In the glittering yet modest presence of musical icons like Nitin Mukesh, Suresh Wadkar, and many more, the patriotic, inspiring melodious audio- video-track of 'ShivCharitra - Ek Soneri Paan' was inaugurated and released on stage jointly by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshar and political luminary Ashish Shelar. This took place at the popular Ajivasan Music Academy Hall at Juhu, amidst thundering applause, This was as part of the 350th Coronation Celebration of revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What is commendable is that the Marathi track in its ethnic flavor is composed by the multi-talented Roop Kumar Rathod and sung by the mellifluous voiced charming Kaushiki Chakraborty and also picturised on her.
An emotional Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar expressed his profound sense of loss for his sister, Lata Didi, during the launch of 'ShivCharitra - Ek Soneri Paan' as part of the 350th Coronation Celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "When a mother deer sees her young fawn being taken away by a tiger, her heart goes through immense pain. Today, on this stage, I feel the same intense pain as I miss Lata Didi," he shared.
The historic event was graced by several eminent personalities, including Usha Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar, Roopkumar Rathod, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Padma Wadkar, Nitin Mukesh, Adinath Mangeshkar, Deepali Mhaiskar, Dr. Deepak Vaze, Dr. Gauri Vaze, Dr. Pratap Pansare, Dr. Esha Pansare, Kshitij Date, Sunali Rathod, Nisarg Patil, Mayuresh Pai, Pushkar Shrotri, Bhavdeep Jaipurwale and several others.
Jogging into an emotional flashback, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar recalled cherished memories of Lata Didi, such as their visit to the Taj Mahal. He recalled how Lata Didi was awestruck by the monument. "That day, both the Taj and Didi seemed to be in mutual-awe of each other. Both were legends in their own right," he said. He also narrated an incident where Lata Didi's voice resonated through the night inside the Taj Mahal monument, compelling a Maulvi who initially came to reprimand her, to instead request a rendition of the soul-stirring aalap and lyrics of her song "Kahin Deep Jaale Kahin Dil," ( ‘Bees Saal Baad’) recognizing her voice as “divine”!
Adinath Mangeshkar spoke of his admiration for Dr. Deepak Vaze's poetry, recalling how he loved it when Vaze recited it to him. " It has immense potential, and I felt it needed to be made into a song. Vazeji recited it to Baba, and he loved it. The same with Usha Tai. Roop-ji didn't take a minute to say yes, and neither did the blessed singer Kaushiki. I am truly happy we could make it happen."
Dr. Deepak Vaze shared his joy, stating, "I feel so elated and blessed that the poem has received its due."
Prominent playback singer and composer Roopkumar Rathod expressed his deep sentimental connection to the project, saying, "Maharashtra is my karma-bhoomi. I am a son of the soil. I felt so touched when Adinath wanted me to only ‘compose’ the song 'Shiva Charitra - Ek Soneri Paan' and I immediately consented. It was a creative challenge for me to incorporate the Maratha ethnic flavor-vibes-nuances. Also hugely-talented Kaushiki being essentially a Bengali singer worked very hard and has done full justice to my composed song and even in the vibrant visuals. The song has turned out to be truly Soneri Paan (golden) and we have all loved it!"
Kaushiki Chakraborty expressed her surprise at being chosen to perform a Marathi song with Veer Ras. Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar responded by saying that Veer Ras suits women, as they possess true woman-power, and added that all Rasas suited Lata Didi. Usha Mangeshkar remarked that Kaushiki's powerful rendition would surely have reached Shivaji Maharaj on his 350th coronation celebration.
Hridaynath Mangeshkar announced that he is currently writing a memoirs book titled Shri Sharada Vishwa Mohini-- Lata Mangeshkar, chronicling his memories of his beloved sister.
He also spoke about Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing the Maratha ruler's spiritual depth alongside his prowess as a warrior.
The Shiv Charitra event featured performances, including a song by Kaushiki Chakraborty, and concluded with "Shiva Stuti" by Nisarg Patil. Speeches were delivered by Ushaji Mangeshkar, Adinath Mangeshkar Dr. Deepak Vaze, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Ashish Shelar, and Roopkumar Rathod, with Kshitij Date who did an impressive job as the anchor-master of ceremonies. Shiv Charitra is available for viewing & listening on the LM Music channel on YouTube.
As a befitting tribute to Lata-Didi and post-event climax, the unassuming Nitin Mukesh soulfully sang extempore ‘Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai’! Almost everyone listening had their eyes brimming with tears.
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