National 3 (Spotlight Weekly)

Music Of Mind

India's master violinist Khan plays the music for friendship between Nepal and India

By A CORRESPONDENT

Whenever cultural and musical programs are performed in the city, they remind how close Nepal and India are in terms of culture, religion and other matters. This kind of closeness is yet to be reflected in the formal relations between them.

From music to rhythms and dance to other performances, Nepal shares many things with India. The importance of these commonalities between the two countries cannot be over-emphasized.

Johar Ali Khan : Enthralling tone

Whatever the political relations at the state-to-state level, cultural relations existing at people to people level remain stable and prosperous since there are so many factors integrating the two peoples.

Whether the policy makers understand the meaning and messages of cultural commonalities between the two countries is still unclear. But India's great violinist Johar Ali Khan, as usual, reminded this reality to the people.

As soon as master violinist Johar Ali Khan's hands move, the thrilling sounds of violin changed the mood in the Birendra International Convention Center.

"Nepal and India have many commonalities. The musical program performed by Khan will help to realize it," said Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. "Along with inspiring the World's freedom movement, Nepalese were also inspired by India's independence movement to establish the democratic system."

Organized by the Embassy of India and Indian Council for Cultural Relations to celebrate the 58th Independence Day of India, the play of master violinist Khan was inspiring and highlighted the friendly and good relations between the two countries.

"India has achieved tremendous success in the field of education, science and technology and politics. The high economic growth of past few years has shown a new future. Recently concluded elections have also shown that the peaceful transfer of power is possible through democratic elections," said V.P. Haran, Charge d'Affairs of the Indian Embassy.

Khan - who is a true entertainer with the rare ability to share the beauty and energy of his music with the audience - brought to the stage a new level of color and imagination that was awe-inspiring.

Accompanied by other artists, male singer Asif Ali, female singer Neraj Bala, side rhythm singer Imran, keyboard player Jha, Tabla player Ajmal Ali, Dholak player Naim and Guitarist Bismil, Khan ensured that the audience enjoyed the two hour long performance.

Khan - who is the son and discipline of legendary violinist late Ustad Gohar Ali Khan of Rampur - belongs to the Patiala Gharana and specializes in systematic elaboration of ragas and innovative presentations of Taan. Ali, a renowned musician, has dazzling control and prowess over the violin, his instrument of choice.

"I really enjoy being here in this beautiful country. I want to play a music praising the friendly relations between the two countries," said Khan, who performs different kinds of programs to lure the audiences.

One of the important parts of Khan's program was that his musical team consisted of talented professionals. There was perfect combination between different musical instruments.

Australian Film Festival

Despite certain similarities with films of other English speaking countries, the Australian Film Industry also produces popular films that have particular Australian tastes.

Till a few years back, Nepalese audience had difficulty distinguishing between the Australian, Hollywood and British films. Three years ago when the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu began to show the Australian Films, people of various walks of life realized that there are different tastes in Australian films.

Envoy Gradner : Entertainment from Down Under

Organized by the Australian Embassy Kathmandu, this year's Australian Embassy Film Roadshow will be held at the Russian Cultural Center on August 21 and 22.

The Australian film industry has a reputation for innovation and quality, and for producing unique films with Australian flavor that have global appeal.

"Australian film industry also produces world quality films. Some of our actors are leading in the Hollywood and our technology is used by other film industry," said Keith Gardner, Australian Ambassador to Nepal. "The money collected from the film will be distributed to local charity in Nepal. Last year, we donated money to a health post to buy a refrigerator."

From themes like comedy to history and human relations, six films will be displayed at the Russian Culture Center. The films The Man Who Sued the God, Black and White and the Bank will be displayed on August 21 and Crackerjack, The Tracker and Lantana will be displayed on August 22.