Two decades in a concert

Rita Kaul (on the harmonium) during a rehearsal

It is rare to spot an institution that teaches one how to perform in a studio and on the stage. Rita Kaul, a veteran Indian Classical and Folk music performer in the city - started Vinod Sur Shringaar Music Academy in 1996 to help promising singers and performers. For the 20th anniversary celebrations of the institute, the 54-year-old, who has among her students popular singer-composer Armaan Malik, has organised a music concert with her students.

"The show will see three segments. The first called Tableaux is a dance drama. Our theme is Chalein Chand Ki Oar (Let's walk towards the moon)," she says. Kaul has written, composed as well as borrowed music from films for the drama. "There are around 18 songs in the musical with dance and dialogues. I have used two film songs, Aao Tumhe Chand Pe Le Jaaye (Zakhmee, 1975) and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, 1960)," adds Kaul.

The second segment will be a tribute to the greats, including Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Zafar Parvez. The final set will showcase the Folk music of Punjab and Rajasthan.

Kaul, who has tutored under several exponents including Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori and Dhruba Ghosh, touches upon light music (on the lines of Semi Classical) in her school as well. "I don't follow any particular gharana. My aim is to prepare them well for diploma course, as well as playback singing," she adds.