Musical Concert: Ragas Meet Bollywood

This concert celebrates one of the most beloved yet often overlooked dimensions of Hindi film music, its deep roots in Indian classical ragas. India's greatest film composers wove the grammar of Hindustani classical music into some of the most memorable songs in cinema history, and the voices of Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and others carried those melodies into the hearts of millions. This evening revisits that rich tradition, presenting iconic Bollywood compositions through the lens of the ragas that inspired them.

The programme will feature Dr. Pandit Ranajit Sengupta on Sarod, vocalist Sudeshna Ganguli, and Sandip Banerjee, in an evening that bridges the world of Indian classical music and the golden era of Hindi film music.

The concert aims to offer audiences in Berlin an accessible yet musically rich entry point into Indian classical tradition, one that many will recognise through familiar melodies, and discover anew through their classical origins.

Dr. Pandit Ranajit Sengupta (Sarod & Music Director) is among India's foremost Sarod players, with over 30 years of performances across 45 countries. A student of Ustad Dhyanesh Khan and Ustad Aashish Khan of the Maihar Senia Gharana, he is a Top Grade artist of All India Radio and Television, and a recipient of the President's Award at the All India Radio Competition, among numerous other national honours. He holds a doctorate from Rabindra Bharati University and has composed music for international film productions including the Dutch feature Dark Amsterdam. He has served as Principal Composer and Guest Conductor for the National Youth Orchestra for Indian Music in England.

Sudeshna Ganguli (Vocalist) is a versatile vocalist widely recognised for her appearances on Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. A winner of the HMV Golden Talent Search Contest at the age of 14, she has released over 15 albums with labels including HMV, Zee Music, T-Series, and Venus. She has shared the stage with legends including Ustad Ghulam Ali, Pt. Jasraj, and Jagjit Singh, and is known for her command across classical, semi-classical, film, and ghazal repertoire.

Sandip Banerjee (Tabla)

Join us on 29 June for an evening where the timeless language of Indian classical ragas meets the golden melodies of Bollywood, a celebration of the musical heritage that connects generations and cultures.

🕒 Time: 18:00 hrs, doors open at 17:30 hrs. Please arrive early to secure your seats.

🏛️ Venue: Embassy of India, Tiergartenstraße 17, 10785 Berlin

Entry regulations:

• Entry to events at the Embassy of India, Berlin is only by registration. We reserve the right to refuse admission to any person at our discretion.
• Valid ID cards/passports having German stay permits. EU citizens may carry copies of their local registration certificate.
• Entry for children above 6 years is permitted.
• No bags are permitted inside the premises due to security reasons.
• By attending the event, you grant us the right to take photographs and videos for purposes of marketing, publicity, internal documentation and social media.

Note: Children under 6 years are not permitted.

Einlassbestimmungen:

• Der Zutritt zu Veranstaltungen in der Indischen Botschaft in Berlin ist nur nach Anmeldung möglich. Wir behalten uns das Recht vor, Personen nach eigenem Ermessen den Zutritt zu verweigern.
• Gültiger Personalausweis/Reisepass mit Aufenthaltstitel für Deutschland. EU-Bürger können eine Kopie ihrer Meldebescheinigung mitbringen.
• Kinder ab 6 Jahren haben Zutritt.
• Aus Sicherheitsgründen ist das Mitführen von Taschen auf dem Gelände nicht gestattet.
• Mit der Teilnahme an der Veranstaltung erteilen Sie uns das Recht, Foto- und Videoaufnahmen für Marketing- und Werbezwecke, interne Dokumentation und soziale Medien zu machen.

Hinweis: Kinder unter 6 Jahren haben keinen Zutritt.

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Host or Publisher The Tagore Centre, Embassy of India, Berlin