The esteemed music group O Gaanewali, hailing from Mumbai, recently graced the Bangalore International Centre with a mesmerizing performance that revived a bygone era with striking authenticity and emotional depth. Under the masterful guidance of producer and lead vocalist Avanti Patel, the group embarked on a poignant journey that conjured the spirit of the illustrious tawaifs — the celebrated courtesans of India.
As Avanti Patel’s voice gently echoed the line Kale baadal gher hai, the captivated audience was effortlessly transported back to the time when gaanewalis and nachnewaalis reigned supreme in cultural artistry. With each note, the performers intricately wove vivid portraits of these extraordinary women, transforming the baithak into a living, breathing tribute through harmonious ghazals and illustrative narratives.
In an interview preceding the concert, Avanti shared her enduring commitment to spotlighting women’s stories. “I am never not going to talk about women,” she stated. “The female perspective in a ghazal is extremely rare, considering how ustaads and pandits appropriated this genre from the tawaifs,” she elaborated. Her words underscored the historical significance and often overlooked contributions of these women to India’s rich musical tapestry.
Fellow vocalist Rujuta Lad brought to light the unique and rigorous education the tawaifs received compared to their peers. “These were highly intellectual women, fluent in languages like Farsi and Urdu, despite societal norms that deemed it inappropriate for respectable women to perform on stage,” she revealed. Their erudition and artistic prowess were formidable, enabling them to transcend the constraints of their time.
The ensemble, featuring Akshay Jadhav on the tabla and Apoorv Petkar on the harmonium, demonstrated impeccable synergy and rapport. Jadhav’s expert drumming set a rhythmic backdrop that brilliantly complemented the mellifluous female vocals. He shared insightful commentary with the audience, explaining the concept of laggi ladi. “It’s a bit of friendly war between the singer and the tabla player — we alternately give space to each other for our creativity to shine,” he said, with a chuckle.
. This playful yet profound interplay among the performers created an immersive and dynamic musical experience.
Despite their profound contributions, these talented women faced relentless attempts to sanitize their art of its sensuality, with many advocating marriage as a means to “save” them. However, these gifted artists needed no saviors. Among the highest taxpayers to the British government, their wealth was ample testament to their success and independence.
O Gaanewali’s performance was not just a musical showcase but an enlightening historical journey. The group is dedicated to making their art accessible to all and is actively working towards breaking down elitist barriers in the music scene. “We want to make our shows accessible to the masses, and we emphasize imparting musical literacy during our performances,” Avanti expressed. This mission underlies their effort to democratize the appreciation of their craft, and the group’s forthcoming concerts in Pune on August 23 and Mumbai on August 31 are highly anticipated.
The melodic rendition of timeless ghazals like Gauhar Jaan’s ‘Mere Hazrat ne Madine mein manayee Holi’ and the iconic ‘Aaj jaane ki zid na karo’, alongside works by Janaki Bai Allahbadi and Farida Khanum, evoked deep nostalgia and admiration from the audience. Each performance was met with enthusiastic applause and heartfelt sighs of recognition, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Avanti encapsulated the magical essence of the evening, stating, “Magic is when everyone says waah unprompted.” The spontaneous expression of appreciation underscored the deep connection between the performers and their audience, a testament to the group’s deft ability to channel the spirit and legacy of the tawaifs.
In conclusion, O Gaanewali’s recent performance was a resounding success, offering not merely entertainment but a rich, educational experience that paid homage to the forgotten heroines of Indian music. As the group continues its journey to make classical music approachable and enjoyable for a broader audience, it stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and innovation, ensuring that the legacy of the tawaifs is remembered and celebrated.
