ON AUGUST 25, 2009, the Nehru Centre (the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission) in London, presented a stunning confluence of modern and classical music which mirrored the age-old timeless tradition of Indian music with Padmanav Bordoloi – who was among the top 12 contestants of Indian Idol, 2007 and also took part in Real TV’s Sitaron Ko Choona Hai, 2009.

He was invited by Syed Asif Ibrahim, Minister, Culture to perform in the International Hindi conference at the Indian High Commission on August 31, 2009. Radio 92FM invited him to perform on September 7, 2009. Sunrise Radio & Television (the renowned Asian radio station) arranged an interview of Padmanav with Ravi Sharma on September 3 and 10, 2009. His final show in London, held at Lydhurst Avenue, North Finchley on September 12, 2009 was organised by the Hindu Cultural Society, a prominent Indian organisation.

On August 25, 2009 Sony TV UK organised an evening with Padmanav and NRI members.

The programme at the Nehru Centre was initiated by Monika Kapil Mehta, Director and Minister of Culture. She spoke highly about the art and culture of Assam and about the popular artiste of the evening. The chief guest of the evening was Barry Gardiner, hon’ble Member of Parliament (Labour) from Brent North and Rajesh K. Srivastava, Deputy Director. Kailash Budhwar, BBC World Service, Rajinder Chopra, Hindu Cultural Society, Tejinder Sharma, Secretary General, Katha UK were also present. In a unique traditional Assamese gesture, the invited artiste and guests were felicitated with phulam gamochas and japis by Rosy Sen and Anahita Sen. In return, Padmanav said in Hindi: Aapne ye sanman jo mujhe diya hai, ye sirf mujhe hi nahi, puri Assam-bashiyo ko aap de rahe hai. Ye mein kabhi nahi bhulunga. He specially thanked this writer for her efforts to bring him to this prestigious gathering in London for the first time. Barry Gardiner mentioned the richness of North East India, especially Assam, and the importance of showcasing unity in cultural diversity.

Padmanav held the audience in complete thrall with his mixture of modern and classical songs, in what was a fitting performance among the long list of cultural activities at the Nehru Centre. Virtues of simplicity and grace have made young Padmanav the most appealing artiste from today's younger generation of musicians of India, especially Assam.

The evening commenced with Padmanav honouring his mother by singing Meri Maa, the heart touching song of Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par, which moved the audience to tears. He sang a mixture of Bollywood golden oldies by Mohammad Rafi, songs like Raj Kapoor’s Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan, songs from Guide, Tere Mere Sapne, Mukesh’s Pyaar Ka Nagma, Kishore Kumar's Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and Kailash Kher’s Saiyyan.

When he sang Hole Hole Ho Jayega Pyaar (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), the crowd became nostalgic. Mr. Gardiner joined in the chorus of Hole Hole. Assamese Bihu by Rosy Sen and 11-year-old Anahita Sen, and the tunes and beats of dhol, pepa, gagana inspired the Assamese ladies to come to the floor and dance with Padmanav, which left the audience spellbound.

The grand finale was a rendition of AR Rahman’s Vande Mataram – Maa Tujhe Salaam, by Padmanav, a superb vocal presentation of the powerful lyrics. The people in the audience stood up to join hands with pride and honour, to pay their respects to their motherland by singing - O Maa Tujhe Salaam - Vande Mataram.

Padmanav Bordoloi is an inspiration and his flawless performance is a forceful message for all our upcoming singers to follow.

Rini Kakati