Subhadra Desai’s bandish in Sanskrit
The Hindu
Hindustani vocalist Subhadra Desai has given a khayal dimension to shlokas and bhakti poetry
The strains of the tanpura gently mingle with the air of unassuming confidence that vocalist Subhadra Desai carries. As she closes her eyes to enter a meditative state, the audience is invited to witness the interiority that defines her music. A melodious voice matched with rigorous training, each syllable is enunciated with clarity and precision. The notes of raga Chhayanat stir to life, and while the listener may expect a regular traditional bandish, there is a surprise in store. The lyrics of the composition are not in the usual Braj Bhasha, Awadhi or Hindustani, but in Sanskrit — with a verse woven seamlessly into the raag framework.
“Sanskrit is not just a language, or associated only with dharma, it encompasses literature, arts, mathematics, science and various philosophical traditions,” says Subhadra, who also has a Ph.D in Sanskrit. She has delved into ancient Sanskrit texts and medieval Bhakti poetry to offer new interpretations within khayal music.
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