Lucknow: Music lovers in the city were treated to an unforgettable cultural experience as Lucknow Bioscope hosted A Musical Evening under its popular Adda Concerts series at its Qaiser Bagh venue. The event brought together two accomplished artists, Nehha Mishra and Kunal Verma, whose distinct musical styles created a captivating blend of melody, emotion, and classical artistry.
Held at Lucknow Bioscope, located on J.C. Bose Marg, the concert celebrated the richness of Indian music, ranging from soulful devotional compositions and Bollywood classics to the intricate beauty of Hindustani classical ragas.
The evening commenced with a heartfelt performance by Nehha Mishra, who enthralled the audience with a carefully curated selection of songs. Opening with the devotional piece Shiv Kailasho Ke Vaasi, she set a reflective and spiritual tone for the gathering. Her repertoire also included beloved compositions such as Ae Ri Sakhi, Mora Piya Ghar Aaya, and Phero Na Nazariya, taking listeners through a spectrum of emotions and experiences.
Speaking about her musical philosophy, Nehha reflected on the intimate nature of traditional baithak-style performances.
“This style of singing carries the stories of different people and creates a direct connection with the hearts of listeners,” she said.
Sharing insights into her personal journey, she added that music had always remained an integral part of her life despite the demands of everyday responsibilities.
“When music flows through your veins, it never really leaves you. That is perhaps why I consciously chose to return to it and make it a meaningful part of my life,” she remarked.
Nehha Mishra is a Visharad graduate of Prayag Sangeet Samiti and is widely recognized as a singer, entrepreneur, and leadership coach. She is also the founder of Saanjh aur Saaz, a musical initiative dedicated to creating intimate gatherings centered around melodies, stories, and shared human experiences.
The second half of the evening featured an engaging classical recital by Banaras-based vocalist Kunal Verma, whose powerful renditions showcased the depth and elegance of Hindustani classical music. Performing ragas including Raag Rageshri and Raag Soheni, he held the audience spellbound with his command over melody and improvisation.
Reflecting on his early musical influences, Kunal shared how his appreciation for classical music began during childhood.
“I grew up listening to classical music through Doordarshan and radio broadcasts. I particularly enjoyed listening to legends like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Pandit Jasraj. At that time, I may not have fully understood the intricacies, but I deeply enjoyed the experience,” he said.
A disciple of renowned vocalist Pt. Omkar Dadarkar, Kunal has spent over a decade pursuing Hindustani classical music, bhajans, abhangs, and Natya Sangeet. An Akashvani artist in Khayal Gayaki, he has performed at prestigious platforms such as Subah-e-Banaras, Sankat Mochan Bhajan Sandhya, and Pune’s Vitthal Mandir.
The performances were beautifully complemented by accomplished accompanists, including Gaurav Banerjee on tabla, Prashant Tripathi on harmonium, and Narsingh Maurya and Rashika Lal on tanpura.
The evening concluded with enthusiastic applause from the audience, reaffirming Lucknow’s enduring love for meaningful cultural experiences. By bringing together artists from diverse musical traditions, Lucknow Bioscope once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and preserving India’s rich musical heritage through intimate and engaging performances.
