Their performance at Bandra’s Art and Charlie, as part of an ongoing curation of musical events by musician Avanti Patel, marks the third edition of Barahmasi; interestingly, each has comprised a different set of songs. “The show at the art gallery will be a very interactive one where attendees will be given introductions to forms that are lesser-known. We wanted to keep it personal, so we’ll alternate between singing and explaining,” says Savni, adding that the mother-daughter duo will be accompanied by Akshay Jadhav and Tanmay Mestry on the tabla and harmonium respectively. A conscious decision was made to keep the set-up minimal and authentic; a percussionist is added to the mix, if at all.

Barahmasi is made all the more unique because it will give listeners a taste of Malwi culture. “The kajri we’ve chosen is not the traditional, semi-classical one; it is a folk version,” Kanakshree explains, “Much of these forms, including thumri and dadra, originated in the north of India but in the course of our research and study, we found that each region imbues them with its own distinct characteristics. We were keen to include the Malwa influence in our performance.” The Malwi hori, for example, is sung during the Holi festival and draws from the Rajasthani language. Chaitis, on the other hand, have long been associated with Ram Navami.

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The Bhatts come from a familial heritage in music; Kanakshree’s grandfather Pandit Bandubhaiya Choughule was a revered harmonium maestro—among the few harmonium soloists of his era, accompanying greats like Kumar Gandharva and Begum Akhtar. Kanakshree was the first vocalist in the family, and passed on her training in the Gwalior Gharana to Savni, who is also a trained Kathak dancer.

They say that Barahmasi is a good primer for those who are curious and haven’t been exposed to semi-classical and folk music, especially because of the emphasis they place on representing each genre authentically. “As a young person born into a family with musical roots, I had the opportunity to learn at great depth about these forms... I hope our performance is a way for others in my age group, who have wanted to know more about thumris and kajris, to get a glimpse of what they sound like,” says Savni. 

WHAT: Barahmasi by Kanakshree and Savni Bhatt
WHEN: March 22, 6:30 pm
WHERE: 71A Pali Village, Bandra (West)
PRICE: Rs 499
TO BOOK: artandcharlie.com