Sitar recital by Rais Khan and Hafis Khan, Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 12: Sitarist brothers Rais Khan and Hafis Khan from Bangalore charmed music lovers in the city with their spellbinding recital at Rabindra Mandap on Monday. The young duo presented a versatile repertoire on the second evening of the first Guru Gangadhar Memorial Award function.

Better known as Ustad Rais Bale Khan and Ustad Hafis Bale Khan, the talented sitar players had acquired their musical skills from their father Ustad Bale Khan.

Hailing from a traditional family of musicians, the brothers belong to the seventh generation.

They played raga Puria Dhanshree on bilambit and then dhrut taal. The phases of alaap, jod and jhala were particularly impressive when the duo created the effect of singing in their sitar rendition. Accompanying them on tabla was Ustad Nisar Ahmed.

“We are glad to have received the appreciation of the crowd. Orissa is known for its love for classical music and dance. We would love to perform regularly here,” said Rais Khan.

“The young musicians gave a mesmerising rendition. The co-ordination and intensity of their performance was enchanting,” said Twinkle Dash, a viewer.

Apart from the sitar recital, the other attractions of the evening were an Odissi presentation by a troupe from Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Foundation and a Sambalpuri dance item by Gopal Chandra Mohapatra and troupe.

The Odissi dancers, who performed first during the programme, showcased a Ragashri Pallavi with intricate moves. An abhinaya depicting the romance of Radha and Krishna was also fascinating. Mohapatra’s troupe presented an impressive Chutkuchuta recital that used foot-tapping music and colourful costumes. The Sambalpuri dance illustrated the lifestyle of western Orissa, especially the rural style of living.

On Tuesday, when the three-day festival concluded, the Chhau dance performed by the artistes of the foundation and Shampa Ghosh’s Hindustani recital received appreciation of the audience. But the loudest applause went to the young Gotipua dancers from Konark Natya Mandap who illustrated acrobatic moves and gentle steps in their performance.

“My father always worked towards promoting dance and music, both folk and classical. This cultural event was conducted in his memory,” said Sibashis Pradhan, son of the Gangadhar Pradhan and a member of the foundation.