Star-studded music festival opens today

S P Balasubramanyam, Shreya Ghoshal and Rishi Kapoor are among the artistes coming for the Ganesha festivities at the National College grounds this year

The 56th edition of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava, described as ‘south India’s biggest cultural and musical extravaganza,’ is on at the National College grounds, Basavangudi, from September 13 to 24.

Among the well-known musicians performing this year are S P Balasubramanyam, Shreya Ghoshal, Vijay Prakash, Pravin Godkhindi, Jayateerth Mevundi, M D Pallavi, Maalavika Sundar (Indian Idol), Vidyabhushana, Puttur Narasimha Nayak, R K Padmanabha, Sangeetha Katti, Praveen D Rao and B Jayashree.

The festival showcases folk, classical as well as modern musical forms. Mimicry Dayanand and Prof Krishne Gowda are doing comedy acts. Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor is among the guests this year.

In an interview with Metrolife, vocalist Sangeeta Katti spoke about the growth of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava over the years. “Many young and deserving talents from the state have been given a chance this year. The expectations are high and I look forward to a music-filled 11 days,” she told Metrolife.

Sangeeta is going to be a part of the Purandara Aradhana Mahothsava on September 16. It is a 12-hour event of non-stop singing of Purandaradasa (16th century) compositions.

“The credit goes to Praveen D Rao, who coordinated with all of us and initiated this unique attempt of non-stop singing from dawn to dusk,” she says.

Highlights

September 13
Kannada film hits by classical musicians: Sandhya Raaga led by P Ramaa
Music by Anoor Ananth Krishna Sharma.

September 14
Tribute to singer P B Srinivas: Hoovinakatte Balaga featuring Raghu HK, Mehboob (Sarigamapa fame), Sanchith Hegde and Jnanesh.

September 15
Classical jugalbandi and fusion: Pravin Godkhindi and Jayatheerth Mevundi.

September 16
Purandara Aradhana Mahothsava: Various artistes sing non-stop for 12 hours.

September 17
Tribute to RD Burman: Mohan Krishna, M D Pallavi, Maalvika Sundar, Alok Katdare and Aditya Vittal.
Music: Arun Kumar andTroupe with Kishore Sodha on trumpet.

September 18
Haasya Sanje: Mimicry Dayanand and Krishne Gowda

September 19
Musical night: S P Balasubrahmanyam

September 20
Theatre songs: B Jayashree and troupe.
Chora Charanadasa: Play by Natana Ranga Shaale. Directed by Mandya Ramesh.

September 21
In conversation: Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor with singer Vijay Prakash.

September 22
Hindi and Kannada film songs