Hyderabad is set to end the year on a musical note steeped in heritage as the ancient Bansilalpet stepwell, rejuvenated from its 17th-century origins, prepares to host an array of intimate music performances. This historic venue will serve as a resonating chamber for the lyrical prowess of poet Satlaj Rahat Indori, the narrative melodies of poet and storyteller Gautam Aditya, and the soulful harmonies of the Aahvaan Project. These artistes are being brought to the locale by Arjuna Prasad and Deepa Radhakrishnan of Tangy Sessions, in collaboration with conservation architect and expert in restoration, Kalpana Ramesh of The Rainwater Project—a name familiar to those who follow them on Instagram @therainwaterproject—and the Gandipet Welfare Society. The goal of these gatherings is to captivate around 100 aficionados each time.
Arjuna Prasad and Deepa Radhakrishnan established Tangy Sessions in 2016 with the conviction that art and especially music should spill out from the confines of exclusive clubs into more accessible and evocative spaces. Thus, they curated events on rooftops, turned people’s homes and even farms into amphitheaters of folk and classical performances, and even eyed unconventional sites such as an abandoned swimming pool for their distinctive sessions. Arjuna shares that their quest has always been for venues with character—ranging from a vantage point near the iconic Charminar to the comforting secrecy of personal abodes where like-minded hosts welcome music lovers.
Venturing across genres from the wandering minstrels’ Baul singing to the rustic charm of janapadam (folk songs), and from Himachali folk melodies to the intricate weavings of Indian classical music, Tangy Sessions have celebrated a diversity of languages and cultures. Their community, informed largely by their Instagram (@tangysessions), now comprises an audience and volunteers who contribute not just by their presence but by actively organizing these intimate events.
The sessions are more than artistic gatherings—they are a testament to a self-sustaining cultural movement, supported by ticket sales and voluntary contributions. Rejecting the lavishness of flying in artistes and accommodating them in luxurious hotels, these events thrive on the willingness of artistes to embrace the unconventional, often finding a home at Arjuna’s residence. “Starting with traveling musicians, now we have formed a collective of close to 600 to 700 artists. On an ordinary day, one could witness a confluence of at least 20 musicians creating impromptu symphonies in my living room,” Arjuna elaborates on the organic growth of their community.
The unique proposition of Tangy Sessions is their propensity to bring disparate artistes together for the first time, crafting interactions where even the most seasoned performer must remain vigilant and inventive. “These guided jam sessions prevent any complacency, spurring creativity and alertness in the face of varied audience experiences,” says Arjuna, emphasizing the inventive potential these gatherings unlock.
The anniversary of the Bansilalpet stepwell presented a serendipitous opportunity for hosting a new wave of cultural events, especially in the often-overlooked venues of Secunderabad. “We’ve hosted a few sessions in homes around Sainikpuri before, but the stepwell offered a special historical context,” remarks Arjuna. Providing a limited seating arrangement, they intend to draw a mature group ranging from their 20s to their mid-60s, with some finding their place among the ancient steps themselves.
As the sun sets on 2023, the Bansilalpet stepwell, a sentinel of time, will become more than a relic; it will resonate with the strumming of strings, the cadence of words, and the unity of Hyderabad’s music and culture enthusiasts, all under the orchestration of Tangy Sessions’ vibrant community-driven initiative.
