Udaipur: Classical music lovers are in for a soulful experience at the three-day “Ritu Vasant” festival organized by the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur. The festival, dedicated to classical arts, will be held from February 20 to 22 at Shilpgram, with free entry for all.
Director Furqan Khan of the West Zone Cultural Centre announced that on the second day (Saturday), audiences will witness a unique jugalbandi (duet performance) between Jaipur-based violinist Gulzar Hussain and Rajasthan’s only renowned Dilruba maestro, Mohammad Umar. The rare combination of violin and Dilruba promises to be a special treat for music enthusiasts.
Notably, there are only a handful of accomplished Dilruba players in the country, and Mohammad Umar holds a highly respected place among them. His performance on the Dilruba is expected to offer a rare and enriching experience for discerning listeners. Gulzar Hussain, who has accompanied prominent artists such as Anup Jalota and Bollywood singer Ravindra Upadhyay, has won hearts in India and abroad with his captivating violin renditions. Their jugalbandi, dedicated to the spirit of spring, is sure to resonate deeply with the audience.
On the same evening, world-famous Odissi dancer Kavita Dwibedi will present a mesmerizing performance. Honored with numerous prestigious national and international awards, she has been delivering outstanding stage performances for over three decades.
Her Odissi dance is distinguished by expressive abhinaya (dramatic expression), innovative choreography, and profound intellectual engagement with the art form. Through her performances, she has skillfully connected themes such as liberation, identity, compassion, and spiritual peace with contemporary contexts.
Kavita Dwibedi’s global recognition is reflected in the international media coverage of her work. Her performances have been featured on Discovery Channel (Living Asia), CNN, Asianet, as well as international channels in China and Milan.