Mumbai: There’s something about music that stays with you. It’s more than just notes or lyrics—it’s the stories they carry, the lives they bring to light. That’s exactly what happened at the News9 Global Summit in Germany’s Stuttgart, where veteran actress Arpita Chatterjee took the stage for a solo concert dedicated to Gauhar Jaan.
Gauhar Jaan was India’s first recording superstar. She wasn’t just a singer; she was a force of nature, famously known as the “Gramophone Girl of India.”
The concert was, in a word, mesmerising. Chatterjee didn’t just perform songs; she brought Gauhar’s journey to life. Through 10 carefully chosen pieces in five languages, she painted a picture of a woman who wasn’t afraid to take risks or stand out. Each piece reflected Gauhar’s mastery of Hindustani classical music—Thumri, Dadra, Kirtan—all those rich, intricate styles.
Gauhar Jaan – A Life That Still Inspires
Born in 1873 as Eleen Angelina Yeoward, Gauhar Jaan’s life was far from simple. She grew up in Calcutta and trained with some of the finest classical musicians of the time. In 1902, she made history as the first Indian artist whose voice was recorded by the Gramophone Company.
But her journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. Gauhar faced more than her fair share of challenges—personal heartbreaks, societal judgment, and the constant pressure of being a woman ahead of her time. Even so, she recorded nearly 600 songs in multiple languages, becoming a trailblazer for women in a world that often tried to silence them.
The Night That Brought It All Back
At the Summit, Arpita Chatterjee didn’t just sing; she made us feel like we were travelling back in time. Gauhar’s story isn’t just about the past; it’s about what it means to be fearless in the face of adversity. And if there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: voices like hers don’t just fade. They echo.
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