A friend from the organisers persuaded me to design an exhibition on Panditji’s life.
2/n
When Panditji reached the venue, he was pleasantly surprised.
I was introduced to him and he was full of praises.
I took it as a generous elder encouraging a young man.
3/n
As is wont to happen with classical, the first hour or so went into the build up.
By 10.30 pm
4/n
Thats when Panditji came into his own. Next 3 hours were exquisite, enthralling classical music.
People ran out of applause.
Panditji warned:
Now I have more people on the stage than the audience, you better clap loud!
5/n
It was like a personal gathering. Finally, as the concert wound up, the organisers realised they had only 2 cars to ferry the performers back.
Embarrassing indeed.
Panditji asked his instruments & accompanists
6/n
Panditji spotted me in group and walked up.
Chaliye, hum chalte hain, he said.
I protested Panditji I’ve only this moped.
He laughed, pulled up his dhoti and hopped behind.
7/n
If you know Bhopal you would know the steep incline from Ravindra Natya Grih to New Market.
Ecstatic me with Panditji on pillion going uphill on a sputtering moped. A few 2 wheelers stringing along as escorts to our mopedcade...😁😁
8/n
I was awe struck with his spontaneity, humility & graciousness.
Whenever Pandit Jasraj is talked of, this is one anecdote I never fail to share.
The world is poorer without you Panditji. May you find Moksh.
🙏