TO BABA, WITH LOVE
Will Singers Runa and Neha Rizvi their late perform a tribute show for Rajkumar Rizvi; Anup dad, Ustad Jalota to take the stage, too
To celebrate the legacy of Ustad Rajkumar Rizvi, who passed away on March 6, his daughters, singers Runa Rizvi Sivamani and Neha Rizvi Khialani, will take the stage along with singers Anup Jalota and Milind Ingle, and drummer Sivamani. Titled Teri Yaad Ka Mausam, the event will see artistes pay tribute to the late ghazal veteran, who was known for his raga-based ghazal gaayaki. “Daddy made me who I am today. I feel he is with me all the time. He is my guiding force and strength more than ever now. Through this show, I’d show the versatility I learnt from him. I’ll perform not only his ghazals, but also some bhajans and Sufi songs composed by him,” says Neha.
Known for his renditions such as Shaakh Se Toot Ke, Shab-e-Vasl and Sau Khuloos Baton Mein, among others, Ustad Rizvi was not just a renowned artiste, but also a proud father. “Often, the staunch [section
of people] taunted him for making his daughters learn music and perform on stage. But, at every concert, he announced with pride, ‘My daughters will take my legacy forward’,” recalls Runa, adding, “His ghazals were an extension of him. He always liked the intricate ragas. He often chose deeper and more meaningful moods of ghazals compared to the lighter versions.” Sivamani, who is also the late singer’s son-in-law, is proud of the bond they shared. “Baba was one of the purest souls I had met. He and I would have long jam sessions, interesting discussions on his favourite music, ragas, and layataal. He will be missed a lot, but his legacy lives on through his daughters, Runa (Sivamani’s wife) and Neha, and his granddaughter, Milana Sivamani,” he says.
one Baba was souls of the purest He and I I had met. long would have sessions. jam SIVAMANI, Drummer