“There is a strange silence in the world of art today…” — Pinaz Masani, Chhaya Ganguly and fellow artistes remember Rajasthan’s beloved patron of music


Jaipur: What was envisioned as a musical evening celebrating the timeless compositions of legendary composer Jaidev turned into an unexpectedly poignant tribute to the late K.C. Maloo, one of Rajasthan’s most passionate patrons and connoisseurs of art and culture.

Held at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, the Jaidev Smriti Sangeet Sandhya brought together celebrated artistes whose music was interwoven with memories of Maloo. For many of them, his absence from the auditorium was deeply felt.

Renowned ghazal singer and Padma Shri awardee Pinaz Masani paid an emotional tribute to Maloo, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to the artistic fraternity. “There is a strange silence in the world of art today,” she observed, reflecting the profound void left by a man who devoted himself to nurturing music and artistes.

Recalling her personal association with Maloo, Masani said that he was the person who introduced her to Jaipur. At the request of composer Jaidev, Maloo had invited her to Jaipur to perform for his organisation, Sur Sangam. What began as an invitation to perform eventually became the beginning of her enduring relationship with the city.

For years, Masani has remained associated with Sur Sangam’s annual talent-search competition, a platform that provided emerging artistes with opportunities while creating lasting bonds within the world of music and culture.

“This is the first time I am standing on this stage in Maloo-ji’s absence,” she said emotionally. “The void created by his absence cannot easily be filled.”

Masani recalled that Maloo was far more than a patron of the arts. He was a sensitive and passionate individual who believed in bringing artistes together, discovering new talent and giving young performers the encouragement they needed to grow. For him, music was not merely entertainment—it was a powerful vehicle for carrying culture, emotion and human values to society.

She expressed confidence that Mukesh Agarwal, who co-founded Sur Sangam with Maloo, along with his sons Hemjit Malu and Prasenjit Malu, would continue his cultural legacy. Carrying forward his unfinished work and sustaining his commitment to music and artistes, she said, would be the most meaningful tribute to his memory.

Delhi-based renowned singer Chhaya Ganguly was also visibly moved while recalling Maloo. She spoke about the emotional realization that the very person who had invited her to the evening was no longer there to witness the performance.

For the artistes on stage, too, the evening carried a deeply personal significance. Lead singer Bela Sulakhe of Mumbai and singer Chirag Panchal of Mumbai recalled that Maloo had personally invited them to the programme and had even suggested the compositions they should perform.

Bela Sulakhe shared that Maloo had specifically asked her to sing the popular Rajasthani song “Peetal Ki Mori Gagri Dildi Se Mol Mangai Re.” When she performed it that evening, the song acquired an entirely different emotional resonance, filling the auditorium with memories of Maloo.

As the melodies of Jaidev filled the hall, memories of K.C. Maloo repeatedly surfaced. The evening thus became a moving confluence of music, remembrance and gratitude. His physical absence was unmistakable, yet his presence could be felt in the relationships he had built and in the artistes whose journeys he had encouraged.

The Jaidev Smriti Sangeet Sandhya therefore became much more than a musical tribute to the legendary composer Jaidev. It also evolved into a heartfelt homage to a devoted servant of music and culture who spent a substantial part of his life creating platforms for artistes and strengthening Jaipur’s cultural landscape.

K.C. Maloo may no longer be physically present, but the seeds of music, culture and artistic fellowship that he planted will continue to flourish and spread their fragrance among generations to come.

Satish Popli handled the musical arrangements for the evening, while Piyush Bhardwaj conducted the programme with an impressive stage presence.