It is not often that one gets to share the stage with a maestro like Bappi Lahiri whose has produced hits for decades.  Boston’s nightingale, Anuradha Palakurthi shone brightly on the stage belting out several of Bappi Da’s hit number and proved that she could her own even with the Maesto.  

On October 28, the auditorium at the Norwood High School in Norwood MA,  was packed to capacity as  the audience eagerly awaited the much awaited show featuring Bappi Lahiri and Anuradha Palakurthi.  At a previous show, the great musician Nishat Khan had compared Anuradha to Asha Bhosale in that both have immense capacity to sing a variety of genres to perfection.  This was the show were we could see what Nishat Khan meant when he made the comparison.

 Anuradha, in her black saree with gold ornaments looked spectacular as she opened the evening with the famous “Nache Nache” song. Shachi Badola and Anusha Kulkarani accompanied her by providing the backup vocals.  

After a few lovely numbers, Bappi Da took the stage.  It is indeed hard to believe that at his age, he still has a powerful voice that can belt out high-energy numbers.  From “I am a Disco Dancer” to “Tune Mare Entry” and so much more, Bappi Lahiri’s compositions has over the decades helped the dance floor come alive.  At the event , so many had difficulty staying still and some got up to dance.

 Anuradha’s shows always stand out. I still recall the spectacular Burman show featuring the original band members form his orchestra.  For each show, Anuradha pays great attention to detail and works hard to ensure that her presentation is entertaining. 

It is also touching to see the family support for her.  In addition to her husband, her in-laws always are in the front row cheering her along.  She fondly remembered her father-in-law the (Late) Dr. Krupasagar Palakurthi, who was very supportive of her career. She called out to all members of her family including her 3 year old little grand niece. 

The funds raised from the event will go to Veterans Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of support services to veterans and their families in New England. Since 1990, the organization has helped more than 70,000 veterans in need and today operates offices and programs in all six New England states. 

“ The positive feedback we have had for the show has been overwhelming” said Prashanth Palakurthi. 

The band led by Satyajit Bhattacharya provided great accompaniment. It was great see a fellow IIT Alumni, Shrikant Awalegaonkar in the band.  Bappa, Bappi’s son provided high energy accompaniment on the drums. 

Anuradha continues to train in Hindustani vocals under Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar, a student of Kishori Amonkar of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. In 2016, she was the featured female singer for visiting Bollywood artists – Kumar Sanu (singing Alka Yagnik’s songs), Suresh Wadkar, singing songs from spectrum of singers from Mobarak Begum, Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar.

Anuradha  recorded a duet with Hariharan for Ekal Vidyalaya – composed by Guitarist Prasanna with Drummer Sivamani and a group of 14 multiple-Grammy winning musicians from across the globe.  

She serves as the Chairperson of MIT’s Heritage Arts of South Asia, known as MITHAS. Her charitable foundation, the Anuradha Palakurthi Foundation, supports the promotion of Indian culture primarily in New England by providing financial support to programs, artists and organizers of events where Indian culture is performed or exhibited.

Volunteers at Bappi Da program included Manisha Jain, Rekha Palriwala, Bhavana Motiwala, Pallavi Nagesha and Sweta Mepani.     Jawed Wahid, Preetesh Shrivastava, Sanjay Jain, Shobha Shastry, Venu Challa, Dyuti Majumdar, Suhaib and Razia worked on sound, stage and other aspects of the show.   Masala Art provided the food. Purnima Vadhera and Norwood High School arranged the facility.

We look forward to next year’s event, where we are told we can expect some great surprises ! Boston cannot wait !