Feb 19, 2008 12:04 AM
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It was but by chance that I came across this name "Keep Alive". We were hunting for a group to perform for a fundraiser that we were organising. We were in the process of finalising Shanmukhanand Hall for the programm, when the manager of the hall suggested we meet Manohar Iyer and keep a Keep Alive program.
On learning what this institution was all about, we were immediately hooked. But Alas, we could not get him, as he refused to be associated with any music beyond the sixties. And though on that day we left with a heavy heart, I have thereafter witnessed some amazing performances of Keep Alive, inturn enriching my knowledge of music down the ages as well.
Each of his presentations give an enormous treasure of information, which is just so enriching. You get to know how a song took birth, the music that went into it, the reason, the performers( most of whom I had no idea about). Every nuance about the song is presented to you.
I have been enriched in more ways than one. Knowledge about the songs, the singers involved, the music directors, the specialities of each of them, the eccentricities etc.
Each experience is a memorable one, because the singers assossiated with Keep Alive bring alive each show with their resonant performances. Every performance is applaudeded by an audience that is as knowledgeable, and one that waits till the curtains come down. The singers I have had the pleasure of listening to are Gaurav Bangia, Sarita, ( she is just superb), Sagar( a new entrant) - I heard him first time on the Khemchand prakash show at Bhaidas, Shrikant( Who was my college mate)
The most memorable songs for me on the show are the songs from Raja Bhartari( one that happens as a dialogue between the queen when she recognises Raja Bhartari) and the other from the film Tansen - Kahe guman kare.
But one thing that I can say for sure is that if you are a music lover, you just ought to be part of this movement of Manohar Iyer whose aim is to keep alive in our hearts the passion for old Hindi music.
Manoharji, I Salute Thee and thy passion that has enriched so many people down the years.
