-APS Noorpuri
The Sargam Society of Indian Music and Art (Regd.), in collaboration with the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, organized a musical evening titled “Mehfil-e-Music” yesterday (October 19, 2026) at the Mini Tagore Theatre to honor the eternal memory of two legendary singers, Lata Mangeshkar and Jagjit Singh.
Marking the auspicious occasion of Navratras, the event opened with two devotional songs dedicated to Mata Rani, “Mere Kanth Baso Maharani” and “Jagdishwari Sarveshwari,” beautifully performed by renowned singer Dr. Komal Chugh. Following this, Sushil Nagpal performed Jagjit Singh’s solo track “Kaun Aayega Yahan.” He then paired up with Priyanka to deliver two powerful duets—”Gam Ka Khazana Tera Bhi Hai Mera Bhi” and “Pehle To Apne Dil Ki Lagi Jaan Jaaiye”—doing complete justice to the originals. Priyanka also delivered a mesmerizing solo rendition of Chitra Singh’s “Kabhi To Khul Ke Baras.”
Under the leadership of the renowned Punjabi folk singer and Chairperson of the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi (CSNA), Dr. Sukhwinder Kaur Brar (affectionately known as ‘Sukhi Brar’), the Akademi has been actively nurturing young vocal talents. Continuing this tradition, CSNA-trained singer Sukhmani performed “Manzil Na De Chirag Na De Housla To De.” Another talented singer, Jasreet, followed with “Woh Kagaz Ki Kashti, Woh Barish Ka Paani.” Mamta Gary Chawla, another trained artist from the Akademi, showcased her vocal artistry by singing “Tum Ko Dekha To Ye Khayal Aaya.”
Capturing the audience’s attention in a very short span, young singer Nancy deeply moved everyone with her performance of Lata Mangeshkar’s famous ghazal, “Rasm-e-Ulfat Ko Nibhaayein To Nibhaayein Kaise.”
Next, well-known composer, singer, and radio-TV artist R.D. Kalay and Dr. Komal Chugh charmed the audience with their solo and duet performances. R.D. Kalay began with Mirza Ghalib’s ghazals “Na Tha Kuch To Khuda Tha” and “Aate Aate Mera Naam Sa Reh Gaya.” He then teamed up with Dr. Komal Chugh for engaging duets such as “Jab Se Hum Tabah Ho Gaye,” “Socha Nahi Achha Bura,” and “Balle Balle.” Their chemistry in singing duet ghazals and Punjabi tracks was widely appreciated. On persistent public demand, Kalay also performed “Chaak Jigar Ke Si Lete Hain,” “Chulhe Agg Na Ghade De Vich Paani,” and “Chitthi Na Koi Sandesh.”
Mohinder Paul Gupta, Patron of the Sargam Society, shared that the organization typically designs theme-based programs tailored to specific occasions. Previously, the society has successfully hosted events centered around Baisakhi, a three-day Navratra festival, Mirza Ghalib, former Prime Minister and poet Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi. He assured that similar cultural initiatives will continue in the future.
Applauding the organizers’ initiative, Chief Guest Surinder Verma, President of the Citizen Awareness Group, stated, “Music is an eternal bridge connecting hearts, emotions, and generations. The melodious tunes of Lata Mangeshkar ji and the soul-stirring ghazals of Jagjit Singh ji are an invaluable part of India’s musical heritage. Musical evenings like these not only pay tribute to these legendary artists but also keep their unforgettable legacy alive for younger generations. ‘Mehfil-e-Music’ is a wonderful initiative to celebrate the richness of Indian music and the emotions that make it immortal.”
Expressing her admiration for the event, Dr. Sukhwinder Kaur Brar noted that CSNA remains dedicated to refining young talents and shaping the vocal artistry of its learners. She proudly shared that students trained by CSNA have now started participating on prominent platforms.
The vocalists were brilliantly supported by an ensemble of talented instrumentalists, including Vewal Sharma (Flute), Gurinder Singh Lovely (Keyboard), Sarabjit Singh (Tabla), Surinder Singh (Guitar), and Arun Mankotia (Octapad). Bhupinder Singh Malik maintained a seamless and engaging connection between the performers and the audience through his stellar anchoring.
