On 25 August, 2009, Nehru Centre (the cultural wing of Indian High Commission) in London presented a stunning confluence of modern and classical music which mirrored the age-old timeless tradition of Indian music with Padmanav Bordoloi the top 12 contestant of Indian Idol 2007 who also took part in Real TV: Sitaron Ko Choona Hai 2009.
He was invited by Mr. Syed Asif Ibrahim, Minister Culture to perform in the International Hindi conference at the Indian High Commission on 31 August, 2009. Radio 92FM invited him to perform on 7 September, 2009. SunRise Radio & Television (the greatest Asian Radio Station in the world) arranged an interview of Padmanav with Ravi Sharma on 3rd & 10th September, 2009. His final show in London held at Lydhurst Avenue, North Finchley on 12 September, 2009 which was organised by the Hindu Cultural Society, one of the biggest Indian organisation.
The main attraction on 25 August, 2009 was Sony TV UK who were pleased to organise - an evening with Padmanav and NRI members.
The programme at the Nehru Centre was initiated by Ms. Monika Kopil Mohta, Director and Minister of Culture. She spoke highly art and culture of Assam and about the popular artist of the evening. Chief guest of the evening was Barry Gardiner, hon'rble Member of Parliament (Labour) from Brent North and Rajesh K. Srivastava, Deputy Director. Kailash Budhwar, BBC World Service, Rajinder Chopra, Hindu Cultural Society, Tejinder Sharma, Secretary General Katha UK. In a unique traditional Assamese way, invited artist and guests were felicitated with phulam gamosha and japi by Rosy Sen & Anahita Sen. In return Padmanav said in Hindi: "Aap ne ye sanman jo mujhediya hai, ye sirf mujhe nahi, puri Assam-bashiyo ko de raha hai. Ye mein kabhi nahi bhulunga." He specially thanked Rini Kakati for her effort to bring him to this prestigious gathering in London for the first time. Barry Gardiner mentioned the richness of North East India especially Assam and the importance of showcasing unity in cultural diversity.
Padmanav held the audience in complete thrall with his mixture of modern and classical tune what was a fitting to the long list of cultural activities at the Nehru Centre. Virtues and simplicity and grace that made young Padmanav the most enchanting artist from today's younger generation of the musical word of India especially Assam, showed up in ample evidence during the performance by the yesteryear Indian sensation.
The evening commence with Padmanav dedicated this song to his mother by singing - "Meri Maa"the heartfelt song of Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par which moved the audience clapping hands in tears. He sang a mixture of golden oldies and Bollywood like Raj Kapoor's "Jeena yahan marna Yahan", Guide. "Tere mere Sapne", Mukesh's "Pyaar Ka Nagma" Kishore Kumar's "Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas" and Kailash Kher's " Saiyyan".
When he sang " Hule Hule Ho Jayega Pyaar"(Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi". The crowd became nostalgic Mr. Gardiner joined in the chorus "Hule Hule". Assamese Bihu by Rosy Sen & 11 year old, Anahita Sen. The tune of dhol, pepa, gagana excited the Assamese ladies to come to the floor and dance with Padmanav which left the audience spellbound.
The grand finale was a rendition of AR Rahman's "Vande Matarm - Maa Tujhe Salaam" a superb vocal presentation of the powerful lyrics by Padmanav. The people in the audience stood up join hands with pride and honour in respect to their motherland by singing - "O Maa Tujhe Pranaam - Vande Mataram".
Padmanav Bordoloi is an inspiration and his flawless performance is a silent but forcefull message for all our upcoming singer to follow.
Rini Kakati
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