Manju Mehta, senior disciple of sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar, to perform his self-created ragas at a Sunday morning concert
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One of late sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar's senior disciples, 72-year-old Manju Mehta will perform in the city to pay tribute to her guru. Titled Udayswar, the morning concert will see Mehta recite morning ragas, including the ones devised by Pandit Shankar.
Talking about her greatest learnings from the sitar maestro, Mehta tells mid-day, "For a student like me, learning the Maihar style of alaap and jod from Pt Ravi Shankerji was a unique experience. Also learning the new ragas that he composed like Tilak-Shyam, Jogeshwary and Mohankauns used to be intriguing. Playing those ragas in a variety of taals is what I learnt from him. He also taught me how to perform with pleasant gestures." The senior sitar exponent has trained with the world icon from 1980 in Delhi, as well as in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Mehta, who didn't get to share the stage with Pandit Shankar recalls Panditji as a strict teacher. "He was a disciplinarian, dedicated and attached with his students. He would not allow any disciple to perform unless s/he understood the lesson thoroughly. He would neglect all his work, food and sleep to make his students understand his teachings," recounts the musician.
On: September 17, 7 am onwards
At: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu
Tickets: Available on Bookmyshow and at the venue