If you’re in a nostalgic mood for Hindi film songs and for whatever unfathomable reason, feel the urge to buy or search for a CD of Raj Kapoor’s hits and music of 70’s,80’s and the present then here is an easy antidote. Mark your diaries for April 10th and head to the Westborough High School for an evening of entertainment and music by Geetanjali, a music group that is making a comeback after 10 years. Hear memorable melodies like Jaago Mohan Pyaare, Aaja Re, Ramaya Vasta Vaya and the all time favorite Jaane Kahaan Gaye Woh Din beside other upbeat tunes of music greats like A.R.Rahman and other music directors. This is only a sample of the selection that Geetanjali will present as part of a charity fundraiser for the India Center of India Society of Worcester. So if you can help charity while having a blast, well this concert is what you call a win-win situation!

In the living room of Pramila and Dr Ramesh’s Mundra house in Shrewsbury, the scene is one of intense concentration and boundless energy. Love struck melodies and lyrics are practiced with gusto and enthusiasm among the artists who range from software engineers to business professionals. Some of them have been associated with Geetanjali during its earlier stint in 91-94 and some are new to the group. Ajit Mundra, son of Pramila and Dr Ramesh Mundra is a psychologist by profession but when his fingers touch the keyboard, he is totally transformed into a gifted musician. He credits his mother for his musical influence and says he took to playing the piano when he was four years of age. Drumming his fingers, he talks excitedly about the upcoming concert.

Ajit Nagral, another talented musician works magic on the tabla. The two musicians do a great job as a team, matching the rythmn with eloquent simplicity intertwining their instrumental lines with an intimacy that shows the depth of their partnership. Male Singers Abhijit Bhadra and Vasant Murthy lend their voices for the duets and their solos with consummate ease. Trained in the classical form from local teacher Kumkum Sanyal, it is obvious that they are having fun singing in the group. “The experience of interacting with the other singers and instrumentalists, who are all extremely talented and accomplished, has been priceless, says Vasanth, while Abhijit, admits,“Due to Geetanjali, I have been able to reconnect to light music. Female singers Smita Jani, Pooja Goswamy and Anu Nadkarni echo similar sentiments “ we are part of one big family”,they say “and these practises have been a very rewarding experience” Smita and Pooja are also students of Kumkum Sanyal.Two other local artistes who will accompany the singers are Chaitanya Nadkarni – on cabasa and Gauri Shanker , traditionally a mridangam player on the Conga drums.

The key of this production is intimacy and simplicity. Dr Ramesh Mundra emphasizes that the strength of this group from the beginning to the end has been a combined team effort. Geetanjanli’s revival, he explains was mainly for two reasons, one was to raise money for the India Center and the other was to bring people from all walks of life that enjoy music together. Pramila Mundra who conceived the entire show is a diehard Raj Kapoor fan. Her recent trip to India in January was not without purpose. In her basement are original posters of Raj Kapoor’s films that were pasted on billboards and walls in India during a film's release. These she hopes, will recreate the ambience of the evening while giving a fantastic backdrop for the production. “There are many others who are involved behind the scenes and everyone is committed to work hard to make this one memorable event, she says adding, “We also have a very lively and entertaining emcee in Vibhu Nagral. “All this music is going to be accompanied by dances by the student’s of Jasmine Shah Aangikam Dance Academy. It will definitely be a treat to watch!"

That said, this is a spirited effort to host a fine music event in Massachusetts and you can’t help but feel the enthusiasm and dedication that the group brings to the presentation. With gracious support from local sponsors and other music promoters, the organizers have been fortunate to bring together a great music group singing a wide range of diverse songs, catering to all ages and preferences.

Conceived and Directed by Mrs Pramila Mundra with Vibhu Nagral as the Emcee, Geetanjali features:

Dr. Ajit Mundra, a psychologist, on Keyboard
Ajit Nagral, an entrepreneur, on Tabla
Smita Jani, a software engineer – female vocalist
Anu Nadkarni, customer relations – female vocalist
Pooja Goswami, business professional – female vocalist
Vasanth Murthy, a software engineer – Male vocalist
Abhijit Bhadra, a software engineer – Male vocalist
Chaitanya Nadkarni – plastics engineer on cabasa
Gauri Shanker – Conga drums

For more info log on to www.iswonline.org or click on http://www.lokvani.com/lokvani/cal.php?stage=1&event_id=1800

All proceeds from this program benefit ISW India Center building fund

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