Strings of legacy echo at Kamani

At the core of classical music lies an unspoken bond between the artist and the listener — a connection that transcends barriers and speaks directly to the soul. After a gap of nearly a decade, sarod maetro Debojyoti Bose performed in the presence of his guru, the legendary Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, at Kamani Auditorium. He was accompanied on tabla by Kumar Bose and Rohen Bose. The concert was part of IHFFI’s flagship initiative Root Chetna, curated by the Gurugram Festival team.

Belonging to the Senia Bangash gharana, a lineage known for its expansive and introspective approach to melody, Debojyoti Bose presented a performance that balanced precision with emotion, and tradition with improvisation. The trio format created a musical dialogue between strings and rhythm, silence and sound. Reflecting on the performance, Amjad Ali Khan said that witnessing Debojyoti’s music felt like seeing a plant one has nurtured finally bloom.

He added that Debojyoti understood the poetic nature of composition and expressed hope that he continues to grow and reach greater heights. He also praised Kumar Bose for bringing a new dimension to tabla playing. The evening began with Raga Jhila Kaafi in Deepchandi taal, followed by Shudh Basant with alap, jor and a jhaptal bandish, including a drut composition by Amjad Ali Khan. Debojyoti Bose also presented Vilambit Teental and Drut Teental compositions in Raga Khamaj, staying rooted in traditional presentation while maintaining emotional depth.

The sarod, with its deep, introspective and expressive sound, remained at the centre of the evening, offering both meditative calm and emotional intensity. The rhythmic interplay, a hallmark of the Bose family style, drew enthusiastic applause from the audience and created an immersive musical experience. More than just a concert, the evening marked a significant comeback and a celebration of the Senia Bangash tradition. Performing for over two hours in a trio format, Debojyoti Bose created a musical atmosphere that was both meditative and powerful, reaffirming that Indian classical music continues to remain vibrant and deeply engaging for contemporary audiences.