Two legendary Hindustani classical instrumentalists took Hyderabadi audience in the palm of their hands with their virtuoso renditions. Exclusive interactions with them provided insights on the connection between life and music. Grammy-nominated flautist Ronu Majumdar and Grammy-winning slide guitarist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt are highly acclaimed musicians (both are recipients of Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Academy awards), who are widely recognised for carrying forward the legacy of their revered guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar.
The two captivated the city audience with their stunning performances during the Bade Ghulam Ali Khan music festival, under the auspices of Sangitanjaly Foundation, at Ravindra Bharati here on Sunday. The proceeds of the show are earmarked for Autism Ashram. Viswa Mohan Bhatt won Grammy for his album 'A Meeting By the River' with Ry Cooder in 1993.
He was a disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, renowned Sitar player and music composer. Viswa Mohan Bhatt is known for the invention of a 20-stringed instrument 'Mohan Veena'. He performed at Ravindra Bharathi on Sunday on occasion of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan music festival organised by Sangitanjaly Foundation.
The organisation felicitated him with a Lifetime Achievement award. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle Viswa Mohan Bhatt spoke about the invention of the famed Mohan Veena. Could you share the journey behind the invention of the Mohan Veena? VMB: The idea for the Mohan Veena started in 1966 or 1967.