AGAINST ALL ODDS

Vijaysinh Parmar TNN/For classical music enthusiasts, Saturday night was a treat, when a week-long festival organised by Saptak kicked off. They got to hear talented, teen tabla exponent, Kabirdan Gadhavi. Kabirdan’s solo at Gajjar Hall mesmerised listeners. He is a disciple of Banarasi gharana. “The 13th Sangeet Sankalp Saptah-2008 is dedicated to the memory of Padma Vibhushan, late Pt Kishan Maharaj, maestro of the same gharana. Kabirdan is the youngest star of this gharana,” says HC Kapasi, convenor of the festival. The 17-year-old lad belongs to Virvadarka village in Maliya taluka, 200 km from Ahmedabad. He lost his mother a year ago and his father Bapubhai, a proof-reader with a Gujarati publication, is battling cancer. In fact, father and son live at his office, at present. The tabla prodigy has been commuting to Ahmedabad as he’s been training at Saptak for the past eight years. Bapubhai’s only hope is his talented son, who performed twice at Saptak’s annual festival as a child artiste in 2004 and 2006. It was a memorable occasion for the duo when, after listening to Kabirdan, Pt Jasraj told the audience. “A few days ago, a journalist asked me about future of classical music in India. It was tough to answer the question. But, after this performance, I can definitely say that Banarasi gharana doesn’t have to worry for 60 years.” Kabirdan bagged first prize (junior category) at Pt Omkarnath Sangeet Spardha’ organised by Gujarat Sangeet Natak Academy in 2006. He has also been awarded a scholarship by Tatas. “The scholarship is important, not because of the money, but the recognition. It will help establish my son in the profession,” says a proud Bapubhai, who is himself a poet.