I hear more criticism of Niladri Kumar than praise among music lovers. I heard him years ago, probably at least 15, and since then have been a fan. Since then he has become a star, in large part because of his experimental fusion music (if it is still called that!). That can always attract the approbrium of the traditionalists. I can still remember some of the idiotic things said about pt. ravi shankar years ago (probably by myself) when he had gone abroad to pursue alternative musical expression. Last Sunday Niladri Kumar arrived to play at around 4:00 a.m. at the Aundh Mahotsav in Satara district. I will probably now have difficulty controlling my gushing on his extraordinary performance. He was fantastic! charismatic! totally absorbed in the music! creative, artistic, etc. etc…… Is it enough? Not exactly a quality musical critique, I admit. Nonetheless an unforgettable performance.
