Pratibha Singh Baghel headlines a perfect concert

THE recent South Asian Sounds festival at the Southbank Centre in London included a stunning concert headlined by the superb Indian singer Pratibha Singh Baghel.

The sensational talent teamed up with the brilliant British act Chineke! Orchestra and top Indian musicians for a grand, sold-out concert at the Royal Festival Hall, which left the audience enthralled.

She started her debut UK show with a beautiful rendition of the Umrao Jaan song Dil Cheez and glided effortlessly between old Bollywood classics like Aye-Dil-E-Nadan, Lag Jaa Gale and Lambi Judai with new songs like Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai.

The multi-layered show also saw her deliver tracks that included Afreen Afreen and the ghazal classic Chupke Chupke Raat Din.

She also paid a beautiful tribute to the legendary ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, with songs like Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho. The classic hits kept on coming with a wonderful rendition of the Noor Jehan classic Sanu Nehar Walay Pul Tay Bula Kay, along with Bollywood classics like Uden Jab Jab Zulfen Teri and Raat Baaki.

Perhaps the biggest highlight was a stunning rendition of the Mughal-e-Azam track Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, with a full orchestra that made the music reverberate around the giant auditorium.

The fabulous musicians helped the gifted vocalist fly and left the audience wanting more.

One of the best kept secrets in India music, who has admirably been given a platform by British record label Sufiscore with stunning music releases, Pratibha Singh Baghel delivered an immersive show with a performance that showed off her remarkable range.

UK show producers Ragatip added to their growing reputation of doing things differently with another fine concert that was absolutely flawless.