Kailash Kher Live!

It seemed like Kailash Kher would perform to a half-empty auditorium! It was already time to commence, and just as you started wondering what was wrong; the organizers announced that the show would be held up for a while, as many in the audience, as well as several "important" guests were stuck in the "unprecedented massive traffic jam" caused by the Kolkata Book Fair! You then go through a couple of periodic iterations of announcements made to the same effect- the organizers taking turns in reminding you of the jam, of your being lucky to have reached on time, and in rolling-out a fresh appeal for a little more patience. The show finally took off 45-mins behind schedule, and Kailash Kher & band performed 2-hours non-stop before an almost-packed audience.

Kailasa, the band, started off with a warm welcome song "Raah Niharu Pag Pakharu...Aaoji..." (why are all good welcome songs Rajasthani!!), followed by a few more of their own album compositions. Kailash Kher then moved on to sing hits like "Saiyyan...", "Teri Diwani...", "Tu Jaane Na...", and even Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's "Sanu Ik Pal Chain..."- all quite passionately performed. His calmest, most-soulful and involved performance was perhaps "Jaage Jaage...Tere Naina..."- this one almost lulled you to sleep! Notable misses were "Arziyaan...Maula Maula" (i was really hoping he would sing this one), "Ya Rabba", and "Allah ke Bande"- surprisingly, he even firmly turned down several requests for "Allah ke Bande"!!

Kailash Kher & band seated themselves on the stage-floor. The musicians could sing as well; and pitched-in at various places to build up a mighty, high-pitched chorus for him. Most of the musicians had command over multiple instruments, and deftly switched from playing one to the other. The tabla-player played the dholak, and the drums too. The pianist played the accordion too. The string musician played the guitar, and the violin just brilliantly!- whenever he picked up the violin, his music was clearly standing out; cutting through the sound of all other instruments, as well as the raw vocal strength of Kailash Kher. At the end, Kailash Kher introduced him as a "very talented musician" who was presently playing just five instruments, but can actually play over ten!- and then went on to introduce another musician who plays over 30 instruments!!! :-)