The music fest, conceptualised by legendary classical singer late Bhimsen Joshi in memory of his guru Sawai Gandharva, will span over six days beginning December 11 instead of conventional three-day fixture, to mark completion of six decades of the prestigious annual event.
"'Bharat Natyam' by Jagat Murari, 'Music of India-Classical' by A Bhaskar Rao, 'Tarana' by Rajat Kapoor, a film by Gulzar on Ustad Amjad Ali Khan 'Taal', 'Mrindanga' by Shyam Benegal and 'Sitara' by Amar Verma will be some of the films to be showcased at the event under section titled 'Shadja'," said Srinivas, organiser of the event and son of late Bhimsen Joshi.
He said an interactive session- "Antarang" with artistes, who have been part of this festival will be held during the event.
Among other attractions of the festival is a special exhibition of rare photographs of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, founder of Kirana gharana (school of music), also represented by the late maestro, to mark Khan's 75th death anniversary this year.
"This exhibition would also have some (of) the letters written by Ustand Abdul Karim Khan sahib," said Srinivas who is also the executive president of 'Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal' which organises the Sawai Gandharva festival.
The special interactive session will feature tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Choudhary and Suresh Chandvankar, a collector of old gramophone records and secretary to Society of Indian Record Collectors.
Some of the veteran musicians who accompanied Bhimsen Joshi during his recitals will be felicitated during the festival.
"Besides, copies of an article- "Sawai Gandharva Maze Guru", penned by Bhimsen in praise of his guru, will be circulated among the audience to revive the memories of the unique bond he had had shared with his mentor," Srinivas added.
