Nineteen-year-old Abhas Joshi exuded enthusiasm and excitement as he spoke to us over telephone from his Mumbai home days before his departure to New Zealand.
“I look forward to the visit and I understand there is considerable expectation from music lovers in your country. I will not disappoint them,” he said.
The new album, called, Nirvana: The Ultimate Journey, released last week, has already created a sensation in the Indian market. The songs, set in the fusion mode, are expected to appeal to a cross-section of the community.
“We understand that our accompanying artistes in New Zealand are all talented performers. This would make our show unique and enjoyable,” Abhas said.
Melody Entertainment and Vani Creations are organising the event, called Raga & Rock at the Dorothy Winstone Centre of Auckland Girls Grammar School on June 19, at 630 pm with the support of a talented orchestra.
Om Srivatsav, Ritika Rao, Sneha Mahajan and Vishnu Priya Mallela will accompany them as vocalists.
Other performers would include Alex James (Electric Drums) Basant Madhur (Tabla), Hemant Thaker (Keyboard), Jocel Alex (Acoustic Drums), Partha Kanjilal (Tabla), Peter Paul (Dholak) and Sanjay Chand (Base Guitar).
As reported in these columns, Vani Creations Director Sandhya Rao said music lovers and fans of Abhas can expect to see him in a ‘different mood’ and present numbers that will transport them to a world of melody.
“Abhas will present a number of songs that have become immortal in Bollywood, ranging from sober to lilting numbers. New Zealand public deserve quality programmes. We are happy to organise a music concert with a young and talented artiste,” she said.
Known as ‘Chote Ustaad’ or ‘Little Master of Music,’ Abhas is already leading the busy life of a singer and performer, with chances to face the camera surfacing more frequently in recent months.
His first film, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai in which he plays the role of the youngest son (Jayant) of Shatrughan Sinha and Rekha was released recently.
“I consider myself lucky to be gifted with a good voice but I can progress only with the blessings of God, my parents and elders and the patronage of people across the world, Graduating in music is yet another ambition in my life,” he said.
Abhas said he was thrilled to be in New Zealand last year and that he felt privileged to have so many fans who called for an encore of many songs.
“I look forward to the forthcoming concert and I am sure to meet many friends during my visit to New Zealand,” he said.
Photo : Abhas and Shreyas Joshi: From Ragas to Rock
