MUMBAI: Ustad Nishat Khan, a scion of one of the oldest Gharanas of Hindustani music will be the starting performer for the MITHAS’s 2019 Spring Season.

Ustad Nishat Khan is one of India’s finest musicians and a virtuoso sitar player, transcending musical barriers with his provocative expression and spellbinding technical mastery. He is the son and disciple of Ustad Imrat Khan, the nephew of the late Ustad Vilayat Khan.

Nishat draws on his own musical heritage that is the North Indian classical idiom as well as engages in other genres as diverse as Western classical music, jazz, Flamenco and Gregorian chant. He has worked with other major performers and composers such as John McLaughlin, Philip Glass, Paco Peña and Evelyn Glennie among many others.

Ustad Khan said “I am doubly delighted to release my six compositions in “Jaan Meri,” a Music Video Album at the event with the singer and producer Anuradha Palakurthi. Her unmatched versatility found a great home for the range of styles in these compositions. Over 70 musicians were involved in recording the songs – and almost 450 people were involved in making the videos - making the album one of the most spectacular ever.”

“On March 23, audiences can watch song-films made by great Directors and teams in Mumbai, Hollywood and Tbilisi, Georgia” said Anuradha. “Be prepared to be surprised at some faces in the videos! Lyrics were penned by Mehboob Kotwal, Manoj Yadav, Bullesha and Boston’s own evocative poetess, Sunayana Kachroo.

This MITHAS event replaces the earlier Bollywood concert announced by Juju Productions, featuring Anuradha Palakurthi-Juju, Mumbai-based Kamlesh Bhadkamar and his band. “Given the long delay in visa processing we are unfortunately unable to get the musicians to travel to the USA,” said Manisha Jain, CEO of Juju Productions. “The event will be offered at a later date, ensuring the absolute best in terms of musicians, lights, sound, and camera crew. We appreciate your continued support and patience in allowing Juju Productions to stay true to the excellence and integrity it is known for.”

Anuradha, who recently launched her new project Music Room with veteran Bollywood singer and composer Bappi Lahiri and his son Bappa Lahiri on Zee TV Americas, has performed many live music concerts with Bollywood singers across the United States.