Nitin Mukesh’s command performance in Dhrishti’s Remembering Mukesh

Rolling Meadows, IL: A command performance by playback singer and illustrious son of a legendary father, Nitin Mukesh had a capacity crowd in raptures for over four and half hours on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at The Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Rd Rolling Meadows, IL.

The concert titled Remembering Mukesh and presented by Dhrishti at the Meadows Club here was a tribute to the legendary Indian playback singer Mukesh. Nitin Mukesh is his son and an accomplished playback singer himself having sung several very popular numbers in different languages. He was accompanied by singers Manasi Paranjape, Namrata Seth and young second generation local singer Sajni Ganger.

The program began with an introduction by host Shebani Kulkarni, the co-founder of Dhrishti and The Meadows Club in a beautifully lit and done up grand ballroom with soft lighting and multiple screens for the benefit of the viewers. She spoke about the legend of Mukesh and his journey for over five decades in the industry. She then introduced Nitin Mukesh and his band and the fireworks started immediately.

Nitin Mukesh, a persona of great charm and immense skill started with a shloka and commenced what can only be termed as a command performance for over four and half hours. Whether serenading the audience with Mera Joota Hai Japani or serenading his wife with Chand Si Mehbooba ho Meri Jaan, he was in his elements as he belted out hit after hit with breathtaking assurance, poise and melody. His periodic forays into the audience during the performance gave the viewers a close glimpse of this remarkable artiste and his ability to connect with them, young or old. An era of his legendary father was touched upon as he sang Dil Jalta Hai to jalne de, Mukesh’s very first song in the film industry and his later day hits from Kabhi Kabhi.

Post interval he opened with some soft and soulful numbers Wo Teri Pyar ka Gham and Nayan Hamaare which backed by some incredible lighting and an international quality sound system brought the house down. Mukesh’s incredible association with India’s great showman Raj Kapoor was paid tribute through some magnificent renditions of ageless hits like Jeena yahan, Jaane Kahaan Gaye who Din from Mera Naam Joker and the duet Oh Mere Sanam and Dost Dost Na Raha from Sangam. Manasi Paranjape and young singer who has accompanied Nitin Mukesh on several ours excelled in both her solo numbers and duets with Nitin Mukesh. Namrata Seth, Nitin’s younger sister and the youngest sibling of the legendary Mukesh wooed the audience with her solos of Geeta Dutt and duets with Nitinji. Sajni the young second generation singer from Chicago introduced by Nitin Mukesh wowed the audience with her voice in a duet with Nitin Mukesh. She happens to be the daughter of the national promoter Mayur Ganger who was earlier introduced by Nitin Mukesh.

The accompanying seven member band put up a tremendous performance and the sounds created by them with limited instruments drew accolades by both the singers and the audience. The lights and sound extravaganza created by the techs of the Meadows Club, Live Entertainment and Tantrixx created an ambience which was mesmerizing and soothing. Nitin Mukesh repeatedly commended the local organizers Madan and Shebani Kulkarni for another beautifully organized event which Dhrishti is always known for. The organizers presented Nitin Mukesh with a shawl during the concert in recognition of his performances over the years. It was indeed an event which will linger in the memories for a long time.