NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, September 18, 2025: Music lovers in Atlanta were treated to a spellbinding evening of Hindustani classical music and timeless ghazals by classically trained vocalist Atri Kotal, in a program that beautifully blended tradition, emotion, and nostalgia.
Originally from Kolkata and now based in Mumbai, Atri Kotal is emerging as a powerful voice in the realm of Hindustani classical music. With years of rigorous training under eminent gurus, her voice showcases both technical brilliance and a depth of expression rarely seen in young artists today. Her command over classical forms, combined with her sensitivity to lighter genres, has earned her accolades from audiences across India and now, the U.S.
The evening was presented by Mustafa Ajmeri, a well-known champion of Indian arts in Atlanta, along with an enthusiastic team including Seema Hanji, Neeraj Bhatia, Sanjay Hanji, Hirak Dutta, Krishan Goyal, Sachin, and Karishma. Emcee Seema Hanji kept the program flowing with warmth and insight, making the event feel personal and connected.
Atri was accompanied by two seasoned musicians: Shri Anjaneya Shastry on tabla and Shri Manish Vyas on harmonium. Their synergy and sensitive accompaniment brought every note to life, providing the perfect backdrop for Kotal’s voice.
A Journey Through Genres and Emotions
The performance featured a thoughtfully curated mix of styles, paying homage to the golden era of Indian music. Atri began with bandishes in Raga Yaman and Bihag, immediately captivating the audience with the purity of her swaras, graceful taans, and harkats.
She then transitioned into a series of ghazals, offering heartfelt tributes to legends such as Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hasan, Begum Akhtar, Noor Jehan, Jagjit Singh, Shobha Gurtu, and Farida Khanum. Her rendition of “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo” mesmerized the audience. Each performance honored the legacy of these maestros while reflecting Kotal’s own signature style.
A special segment was dedicated to Bollywood songs rooted in classical ragas, striking an emotional chord with the audience. Her renditions of Thumri and Dadra in the style of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan transported listeners to a bygone era.
As the evening drew to a close, Atri responded to audience requests with two deeply moving performances: the iconic “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” and a beloved Bengali number, “Jochhona Koreche Aari”, which brought many to their feet in appreciation.
Applause and Lasting Impact
The auditorium echoed with applause and cheers after each piece, and many attendees expressed their gratitude for a concert that reconnected them with their musical roots.
In his closing remarks, Mustafa Ajmeri expressed heartfelt thanks to the audience and the organizing team for their unwavering support of Indian classical music. He also took a moment to acknowledge several prominent members of the audience, including:
- Rahim Paracha (show organizer)
- Murli Reddy (Founder, Charter Global)
- Nitin Shah (Chairman and CEO, Embassy National Bank)
- Jeet & Ashok Thakker (Mehfil Group)
- Dr. Uma Majmudar (renowned Gandhian scholar, author, and educator)
- Siraj Khan (OP Nayyar Memorial Trust)
- Usha Joshi Balakrishnan (Atlanta-based Hindustani classical singer and teacher)
- Tejas Chavan (music composer, producer, and director at Rezonance Studio)
- Durgesh Das (Leap to Shine)
- …and several other esteemed guests.
“This concert wasn’t just about music—it was about community, identity, and passing on a living tradition to the next generation,” Ajmeri said. With this performance, Atri Kotal has not only won the hearts of Atlanta’s music connoisseurs but also solidified her place as a rising star in the world of Hindustani classical music.
