It’s time for folk music with Antara Nandy and Dipannita Acharya

It’s been one spectacular week, with the dual celebrations of Diwali and Children’s Day. To commemorate both occasions, Bangalore-based band Aurko is organising a special Alive-India in Concert at Phoenix Mall this weekend. This evening will see three young singers perform: Zee Sa Re Ga Ma’s young musical talent Antara Nandy, folk queen Dipannita Acharya and Bangalore’s very own chhote ustaad, Aditya Vittal.

Thirteen-year-old Antara says she is happy to be in Bangalore. “The last time I came to Bangalore, I was three years old. So I don’t remember it much. But I am happy to be here and take part in Alive — India in Concert. It’s a unique and creative platform for budding singers to pursue their musical dreams,” she says. The young singer, who was born in Sivasagar district of Assam, shot to fame when she emerged amongst the top three girls in the final round in the reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs 2009 on Zee TV, thumping thousands of contestants throughout the country. And this was achieved because her parents let her follow her dreams. “There are parents who do not encourage children to take up singing as their career. They are keen on making him or her pursue a professional degree. But this should not be the case. If parents find that the child has other talents like singing, they should let him pursue it and they must actively encourage the child’s passion,” says Antara.

Folk singer Dipannita too is excited about the Alive — India in Concert. “It’s great to be in Bangalore. It gives more exposure to music lovers about folk music,” says Dipannita. She believes that folk music transcends all boundaries and offers a unique melody that everyone can enjoy and relate to. Currently, she is working on an album that celebrates Shah Abdul Karim, a legendary poet, singer and composer from Bangladesh. On Sunday, Bollywood’s young musical sensation Akriti Kakar will take part in the Alive — India in Concert.