Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration by the Embassy of Spain, New Delhi
Minu Bakshi sings legendary Spanish Poet Federico García Lorca’s compositions for the Embassy of Spain on February 25th 2022, at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, to mark Azadi Ka Mahotsav (AKAM).
The nationwide celebrations to mark 75th Independence day the Embassy of Spain presenting their Indo-Spanish cultural events from 21st-27th February 2022 in the Capital.
On this occasion, the Embassy of Spain in India is working on an event based on one of the most appreciated Spanish poets, Federico García Lorca. His works represent the European vanguard and surrealism of the 20th century, they combine Spanish folklore, Andalusian flamenco, Gypsy culture while exploring themes of romantic love, women’s rights and tragedy.
To honour AKAM, the Indian artist and Hispanics Minu Bakshi will interpret ten famous Spanish songs based on the 1931 performance of Federico García Lorca and La Argentinita.
“I am delighted to have Minu Bakshi sing popular Spanish songs of Federico García Lorca, which symbolizes the cultural Sangam of both Spain and India”, says HE José Maria Ridao, Ambassador of Spain in India.
The multidimensional artist
Minu Bakshi was bestowed with the second Highest Order given to a foreigner by the King of Spain in 2014, ‘The Order of Isabella la Catolica’ by the Spanish Government for her contribution to promoting Spain and its culture. A singer with years of Hindustani classical musical training, a professor of Spanish language at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, an accredited Spanish language interpreter for the Indian Government, Chairperson of the NGO Savera (a society for the uplifting of underprivileged women and children) and the former Chairperson of the UK Asian Film Festival, London, Minu Bakshi is a multifaceted and versatile artist.
“I am overwhelmed by the confidence the ambassador has shown in me. When approached by His Excellency, I was excited mixed with apprehensions. I feel humbled to be asked to represent my country in this collaboration. It’s a difficult task as the songs and music are new for me.
The real challenge was finding my team of musicians, as I primarily work with artists who know Indian instruments. And for this rendition, I needed a Pianist.” The artist trained in Hindustani music to add the Indian touch replaces the castanets with Tabla, a twist in the composition.
Adding the singer says, ” I’ve been sleeping, eating and living these songs for about a month and practising rigorously every day. Even when I’m not singing, I’m listening and trying to memorise the words. Songs go back to 1931, where Lorca, the poet and composer, played the piano also.”
Ghulam Sabir, an accomplished Hindustani Classical Tabla player, trained under the able guidance of Ustad Hashmat Khan Saheb, famous Tabla Maestro of Ajrada Gharana, shall accompany her in rendition.
Sahil Vasudev, India’s well known classical pianist, featured on the acclaimed British-Indian composer and producer Nitin Sawhney’s Indian tour of his album “Immigrants,” complements on piano as the singer sings in oneness, bringing the two countries closer. Once again, proving that music is beyond boundaries and geographies.
