All India Radio (Akashvani) has brought out five audio CDs of songs of Hindustani vocalist Mallikarjun Mansur. The recordings are from the archives of All India Radio.Additional Director-General of Akashvani and Doordarshan T. Jaylal released the audio volumes titled ‘Akashvani Sangeet’ at Srijana Rangamandir on Karnatak College Campus on Saturday.

       It was an emotional moment for son Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Rajashekhar Mansur who said that although he had the dream of bringing out the Vachanas rendered by his father in a CD format, it didn’t materialise. However, he was happy that Akashvani had brought out the same in five CDs.

         Recalling his father’s days as a musician, Mr. Rajashekhar Mansur said that during those days there was a debate on whether the Vachanas belonged to the genre of poetry or prose. “Because of it, my father didn’t sing Vachanas during the music concerts. However, A.N. Krishnarao and others encouraged my father to sing Vachanas. Ultimately A.N. Krishnarao himself sang the Vachanas and later my father did the same”, he said.

       Mr. Mansur said that now the ‘Vachana Gayana’ tradition has come a long way and even spread to foreign countries.

        Station director of Akashvani Dharwad C.U. Bellakki was present. Pandit Ullas Kashalkar presented a vocal concert while Pandit M. Venkateshkumar presented ‘Vachana Gayana’.

CDs sold like hot cakes

         Within minutes of the formal release of the Audio CDs of recordings of Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, the copies were sold out as the organisers had brought only a few copies for sale.

         Later, AIR officials took down the names and addresses of several others who wanted the audio volumes and assured them that they would make arrangements to ensure that they all got their copies of CDs in a fortnight.

        On the occasion, Akashvani had also organised an exhibition of rare photographs of musicians and eminent personalities who had either performed or had given interviews on the All India Radio.

 

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