Falaknuma festival kicks off to a gala start

The iconic Taj Falaknuma Palace, proudly unveiled the Falaknuma Festival on Tuesday and the guests that evening witnessed a three hour spellbinding performance by acclaimed artists Susheela Raman and The Dualers from England, followed by a gala dinner at the spectacular venue.

The glorious journey of the Falaknuma Palace was celebrated with equal splendour. With subtly lit stairs and corridors, each and every corner came alive, recreating the romance of the princely era. The music offered was very much contemporary and vibrant, going with the present times.

Susheela Raman started her concert with an invocation in Tamil to Lord Ganesha, which hovered between Tamil folk and African music. One felt that her body language did not go well with the kind of reverence lord Ganesha deserves. Sometimes it is better to leave the gods alone, or send a silent prayer up, to seek the blessings. Susheela’s booming voice was ably accompanied on the guitar by Sam Mills, her husband. Kutle Khan from Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) joined her later, to give able vocal support as well as playing morsing and bhapang at times. Nathoolal Solanki from Pushkar mesmerised with his unrivalled mastery over the Nagara Drums. Susheela’s “ aa sajna…..gale aa sajna” reverberated in the palace lawns and people came to the front and danced to her tunes, totally hypnotised.

The Dualers, a ska and reggae band from Croydon, England regaled the audience with their lively music. “for the good people of India” , they sang passionately and had every one swaying. “The roses are red, the violets are blue…I love you” went well with the mood. “You are my Miss India …oh India, sweet India, my Miss India” was the finale, filling the hearts to the brim.

Later, a sumptuous Hyderabadi spread completely satiated the guests. All in all, it was a memorable evening at the “ Mirror of the Sky” !!

‘Mirror of the Sky’ for a memorable evening. which is so tuned to the western pop