A Concert that won many hearts in Brisbane: Vasantotsav by Rahul Deshpande

The Vasantotsav by Rahul Deshpande was organized by Shaunara events in Brisbane under the ageis of MIT World Peace University, School of Libral Arts. It was sponsored by The Nature Mukaiwadi exclusive living villament, Lokmanya multipurpose co-operative society, and co-sponsored by Kotibhaskar Group infrastructure and development pvt ltd and Suhana maja aa gaya. Humbly supported by Brisbane Maharashtra Mandal and the Media Partners being Australia India News Pvt Ltd.

To make a concert a success, it takes a village to come together, and that’s what happened in Brisbane on 25th March 2023.

Fans of Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande, fans of singer, music director, actor Rahul Deshpande, fans of folk music, fans of Indian Classical music, Fans of Bollywood songs, and those genuinely interested in Indian music came together making the show at SunPac in Brisbane a sellout show and experienced a transcendental musical journey with the specially curated songs by Rahul Deshpande. The audience laughed, and cried, and were enamored and entranced by the melodious voice, and singing of Rahulji. Right from the first song till the last the audience swayed, tapped, and clapped appreciating the perfection with which Rahulji unfolded the songs. The musicians playing the musical instruments also equally made justice in giving the audience a perfect musical experience. Aditya Oke accompanied on Harmonium, Rohan Vanage on side rhythm, Vishal Dhumal on Keyboards, Nikhil Phatak onTabla, and Ritish Ohal on guitar, who together made that experience picture perfect.

There was only one language that prevailed in the auditorium which was the language of music. Rahulji sang different compositions, such as the dadra, the tumri, the bhaktigeet, the nirguni bhajan showcasing the versatility of his grandfather’s gayki, however, in reality its his own skills. Introducing the raag, and the sargam in the songs he says that “its only a game of 12 notes and its permutations and combinations”... “the song is never yours because someone has already composed it before you and you are just rediscovering it.”

“the song becomes yours when within your realm, the range of notes you can explore, combine, and perfect it”

Rahulji sang a Pt. Kumar Gandharva rendition “Savare aai jaiyo” which gave the evidence of the influence of Kumarji in Rahulji’s singing as well as the inheritance of the legacy he receives from his grandfather Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande. He says apart from his Granfather’s records, as a child he heard records of Pt. Kumarji, Kishori Amonkarji who have influenced his singing on a big way.

Vasantotsav the show is a combination of classical, and semi classical songs. Being influenced by the melodious singer, Gan Samradni Aai lata Mangeshkarji, Rahulji unfolds two beautiful reditions. Most of the songs on his Youtube channel you will hear are Lata Didi’s songs.

He sang Lataji’s song “Bhaya Ithle Sampat nahi” a marathi song, the lyrics written by Kavi Grace, music composed by Hridaynathji Mangeshkar and “gele dyayache rahuni” sung by Ashatai Bhosle and music composed by Hridaynathji Mangeshkar. It was a moment of tranquility from which one did not want to wake up. A moment where one reminiscences Pt. Deenanath Mangeshkar singing. Complete mesmerizing experience keeping you spellbound.

Supported by his musicians, Rahulji took the audience into a world curated and created by his talent of singing. Doesn’t matter if you are a singer, or just a listener, a good musical experience is guaranteed. He did not disappoint the audience at all that day, also fulfilled most of the song requests sent to him yet carefully choosing them keping the transcendent state intact. In the end, he sang Kanada Raja Pandharicha by Babuji and Dil Ki Tapish from Katyar Kaljat ghusli which was the epitome of his craft that won the hearts of the Brisbane audience. His voice combined with the compositions of Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande, Pt. Kumar Gandharva, and Babuji, made the show reach the zenith of the beautiful, spiritual experience. Perfect and Devine. The show was extremely successful and will remain in the memory of the audience for many years to come. This Vasantotsav has made the Brisbane audience hungry for more and definitely every soul who attended the show is looking forward to another one soon.