This was followed by a santoor recital by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma that mesmerised the audience. Accompanied by Ustad Shafat Ahmed Khan on tabla, Sharma played raag Marwah, with alaap-jod-jhala.

The santoor maestro even conversed with the enthralled listeners, providing insights into music appreciation, especially classical music. Answering questions on fusion music, he opined that those who want to create any kind of fusion have complete freedom to do so, but he personally did not believe in any fusion.

Sunoh, he's back!
Phir ayega khushionwala... he promised in his first album, Sunoh, and he is back. In a live concert. Lucky Ali, the man who broke the conventions of Indi-pop with sounds from across the shores, will be performing at the Fergusson College grounds on February 14.

This is Ali's first live concert in the city and he will be accompanied by his producer, Michael McCleary, on the guitar. With Buzzz Productions organising the event, which is a part of the Fergusson College fest, Quicksilver, a crowd of around 10,000 is expected at the venue.

Vastra-shastra
After designing characters, the lady is now into designing T-shirts. Sumukhi Pendse, seen in Shanti, Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Ji, Faasle, 9 Malabar Hill and other serials, launched her own label, Vastra, at an exhibition at the Fortune Art Gallery, Bhandarkar Road, which will continue till February 14.

So, why a label? And why garments? Says the effervescent lady, ``I have always been designing clothes, but they have only been for others. This new year, I felt it was time I designed clothes for my own label. I love watching my creations come to life''.

Sumukhi's USP is `dress for less,' with her T-shirts costing anything from Rs 200 to 400. Vastra is one label that won't be available at any store for quite some time. ``I want to popularise my brand through exhibitions,'' says the lady. The next exhibition will be in May, when saris and salwar kameezes will be on show.

Inn for a treat
For folks at Holiday Inn, February is not just the Valentine month. It is also a month when their gourmet offerings reach a new high - Thai-high, to be precise. 'Cos yet another exotic food festival is on its way to the city, this time all the way from the land of the white elephant, Thailand.

With the hotel flying down chefs, Thai dancers and fruit-carvers especially from Bangkok, February 13 to 21 will witness a lavish spread of succulent meats, vegetables and desserts against the backdrop of traditional Thai dances and dramatic fruit-carving demonstrations. So all those sold on gastronomic delights, it is time to let Chef Pipat from Bangkok take over your taste buds as you savour the magic of Thailand right in the heart of the Peshwas' city.