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Vishwa Mohan Bhatt to play for Musharraf

Kamla Bora in Jaipur

Grammy award winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt will create a festive mood with his wizardry on the string instrument 'Mohan Veena' before the Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf in Agra on July 15.

He has specially composed a 20-minute classical piece for the occasion when the leaders of India and Pakistan would be relaxing after a gruelling day-long summit talks in the city of Taj.

The classical piece Sadbhavana is based on Raag Bihag, a late evening Raga, as it would be performed around eight in the evening, explained Bhatt.

"I have specially selected Raag Bihag as it has a classical depth and its mood is bright, joyful and festive which is most appropriate for the occasion," said the maestro to rediff.com.

Bhatt had also performed before Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Delhi a few years ago.

Bhatt, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy award, will be performing in Agra on the invitation of the Indian Council of Culture and Research.

His two sons - Salil and Saurabh - who are artistes in their own right will be accompanying him.

Excited over getting the chance to perform before important dignitaries on a historic occasion Bhatt said, "Ummeed hai baat cheet mein sab acchha hi hoga (I expect every thing will be good during the talks)."

"Agar Mohan Veena ke taar do netaon ke dilon ko jod payen to mein samjhunga mera suksham prayas safal raha (if the strings of Mohan Veena succeed with its music to make the two leaders talk peace then I shall feel that my small effort has yielded results)," stated the maestro modestly.

Bhatt has created the string instrument 'Mohan Veena' himself by redesigning the hawaiin guitar.

Mohan Veena, which was initially rejected by so called purists of Indian classical music, finally got its due recognition a decade ago when Bhatt proved that the instrument was capable of playing all intricate Indian ragas.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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