Nagpur: The eighth evening of the ongoing Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav 2025 turned into a luminous celebration of melody as Vishal Bhardwaj and Rekha Bhardwaj brought their unmistakable artistry to the Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education grounds, Hanuman Nagar. What unfolded was less a concert and more a quiet communion—an evening where music drifted through the open sky like a living presence.
Rekha Bhardwaj set the tone with her contemplative ‘Tere Ishq Mein,’ her voice carrying the familiar Sufi stillness that defines her craft. Wearing a traditional cap, she briefly shared the philosophy behind her music before moving effortlessly into audience favourites—‘Kaise Teri Khudgarzi,’ ‘Kabira Man Ja,’ ‘Fir Le Aya Dil,’ ‘Sasural Genda Phool,’ and the Marathi classic ‘Ya Chimnyano Parat Ya.’ With each rendition, she wrapped the crowd in a delicate blend of devotion and intimacy.
Gold Rate
14 Oct 2025
Moments later, the mood shifted as Vishal Bhardwaj stepped onto the stage to an ovation filled with warmth. Calling Nagpur “one of the most warm-hearted audiences,” he began a sequence of reflective, gently haunting performances—‘Thode Bhige Bhige,’ ‘Thode Nam Hai Hum,’ ‘Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai,’ ‘Chhod Aye Hum Wo Galiya,’ and a special composition dedicated to Nagpur’s scorching summers and its equally warm citizens.
In a nostalgic pause between songs, he recalled recording ‘Pani Pani Re’ for Maachis with the legendary Lata Mangeshkar—admitting how her quiet reassurance calmed his early nervousness. The crowd listened intently, the memory adding a soft glow to the already immersive atmosphere. He later added favourites like ‘Aisi Uljhi Nazar’ and ‘Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji,’ leaving behind a trail of lingering emotion long after the last chord faded.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attended the event along with prominent media personalities Nimesh Maheshwari, Sumit Agrawal, Prakash Pohare, Arun Kotecha, former Police Commissioner Dr Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay, Atul Shirodkar, and celebrity chef Vishnu Manohar. The traditional lamp-lighting marked the beginning of the cultural showcase.
Adding to the evening’s charm was a compelling performance by the Shivmudra Dance Group of Mamta Foundation. Presenting mythological themes such as Ardhanarishwar, Draupadi Vastra Haran, Gopeshwar, and Jogwa, the Kinnar community performers used their art to advocate for equality and dignity. Choreographer Jay and host Swara Karanjgaokar joined the troupe as they were felicitated by Gadkari.
As the audience stepped out into the cool November breeze, the echoes of the Bhardwaj duo’s music followed them—soft, resonant, and impossible to forget.
