Avanti Patel: O Gaanewali honours women often overlooked in history

Avanti Patel, the classical singer best known for her stint on the 10th season of Indian Idol, has curated a special musical project titled O Gaanewali. Conceived as an intimate and interactive mehfil, it pays tribute to the women of Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, and other Hindustani semi-classical traditions who have often been overlooked in history.Blending music with stories and anecdotes, the showcase highlights the forgotten voices that shaped India’s rich cultural and musical legacy. Joining Avanti on stage is fellow vocalist Rutuja Lad, with performances scheduled today and tomorrow at 6 pm at Prithvi Theatre.

Speaking about the journey, Avanti says, “The entire endeavour of making O Gaanewali has been about honouring historical accuracy. The research is extensive and ongoing — even after three years and over 65 shows, there’s always something new added to the repertoire and script.

The first volume of O Gaanewali is a digital extension of the live show. Creating a balance between a traditional and contemporary sound was crucial for me to make this music more accessible to a wider audience.

You’ll find traditional aspects intact — the vocal ornamentation and improvisation follow the discipline we’ve learnt over the years. We’ve included the Sarangi and Tabla in almost every song to preserve authenticity, while also layering the soundscape with contemporary touches like guitars, piano, and pads that today’s listeners are familiar with.”

At a time when most audiences lean towards commercial genres, Avanti’s bond with classical music runs deep. She explains, “My inclination towards this art form is not recent. I’ve been singing and practicing it since childhood, but my interest in its history, socio-political context, and gender politics developed as an adult.”She adds, “I was always different from my peers — they didn’t find this music cool, and I couldn’t relate to what they liked. For me, Hindustani music was never just ‘entertainment’; it was always an intellectual pursuit. Over the years, I’ve grown to see music more broadly and started appreciating and loving popular music too. This reckoning with my identity has been crucial for my journey as an artist. I now cherish these parts of myself, and I want more people to discover this music.

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