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Sheetal Sukhija [24 September 2008]

Music, it is said, is a combination of two contradictory forces — that which cannot be put in words but cannot remain silent either. The old Bollywood numbers are playing on everyone’s lips even in this day of dhin-chak music. So it wasn’t a surprise to see young and old gather at an auditorium in the City recently to pay tribute to music director R D Burman. When the legend reigned the industry, bland musical beats took the shape of groovy, peppy numbers and upbeat rock ‘n’ roll. Nostalgia played on at the Good Shepherd Auditorium that day even as music spelt ‘Pancham’.

Zansam, a musical group who swear by this maestro’s line of music, strung out a thread of melodies picked up from the early 70s to 90s. The instrumental theme of Sholay followed by the memorable Musafir Hoon Yaaron enlivened the mood. The soulful numbers, Mere Naina Sawan Bhadho and the track Tum Aa Gaye Ho by lead vocalist Prahalad created a stir in the auditorium as people couldn’t stop appreciating the talented singer. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh... pepped up the mood as Aniket, the other lead vocalist, emoted the song well. Vocalist Rujuta moved the audiences with her Ghar Aaja Ghar Aaye and Kya Jaane Saajan. The latter part of the evening saw many foot-tapping numbers such as Ek Chatur Naar, which was safe in the hands of vocalists Tushar and Aniket. The harmonica magician, Abel left the audience spellbound creating the melodious, Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara with his mouthorgan.

Seasoned with contemporary colours, these musicians are a band of 13. Their own composition Udne Do summed up the purpose of the evening. Defining it as ‘Music for a cause,’ Zansam dedicated this concert in aid of Socare Ind, an organisation working for the welfare of convicts’ children.

Pancham’s melodies created an impact that was alloyed with passion for music. As one of the invitee summed it up, “Its like serving old wine in a new bottle. This is music that speaks to your heart.”

[Read the write-up on Deccan Herald's site]