90 Flutists Perform A Melodic Tribute To Ustad Zakir Hussain At Bansuri Utsav

The 16th edition of the two-day Bansuri Utsav captivated audiences at the Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Auditorium in Thane this past weekend. The event culminated in a magnificent Flute Symphony on the second day, featuring over 90 flutists spanning various age groups. This year’s festival was dedicated to the memory of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain, who recently passed away.

Flautist Vivek Sonar of Gurukul Pratishthan paid a heartfelt tribute with renditions of compositions by Ilaiyaraja and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Speaking about the dedication, he remarked, “This year’s Bansuri Utsav is in memory of beloved Zakirbhai. His exit has left a void in the Indian classical music world. The highlight of the festival was the presentation of the Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in 2012 to honor senior artistes in music.”

Homage to a Legend

Flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia reflected on the life and legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain:“Bansuri Utsav’s 16th edition is a tribute to the percussion maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. His rhythms and radiant personality touched the souls of all, young and old. He took Hindustani classical music to a global stage, making us proud. Zakir’s music is eternal, and his rhythmic soul lives on in every percussion lover. Zakir, we miss your vibrant presence and eagerly await your return in spirit and music.”

Iconic Performances

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s recital remained the most anticipated event of the festival. Vivek Sonar emphasized its significance, saying, “Panditji’s flute recital is eagerly awaited by connoisseurs every year. The Flute Symphony offers a platform to showcase the versatility of the flute while encouraging emerging young talent.”

The festival also featured a mesmerizing performance by Begum Parveen Sultana, who spoke warmly of her bond with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. “The flute is one of my favorite instruments, especially when played by a maestro like Hariji. I’ve known him since my teens, and he has been like an elder brother to me. Performing at this festival is a great honor.”

Honoring Musical Titans

Renowned music director Padma Vibhushan Ilaiyaraja was presented with the prestigious Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Award, an honor bestowed by the legendary flautist himself. Addressing the new generation of artists, Ilaiyaraja shared his wisdom:“A good musician understands the delicate balance between ragas, much like an astronomer gauges the distance between planets. A symphony requires effort and precision, and I commend the flutists of Gurukul Pratishthan for their dedication.”

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia expressed gratitude to Ilaiyaraja for attending the event, stating, “I always wondered why his parents named him Raja, but he has truly proven himself a king of music.”

A Festival Like No Other

Tabla maestro Anindo Chatterjee praised the unique concept of the festival, saying, “A festival dedicated to the bansuri is rare and commendable. It highlights the rich history and versatility of this ancient instrument.”

The event concluded with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia thanking his colleagues and disciples for their efforts in organizing the festival annually, ensuring the rich tradition of classical music is passed on to future generations.

The Bansuri Utsav continues to be a shining example of India’s dedication to its classical music heritage, celebrating the genius of its maestros while nurturing the stars of tomorrow.