Srinagar, September 7
He was to say he was happy. So, he chose music and Srinagar. The Zafarwan hills strung around a decked up Shalimar Bagh were a natural giveaway, and the sinewy chinar appeared to sway with the unsaid: Zubin Mehta was indeed very happy. To his expression of mildness, the gathering of over 2,000 went into a reverie, this evening. “Ehsaas-e-Kashmir” was meant to enchant.

The evening began with Kashmiri instrumental music composition “Soz-o-Saaz” written and directed by Kashmir santoor exponent Abhay Rustum Sopori. Traditional musical instruments such as the santoor, rabab, matka, tumbak and sarangi were played by a group of around 15 local artistes attired in white Khan suits and black waistcoats.

Kashmiri artistes played in conjunction with the Bavarian artistes at the opening and culmination of the soirée.

The Mumbai-born opera music conductor greeted the crowd saying: “Hum bahut khush hain, bahut khush hain” (I am very happy). Mehta said it was something “I have waited and dreamt of this moment... practically all my life. And, every person on this subcontinent will agree with that this is where it (concert) should be...”

“The moment the music starts, a very positive wave goes across this stage to all of Kashmir, to all our friends, to all our critics, and god bless them all, thank you," he said.

Mehta hoped he would perform “next time” among the people of Kashmir and not before a select audience like today. J&K Governor NN Vohra, CM Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Farooq Abdullah, BJP leader Jaswant Singh, ministers, legislators and prominent personalities from the Hindi film industry and business community were among those in attendance. Actor Gul Panag hosted the event. Residents of a nearby locality witnessed the 90-minute performance from the windows of their houses.