Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] October 22: On 25th October 2024, Mumbai will witness the grand launch of My Name is Jaan, a global premiere theatrical tour that brings to life the extraordinary story of Gauhar Jaan, a trailblazer in Indian music and recording history. This solo performance, starring the multifaceted Arpita Chatterjee, takes the audience on a captivating journey through Gauhar Jaan’s life, showcasing her pioneering role in shaping Indian classical music and her groundbreaking achievement as the first Indian artist to record a song on a gramophone.
Arpita Chatterjee, the star of the show, is a distinguished actress, trained classical dancer, and accomplished singer. She first gained fame in 1997 after winning the prestigious ‘Sananda Tilottama’ beauty pageant in Eastern India. With a career spanning more than two decades, Arpita has starred in over fifty films across Bengali, Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Odia cinema, making her a perfect choice to portray the legendary Gauhar Jaan.
Born in 1873, Gauhar Jaan’s life began in the ancient city of Banaras, where her mother made the bold choice to start afresh and immerse Gauhar in the world of classical music and dance. Her meteoric rise as a celebrated courtesan and performer enchanted audiences with her soulful renditions in multiple languages and styles. One of the pivotal moments in her life was in 1902 when she became the first Indian artist to record a song on a gramophone, thanks to German sound engineer William Gaisberg. This landmark moment not only solidified her place in music history but also forged an international connection with Germany, heralding a new era in the global music industry.
The play intricately weaves musical performances showcasing Gauhar Jaan’s exceptional talent across Indian classical forms such as Khayal, Thumri, and Kirtan, all performed by Arpita Chatterjee. Each performance is more than a mere rendition—it reflects Gauhar Jaan’s identity, struggles, and resilience. The production highlights key moments from her artistic journey, personal battles, and her lasting impact on the cultural fabric of India. The carefully selected songs transport the audience to her time, offering a glimpse into her immense contribution to Indian music.
Set against the backdrop of colonial India, the play also touches on the socio-political challenges and personal betrayals Gauhar Jaan faced. From her beginnings in Banaras to her celebrated performances in Calcutta, the narrative is a powerful testament to her indomitable spirit. Her connection to Germany through the gramophone recording adds a global dimension to her legacy, underscoring her influence beyond borders. My Name is Jaan is a tribute to the legendary figure who played a pivotal role in the enduring cultural exchange between India and Germany, a relationship that spans over a century.
Show Dates:
- 25th & 27th October 2024 – Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Mumbai
- 24th November 2024 – Stadttheater, Gmunden, Austria
- 25th November 2024 – Congress & Theater, Bad Ischl, Austria
- 18th & 19th January 2025 – Sri Ram Centre, Delhi
- 24th January 2025 – Hyderabad
- 13th April 2025 – The Rose, Brampton, Canada
The tour promises to be an unmissable experience, celebrating the life and legacy of Gauhar Jaan while shining a light on her contributions to the global music scene.
My Name is Jaan was launched in Kolkata with multiple successful shows. It was applauded by eminent personalities from the performing arts fraternity –
“The Conceptualisation, the script, the stage, the music all came together in an absolutely brilliant way.” By Debanjan chakravorty, Director British Council.
s “Putting together such a long performance including acting and singing arpita had worked really hard.” By Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty, Hindustani Classical Maestro.
“Arpita had done a wonderful job. A very difficult job. To sing the songs such beautifully, to bring out the generation through acting is an extremely difficult task done by Arpita.” By Goutam Ghosh. Film Director
“To handle such a bold subject so deftly , that too acting solo and singing gauhar Jaan’s songs is not an easy task.” By Pt Tejendra Narayan Majumdar. Legendary sarod player.
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