The number seven holds a profound significance across many dimensions of life. Music is born from the seven swaras, the foundational notes that create melody and harmony. Similarly, the seven colours of the rainbow unite to form white—symbolizing purity, bliss, and the wholeness of existence.
Inspired by this philosophy, Seven Essences is a thoughtfully curated musical ensemble where seven artists come together to create an immersive artistic experience. This journey blends the soulful melodies of Sarangi, Sitar, and Mridangam with the rhythmic brilliance of Tabla, enriched by expressive Padhant and Vocals, and brought to life through the captivating grace of Kathak.
Each artist represents an essence, collectively weaving a performance that transports the audience into a world of rhythm, emotion, and spiritual connection.
The journey begins with an invocatory offering to the Almighty, where Mahua Shankar presents a soulful Shiva Vandana, celebrating the divine glory of Lord Shiva or Lord Krishna, and at times a Sufi Kalaam. This is followed by a Jugalbandi of Sarangi and Sitar by Murad Ali Khan and Fateh Ali Khan—a graceful musical dialogue between two artists, symbolizing harmony and creative exchange in Indian classical music. The next segment showcases the pure technique of Kathak (Nritta) by Mahua Shankar, highlighting the rhythmic precision and elegance of the Lucknow Gharana. She is accompanied by an ensemble of eminent artists: Ustad Akram Khan on Tabla, Murad Ali Khan on Sarangi, Fateh Ali Khan on Sitar, Shuheb Hasan on Vocal, and Nupur Shankar on Padhant. The performance then transitions into a rhythmic Jugalbandi of Tabla and Mridangam by Ustad Akram Khan and Shri N. Padmanabhan, blending Hindustani and Carnatic traditions into a powerful musical Sangam of North and South India.
The journey further unfolds into Abhinaya, the expressive aspect of Indian classical dance, where emotions and narratives are conveyed through intricate gestures and facial expressions. Mahua Shankar presents compositions such as Shringarik Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, or Sufiana Kalaam, beautifully supported by vocals from Shuheb Hasan. All the essences culminate in a grand ensemble performance, where all seven artists come together in perfect harmony—interweaving bowing, strokes, footwork, gayaki, padhant, and vaadan. This powerful convergence builds into a mesmerizing crescendo, concluding with a climactic celebration of music and dance.
