Atlanta, Georgia, USA: Hindustani classical vocalist Atri Kotal left the audience spellbound during her performance in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 14.
Born in Kolkata, Kotal has been nurtured under the guidance of eminent maestros, including the late Pandit Biresh Roy and Ustad Jainul Abedin. Her training and artistry in Hindustani classical music were on full display, blending depth, tradition, and heartfelt emotion throughout the evening.
Recognized as a National Scholar by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Kotal specializes in Khayal singing. Beyond music, she holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Calcutta. Her learning journey also includes two years of semi-classical training in Thumri under Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty.
The event was hosted by Mustafa Ajmeri, a devoted patron of Indian arts in Atlanta, with the support of an enthusiastic team including Seema Hanji, Neeraj Bhatia, Sanjay Hanji, Hirak Dutta, Krishan Goyal, Sachin, and Karishma. Emcee Seema Hanji guided the program with warmth and insight, ensuring the concert maintained a personal and engaging connection with the audience.
Ajmeri noted, “This evening wasn’t only about music—it reflected community, identity, and the responsibility of carrying a living tradition forward.”
Kotal was accompanied by two seasoned musicians: Shri Anjaneya Shastry on tabla and Shri Manish Vyas on harmonium. Their perfect synchronization and sensitive accompaniment enriched every note, creating a mesmerizing musical experience.
The recital opened with bandishes in Raga Yaman and Bihag, followed by a soulful selection of ghazals paying tribute to stalwarts such as Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hasan, Begum Akhtar, Noor Jehan, Jagjit Singh, Shobha Gurtu, and Farida Khanum.
A dedicated segment celebrated Bollywood songs rooted in classical ragas, featuring renditions of Thumri and Dadra in the style of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.
Responding to audience requests, Kotal delighted listeners with the iconic patriotic piece “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” along with a cherished Bengali song, “Jochhona Koreche Aari.”
