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Click on the link above to request our film. We will use this information get the film to a theater near you as soon as possible. The more requests we have, the more likely it will screen in your area, so send your request today!As a student of Indian Classical music, Andrew Mendelson journeys through India to compete in the largest music competition in the state of Rajasthan. Sitar in hand, he visits some of India's greatest monuments and comes face to face with the power and beauty of India and its music.
THE STORY
North Indian classical music, a centuries-old musical tradition of great depth and richness, has influenced generations of composers across the globe. Although many of these musicians consider it the highest form of musical expression, North Indian classical music remains unfamiliar to most Western ears. And, the rapid influx of western culture in today's era of globalization now threatens this music with tragic obsolescence.
In an unusual reversal of this cultural current, Andrew Mendelson, a 32-year-old Texas native, has dedicated his life to the study of this distinctive tradition. In 2003, at the invitation of his Guru, acclaimed sitarist Krishna Mohan Bhatt, Andrew traveled to India to study the sitar. On a whim, he entered the Sri Mahendra Bhatt Music Competition – the largest contest of its kind in the state of Rajasthan – where, astonishingly, he won first prize. Little did Andrew know that he had become the first foreigner ever to compete for, let alone win, this prestigious award.
The documentary film A Cricket in the Court of Akbar joins Andrew two years later as he returns to India to compete for the grand prize in the Tournament of Champions, the Sur Sadak gold medal. Once again, he finds he is the only American contestant. And despite talent and relentless dedication, his outsider status proves to be a tremendous obstacle to his success as a sitarist, and especially in his efforts to earn the approval of his Guru. As Andrew prepares to vie for the championship, he struggles to reconcile his western identity with his embrace of North Indian classical music – and his unprecedented efforts to excel in the competition.
Throughout the film, a variety of experts from India
and the United States offer insight into the timely
issue of global cultural exchange and the timeless
appeal of North Indian classical music. The film breathes
life into this vibrant tradition as it exposes a brand
new audience to its majestic legacy.
Find out more at http://ragamalaproductions.com
American Sitarist at Indian Music Competition, part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u6EkPcww-0
I just posted this video to YouTube. They are from the first time I participated in the Sri Mahendra Bhatt Music competition from 5 years ago. Two years later I returned to compete in the final phase of the competition, whaic is where 'A Cricket in the Court of Akbar' begins.Hope you like it!
Check out the new sample video clip! Its a practice session with Gulam Fareed on tabla. Its a Nikhil Bannerjee composition of Rag Bhimpalasi in Rupak Taal.
And here's the conclusion to the practice session:
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