMus) from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. He got his Master in Music (MMus) degree from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidhyalaya, Khairagarh. He has been under the guidance and training of Padma Shri Gundecha Brothers since 2007. Manish received the National Scholarship from the Government of India for Dhrupad Vocal (2009-11). He was also awarded a scholarship from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. He is the Co-Founder & Director of Dhruvpad Gurukulam Foundation in Hyderabad and is actively teaching Dhrupad. He is also a "Graded Artist" of All India Radio.

Pakhawaj

Smt. Anuja Borude started learning Pakhawaj from Shri Samadhan Maharaj Suradkar. Later she continued learning Pakhawaj from Shri Ashok Maharaj Panchal. Thereafter she underwent Pakhawaj training from Late Pandit Vasantraoji Ghorpadkar. Currently she is undergoing Pakhawaj training from Pandit Akhileshji Gundecha (Dhrupad Sansthan, Bhopal). Anuja has performed at several concerts India and abroad in the countries like - UK, USA, Germany, Belgium. She is a recipient of CCRT and NCPA Scholarships. Anuja has so far accompanied many renowned artists like - Padmashree Gundecha Brothers, Nancy Lesh, Pandit Shounak Abhisheki to name a few.