National Award-winning vocalist Mahesh Kale begins his ‘Abhangwari’!

#SanFrancisco-based National Award-winning vocalist #MaheshKale recently graced Mumbai with his enchanting performance of Abhang music at his concert titled ‘Abhangwari’ held at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion. Abhang, a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of Lord Vitthal, was beautifully rendered by Kale, who, over the years, has been elevating Hindustani Classical Music on the global stage. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical, imbued with a profound sense of devotion, spirituality, and reverence. Kale’s performance captivated the audience, comprising individuals of all ages, from children to elders, who came in hordes to express their admiration and adulation for the vocalist. Recently, Kale also performed at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and the BMM Convention in San Jose, California.

The Abhangwari concert was graced by notable guests, including renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and his wife Anita, as well as actor Subodh Bhave, who served as the compere for the show. Kale’s wife, Purva Gujar Kale was also in attendance at the do.

Kale expressed, “As we begin our Abhangwari concert series, many warkaris (devotees) have started their pilgrimage towards Pandharpur, aiming to arrive there by the 17th. A grand celebration takes place there. Our concert is a heartfelt effort to recreate this divine atmosphere and particularly for those unable to travel to Pandharpur.”

Reminiscing his bond with Mahesh Kale, Harsha Bhogle averred, “I first heard about Mahesh Kale from my brother-in-law, as Mahesh knew him very well. That’s when I started listening to him, and eventually, we got to know each other. Once, I asked him if he could surprise my mother-in-law and my wife, as they were huge admirers of his music… I messaged him asking if he could sing for them over the phone, and he actually called them and sang! I found that to be a really thoughtful gesture.”

The concert’s theme created a unique ‘wari’ pilgrimage atmosphere, adding to the evening’s spiritual mood. Each member of the audience donned a tilak on their forehead and wore traditional Maharashtrian topis, immersing them fully in the devotional experience. This thoughtfully-curated ambience left an indelible impression on all attendees, making ‘Abhangwari’ a truly memorable and spiritually uplifting experience for one and all. “Our attempt is to go beyond the confines of classical and semi-classical performances, creating a more engaging experience so that the audience comes closer to the art form” shared Kale.

Following his enchanting performance in Mumbai, Kale will now be traveling to Pune, Akkalkot, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad to bring ‘Abhangwari’ to audiences in these cities.

By Keerti Kadam