Evening of melody

Strains of Sufi music filled the atmoshphere as classical singer Zila Khan performed to a packed house.

Strains of Sufi music filled the Surya Mahal at the Radisson as classical singer Zila Khan performed to a packed house. Clearly, Sufi was the flavour of the day as sitar maestro Amjad Ali Khan released her new album Ishq ki nayee bahar.

The release was followed by a performance by the singer that left the audiences completely mesmerised with its renditions of Sufiana kalaam from the album.
The atmosphere Zila Khan, daughter of the legendary sitar player Ustaad Vilayat Khan, created with the title track Ishq Ki nayee bahar was livened by Taana Na Maro, also from the album. A song often rendered by the sitar maestro, it was a complete show stealer. The performance came to an end with Aah ho dard chahiye, a Sufiana kalaam not a part of the album.

Talking about the album Zila Khan said, “I have tried exploring the different genres and the different rasas with this album. In fact I believe music is fun. I had a great time doing this album.”

A visibly impressed Amjad Ali Khan said, “The album is outstanding and I expect a lot out of it. There is a freshness in Zila Khan’s voice and with her talent and lineage she is sure to touch great heights.”Also present on the occasion was Dr Karan Singh who blessed the singer with a Sanskrit shloka.

The function was followed by dinner and cocktails. Seen enjoying the evening was sitar player Shubhendra Rao with his pregnant wife Saskia Rao. Also present to encourage the singer was Yuvrani Yaman Kumari Singh of Beri state in Bundelkhand. Uma Ganapathy Raju also seemed to be enjoying the performance with herfamily.