Once among the most popular art forms in the royal courts of Awadh, Thumri is still adored and followed by the lovers of Hindustani classical tradition. The adoration was evident as a packed audience turned up to listen to the renditions of Thumri from veteran as well as young exponents at Kalidas Mahotsav on Saturday at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall.
Enthralling a packed audience of classical music lovers on the second evening of the festival was three generations of exponent of Hindustani classical music including N Rajan, Sangeeta Shankar, Ragini Shankar and Malini Awasti who regaled the audience with their divine renditions.
Other vocalists who performed on the second day included some versatile singers who were equally well versed in both classical as well as lighter and semi-classical styles of singing such as Thumri, Dadra and Khayal. The beauty of Thumri lies in the fact that it is semi-classical form of singing which appeals equally to the connoisseurs of classical music as well as those who prefer lighter musical art forms.
Thumri is one of the most loved genres of Indian music which has a wide appeal. It is not only valued by an audience discerning enough to appreciate Hindustani classical music, but also appeals to the audience who might not be as well-versed in pure classical music. The beauty of Thumri lies in the fact that it is semi-classical form of singing which appeals equally to the connoisseurs of classical music as well as those who prefer lighter musical art forms.
