Nagpur: From Niladri Kumar‘s inventive sitar and Bharat Balvalli’s classical vocals to the acclaimed Marathi musical Devbabhali, Nagpur will host three evenings of music and theatre as the 33rd Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial Music Festival begins on July 29.Organised by the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), the festival will continue till July 31 at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial Auditorium, Civil Lines. Performances will begin at 6.30pm daily, bringing together leading exponents of Hindustani classical vocal and instrumental music alongside musical theatre.The festival will open with a Hindustani classical vocal recital by renowned singer Padmashree Shubha Mudgal, who trained under maestros such as Pandit Ramashray Jha ‘Ramrang’, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki and Pandit Kumar Gandharva. Known for her commanding voice and versatility, Mudgal has taken Indian classical music to audiences across the world.The opening evening will also feature sitar virtuoso Niladri Kumar, trained by his father and guru Pandit Kartick Kumar. Known for expanding the sitar’s sonic possibilities and creating the electric ‘Zitar’, Kumar has built a distinct musical identity by combining classical depth with contemporary expression.The festival line-up also includes noted classical vocalist Bharat Balvalli, known for his command over Hindustani classical music and Marathi Natya Sangeet. His presence is expected to add a strong theatrical and traditional flavour to the three-day celebration dedicated to the legacy of Dr Vasantrao Deshpande.On July 30, Mumbai-based Bhadrakali Productions will stage Devbabhali, one of Marathi theatre’s most acclaimed contemporary musicals. Written and directed by Prajakt Deshmukh, with music by Anand Oak, the production has completed more than 800 shows and received more than 40 awards. The play blends devotional music, folklore, and contemporary theatre through an intimate exploration of faith, relationships, and human emotion.The concluding evening on July 31 will feature a flute recital by Pandit Ronu Majumdar, followed by a Hindustani vocal performance by scholar and vocalist Satyasheel Deshpande. SCZCC director Aastha Karlekar appealed to music lovers to attend the festival in large numbers.
