Kirpal Panesar and Junaid Ali

Raags Performed: - Raag Chandrakauns - Raag Piloo Musicians : - Roopa Panesarl (sitar) - Yashwant Vaishnav (tabla) - Gunwant Kaur (tanpura) Roopa Panesar, a distinguished British sitar virtuoso, graced the Music of India Leicester series in 2022 with a mesmerising rendition of Raag Chandrakauns & Piloo. Accompanied by the adept tabla maestro Sanjay Vaishnav, Panesar's performance was a testament to her profound mastery of Hindustani classical music. Her interpretation of the Raags unfolded with emotive depth and intricate improvisations, captivating the audience and reaffirming her stature as one of the UK's leading Indian classical musicians. Panesar's musical journey, rooted in rigorous training under esteemed gurus, has led her to international acclaim, with performances that bridge traditional Indian ragas and contemporary sensibilities. Her collaboration with Vaishnav at the Darbar Festival exemplified the dynamic interplay between melody and rhythm, offering listeners an unforgettable experience of classical Indian artistry. About Raag Chandrakauns & Piloo Raag Chandrakauns and Raag Piloo are two beloved and expressive ragas from the Hindustani classical tradition, each offering a distinct emotional palette and musical character. Raag Chandrakauns is a pentatonic (audav) raga known for its deep, meditative, and mysterious mood. It omits Re (Rishabh) and Pa (Pancham), using only Sa, komal Ga, shuddh Ma, komal Dha, and Ni. Often performed late at night, Chandrakauns creates a haunting and introspective atmosphere. Its slow unfolding in the alap reveals its capacity for emotional depth, often associated with devotion, longing, and serenity. The raga is especially popular among instrumentalists due to its simple scale and profound emotive potential. Raag Piloo, by contrast, is light, romantic, and playful. It belongs to the thumri and semi-classical genres but is also explored in full classical presentations. Piloo is a mishra (mixed) raga, often incorporating notes from multiple ragas, giving it flexibility and charm. Both shuddh and komal forms of Ga, Dha, and Ni are used, allowing performers to weave intricate, expressive melodies. Piloo is often used in lighter compositions such as bhajans, ghazals, and film music, making it highly accessible and emotionally engaging.