A priceless photographic artifact from 1962–63 captures a rare, stellar constellation of Indian art, music, and leadership gathering in South Mumbai. Taken in the foyer of the Birla Matoshree Auditorium, the image documents an extraordinary moment following a prestigious cultural program featuring performances by Kathak queen Sitara Devi and classical powerhouse Kesarbai Kerkar.
Behind the lens was sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan, who snapped the historic frame.
The lineup of luminaries standing side-by-side offers a snapshot of a golden age in Indian culture:
Pandit Ram Narayan- pioneering sarangi virtuoso who preserved the moment.
Sitara Devi -legendary Kathak dancer celebrated for her explosive energy.
Dr. V. K. Narayana Menon- Influential musicologist and then-Deputy Director of All India Radio.
David Abraham -beloved Hindi cinema character actor and Olympic weightlifting referee.
Pratibha Patil – emerging political leader who would later become the first female President of India.
Kesarbai Kerkar- formidable vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, whose music was later sent into interstellar space on the Voyager Golden Record.
Sachin Dev Burman, Maestro of melody who effortlessly bridged folk traditions with mainstream cinema.
This singular image serves as a timeless cultural record, capturing an era when classical heritage, cinema, and national leadership converged in perfect harmony
News Edit KV Raman
