Singing in the rain
The rain fell heavily but the janta was there to watch Anuradha Paudwal perform for the Navratri Mahotsav, organised by the Shivdarshan Mitra Mandal at the Laxmi Mata Mandir in Sahakar Nagar. She was in her element and turned out to be quite a crowd-puller. She sang her hit numbers from Hindi and Marathi films. With numbers like Nazar Ke Saamne, Tumhe Apna Banane Ki Kasam Khai Hai, Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin, she played to the gallery, even singing a popular ditty for the children. The packed-like-sardines audience, with half of them without seating space, refused to budge till the programme was over. The loud sound and the general disturbance from the audience were jarring factors, but the organisers must be given their due, they did their utmost to see that everyone was comfortable. Anuradha Paudwal, who completes her silver jubilee year in playback singing this year, has a reason to smile. She will be felicitated by the UNO Club in United States of America as a ``cultural ambassador in music''.

Gracefully yours
At the same venue, veteran danseuse Shama Bhate's students presented a Kathak performance later in the evening. The group (called Naadrup) commenced with a Shiv-vandana which was followed by the traditional bandishes of Kathak. The purely classical item began with a chorus recital called the pardhant. The items were performed with grace and perfect synchronisation. This was followed by a Bandish, Chaal Chale Gori in Raag Jaijaiwanti. The dancers entered the stage, each one wearing a different ghunghat, depicting Radha and her stylish, graceful walk. Choreographed by Shama Bhate, the dancers were led by the elegant Manasi Tapikar and beautiful Kaveri Agashe. An enjoyable performance!