Princess of tabla weaves magic!

abla player Rimpa Siva mesmerised Lucknowites at the Anaahat Concert organised by Trisaamaa Arts and Amity University. Belonging to Farrukhabad gharana, an artist of international repute, the musician was also the subject for the 1999 French documentary film Rimpa Siva: Princess of Tabla.

Siva started her solo recital with traditional pieces known as peshkars, followed by some of the traditional kayeda and gats of the Farrukhabad gharana. She also played a tukda in bedum Chakradhar which was composed by her father and guru Pt Swapan Siva. She played some of the compositions of the legendary musician of Farrukhabad gharana Ustad Karamat Khan and displayed the complex bol patterns of his compositions.

“I have come to Lucknow and to perform before such learned audience, I would like to play some of the compositions of Lucknow gharana too,” said Siva.

Thereafter, she played the compositions from Lucknow and Banaras Gharanas and earned standing ovation from the music-loving audience

“Rimpa is an internationally reputed artist, and it is after much waiting and efforts we could manage to have her in Lucknow. She is indeed the princess of tabla and amongst the very few tabla players of this repute in the country,” said organiser Abhishek Sharma.

Amity University pro-vice chancellor Dr Anil Kumar Tiwari while addressing the audience emphasised on the role of culture and art among youth and students. Chief guest Swami Muktinathananda, head of Ramkrishna Mission, called Indian Classical music a divine art form and a resource to reach God.

Rimpa Siva peforming in city