Mention ghazals and the likes of Pankaj Udhas immediately pops to mind. All set to enthrall Shanghai, Yiwu and Guangzhou with his soulful music from December 14-16, this Gujarat-born maestro has crooned soulful numbers for countless Indian films for almost 40 years. The proud recipient of the famous Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, Udhas released his first solo album in 1980 and the rest, as this say, is musical history. Known to leave his audiences spellbound, That’s spoke to the legend himself to find out what we can expect from his first-ever China tour.
Why China?
I’ve always been fascinated by Chinese culture, and her people, music and food. I toured China in 2005 with my family and we really enjoyed our time here. Since then, I’ve come back a few times but just to visit. China has an established Indian community and all our Indian friends and fans have always been very keen on having me over for a ghazal performance. This year, Mr. Rajesh Purohit of Guangzhou-based Care International Limited, Mr. Sunil Gupta from Spice Circle Restaurant in Shenzhen and a few others, including organizers ChineseNRI, joined forces and managed to make this dream come true. I have been told that tickets have been sold not just to Indian fans but to locals as well. I am truly looking forward to singing my heart out to everyone across these three cities.
You continue to melt hearts around the world with your music. What inspires you to continue?
I am currently on a five-city Australian tour, and nothing beats seeing the love, adulation and support that I receive each and every time I perform. To be able to travel across the world and sing for my fans who don’t always have a chance to see me perform in India is what truly inspires me.
So, what can we expect from your upcoming China tour?
Supporting me during my China tour is a very competent band of musicians and technicians. We have planned an amazing act that will last over two hours and I can guarantee you that I will be performing all my popular songs to keep you at the edge of your seats. Most of the audience would have grown up listening to these iconic songs, like ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai Aayi Hai,’ from the movie Naam. This year marks the first time that I will be in China as a singer, and not just a visitor.
Watch as Udhas introduces his Shanghai concert (VPN off):
And below, he introduces his Guangzhou concert (VPN off):
Shanghai: Fri Dec 14, 8-11pm. RMB200-800, RMB100 for students. Vienna International Hotel. See event listing.
Yiwu: Sat Dec 15, 7-10pm, RMB400-1,100, RMB300 for students. Yimei Plaza Hotel, 128 Chengzhong Middle Road, Yiwu
Guangzhou: Sun Dec 16, 7-10pm. RMB350-1,100, RMB230 for students. Kyle Canton Hotel. See event listing. (Buses will be making the trip to Guangzhou from Shenzhen and Dongguan, contact ‘nri-in-china’ on WeChat for more info).
Tickets sold at most Indian restaurants or by contacting WeChat ID: nri-in-china
Buffet dinner (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) available at performance venues for an additional cost.
Lucky draw prizes ranging from RMB3,000-10,000.
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