Sindh Courier Correspondent

Bairagarh, Bhopal

Sindhu, a social and cultural organization of Sindhi community of Hirdaram Nagar (Bairagarh), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh state of India will hold a poetry recital session and musical concert today (Sunday, December 15, 2024) to commemorate the 117th birthday of Master Chander, the Music Maestro, who was born on December 7, 1907 in Sindh.

Sindhu organization used to celebrate the birthday of Master Chander every year since its inception in 1989, Mr. Nari Lachhwani, himself a poet and singer, and one of the founders of the Sindhu organization said.

The commemorative program will be held in collaboration with Sanskar Public School’s Nirmal Nursery located in its premises at 6pm.

Renowned poet and writer Ashok Jamnani from Nirmadapur, Hoshangabad will be the chief guest while noted poets and singers will take part in poetry recitation and music program.

Read: Master Chander: Man with Golden Voice

_____________________

The post Sindhi community of Bhopal celebrates 117th birthday of Master Chander first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Quratulain Kareem

Sindh is a land of gold where one can find red gold blue gold and white gold but because of some new shifts in time mass migration dispersed the resources here and there while the core is core and that is decision of nature regarding resources in a decided ecosystem. Among those was one golden voice of Master Chander. Master Chander was born in Tharushah town of district Naushehro Feroze, Sindh province. According to Dr. Kamla Goklani (lecturer Govt. College Ajmer) he was born on December 18, 1909. The mansion in Tharushah in which Master Chander was raised still stands and is an excellent example of traditional Sindhi vernacular architecture, incorporating both functional and aesthetic elements common to heritage structures of the region.

Built during the late 19th century, the Master Chander’s house reflects craftsmanship that was prevalent during the British colonial period.  From an archaeological perspective, the house offers insight into the domestic life of Sindh’s elite during the late colonial era. The house’s construction methods and decorative features highlight the continuity of local traditions.

According to Gobind Malhi, a Sindhi fictionist, essayist and a dramatist-director who is credited with having Sindhi theatre in India, born in 1921, in Tharushah in a Hindu zamindar family, says his birth name was Chaanddumal Damwani. Master Chander was indeed an only child born to his parents (Of Matai Khandan) Zamindar Mr. Assandas & Mrs. Rami Bai Damwani. He changed his surname to Damwani as his Great grandfather zamindar Damo Mal Matai. Master Chander was the seventh generation of the family.

Despite his parents wanted him to be a businessman, his interest in singing and music intensified over time. He started a music school in Nawabshah and later in Karachi his breakthrough came with song ‘Tabiba khayal saan disjo, atham dil ji beemari’ on a gramophone then his first song ‘Suhina arz ahy’ in 1932”. He could truly be called a ‘melody’ that touched the very pulse of man who was love-lorn, distressed & disappointed.

He was first to sing Kalams and songs related to love in Sindhi Language. He brought new singing wave in Sindh. He studied music secretly. He was encouraged to study music by his uncle, who bought him his first harmonium from Calcutta. One day, Bhagat Kanwar Ram a Sindhi Sufi singer, poet, a disciple of saint Satram Das Sahib of Raharki, father of classical Sindhi music, singer of world famous Sindhi song “Nale Allakh je Bairo Tar Muhnjo “  saw Master Chander performing and predicted that he would become a great singer in the future. He said that Chander will shine like the moon. Therefore his prediction came true and when Master Chander performed, people would throw money, gold and other valuables on stage.

Read: Music Maestro Master Chander’s 116th Birthday Celebrated in Hirdaram Nagar, Madhya Pradesh

One of the most endearing songs of Master Chander was “Nandri Nandri Ahiyan”- a story of an eight (8) year old girl, her servant, Pirla and a thief. It was sung in a story telling style. The song was recognized by Prime Minister Jawaherlal Nehru in the early 1950s.

In 1955, Master Chander was given the rare opportunity to give a concert in Sindh, and he did so along with his son Gope Chander. There they were warmly welcomed by the people of Sindh. After his return to India, he never visited Sindh again, but gave concerts all over the world during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Master Chander was more so famous among the younger generations of that time. You can say his fan following and musical hits reached the heights of Elvis Presley and the Beatles. His songs “Rutha Ee Rahan Perr Hujain Hayati”, “Dil Ahey Hathan Mein”, “Rana Vahju Na Ute” and “Kabootar Kabootar” as well as many other songs were very popular not only in Sindh, but all over the world.

After the partition, living in Bombay with his growing family, he continued to record music and sing in films. He also vocally trained his sons Gope and Mahesh Chander. Gope Chander, lives in New York and is a well-known singer throughout the United States. Mahesh Chander is also a famous singer, known as the “Man with the Velvet Voice”, he is a music director, who has won many awards, including being recognized for composing the poetry of Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

A stone affixed over wall with “MANSUKH MAHAL 1945“and another stone affixed on main entrance with “ASSANDAS KUNGUMAL” tells story that Master Chander raised as man with golden voice in MANSUKH MAHEL but when during partition left his Mahal in Pakistan bestowing same to a family currently living in and he himself migrated to India and settled in Ajmer, Kolkata and then Mumbai. Like Beatles mined from Britain and ruled over world, Elvis Presley mined from America and ruled over world, Master Chander mined from Sindh and ruled over world.

Although India Pakistan Diaspora dispersed much but there is still something which is shared and kept us all united beyond boarders and boundaries and that is heritage left by master Chander. On 2nd November, 1986, his soul departed but his golden voice is still here and is a reason for every heart to beat by listening songs sung by him , gold can  be mined once again  through the legacy of passion for Sindhi music and poetry making a lasting impact on the culture left by The Great Master Chander Jee.

Read: Sindhi Music Maestros – Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander

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Quratulain Kareem is Teaching Assistant at Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro Sindh

The post Master Chander: Man with Golden Voice first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh Courier Correspondent  

Hirdaram Nagar

Sindhu, a social, cultural and literary organization of Sindhi community of Hirdaram Nagar (Bairagarh), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh state organized a poetry recital session and musical concert on Friday December 15 to commemorate the 116th birthday of Master Chander, the Music Maestro, who was born on December 7, 1907 in Sindh.

Sindhu organization used to celebrate the birthday of Master Chander every year since its inception in 1989.

The commemorative program was held in collaboration with Sanskar Public School at Nirmal Nursery located in its premises at 6pm on December 15, 2023 in Hirdaram Nagar.

Eminent poets Ballu Choithani, Dev Arjwani and Kanayo Shivani recited the poetry while renowned singers Dileep Lalwani, Naresh Gidwani and Nari Lachhwani enthralled the audience by singing the popular songs of Master Chander, Parsram Zia and Khubchand Pagal Premi.

Ms. Darupadi Chandnani, known for sharing hot seat with legendary actor Amitabh Bachan in famous TV show ‘Kon Banega Krorpati’, beautifully conducted the program.

Life Sketch of Master Chander

Master Chander, a Legend of Sindhi Music, who was the first to sing songs of love in Sindhi Language, was born in Tharushah, a small but historic town of district Naushehro Feroze (Formerly part of Nawabshah district) on December 7, 1907. His songs were recorded by HMV records. There must be thousands of songs sung by Master Chander, but hardly 400 songs’ information is available. He could very easily form the lyrics of the songs and perform in no time. That is one of the reasons, they were not officially recorded and are unavailable.

Master-Chander-SahibMaster Chander had a passion for music from his childhood. Born in a Zamindar family, where singing was considered a ‘taboo’. Master Chander faced great odds in acquiring rightful place in the field of music in Sindh. He was not only the most popular singer of HMV, but also a legendary figure, who brought new singing wave in Sindh. His renderings kept the audience spellbound for hours. One of his rendering ‘Rutha Ee Rahan, Par Hujen Hayati’ (Let them live long even when they are not on good terms) was most popular. He had the knack of keeping his audience, spell bound for hours.

Master Chander was indeed an only child born to his parents – Mr. Assandas and Mrs. Rami Bai Damwani. He changed his surname to Damwani as his Great Grandfather was Zamindar Damo Mal Matai. Master Chander was the seventh generation of the family.

As a child, Master Chander was very fond of music, however, since music was looked down upon in those days, he studied music secretly. But, he was encouraged to study music by his uncle, who also bought him his first harmonium from Calcutta.

One day, Bhagat Kanwar Ram, a great singer of Sindh, saw Master Chander perform and predicted that he would become a great singer in the future. He said that Chander will shine like the moon. It’s said when Master Chander performed the people would shower money, gold and other valuables on stage.

Master Chander, recorded his first song “Sunhina Arza Ahe” in 1932. This song became a phenomenon on the radio. It was a mix of classical music and a style of his own, what now we can categorize as an early rendition of rap. After his first hit, there was no looking back. His career spanned over 50 years.

Like many famous singers of today, who venture into movies, so did Master Chander in the late 1930s. He worked in films including “Dilaram” and “Maut Ka Toofan”, in which he played the hero. He was also cast for “Achoot Kanya” with Devika Rani but was later replaced by Ashok Kumar. Sadly, prior to production of this movie, two of his five sons passed away within months. He was needed at home and thus ended the movie career but Master Chander recorded seven songs for “Achoot Kanya”.

Master Chander was not only a singer and actor but also a poet and music director.

Master Chander was more famous among the younger generations of that time and his fan following and musical hits reached the heights.

One of the most endearing songs of Master Chander was “Nandri Nandri Ahiyan”- a story of an eight-year old girl, her servant, Pirla and a thief. It was sung in a story telling style. The song was recognized by Prime Minister Jawaherlal Nehru in the early 1950s.

Beside his own poetry, Chander sang songs written by the great poet Parsram Zia. Master Chander’s music was copied by the music directors of Bollywood. Master Chander was the only singer in the entire history of HMV music who was paid 7% of royalties. Others were paid 5%.

In 1947, during the partition of India, Master Chander and the majority of Sindhis were forced to leave their homes and properties in Sindh. He narrowly escaped his own death during those tumultuous days, having sent his family- his pregnant wife, Heti, mother, three sons and three daughters, as well as extended family members ahead in a ship to Bombay, India. Seeing the plight of his people and missing his homeland, he began to write and sing songs for building confidence of the displaced Sindhis in India. Some of the notable songs during this period were “Mitha Abana” from Sindhi movie Abana, “Kismat Kai Judai” and “Hoshiyar Sindhi”.

After the partition, living in Bombay with his growing family, he continued to record music and sing in films. He also trained his sons Gope and Mahesh Chander. Gope Chander, lives in New York and is a well-known singer. Mahesh Chander is also a famous singer, known as the “Man with the Velvet Voice.” He is a music director, who has won many awards, including being recognized for composing the poetry of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

In 1955, Master Chander was given the rare opportunity to give a concert in Sindh, and he did so along with his son Gope Chander. There they were warmly welcomed by the people of Sindh. After his return to India, he never visited Sindh again, but gave concerts all over the world during the 1960s and early 1970s.

On 3rd November, 1984, Master Chander passed away leaving behind a lifetime of music, songs and his family to become ‘The Legend of Sindh’.

In the mid-1990s, in honor of Master Chander, his family created the Master Chander Sangeet Academy in New York, USA and Bombay, India. Every year in either December or January, a concert in the memory of Master Chander is held in New York, Bombay, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmadabad and Ulhasnagar.

The music continues with Master Chander’s sons- Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander, grandchildren- Arti Raj Chander, Harish Chander and Anil Chander. The music will forever continue with future generations from his family and beyond.

Apart from being great singer, musician & poet, Master Chander was also great author who wrote these books during his lifetime.

Detailed Life story of his Guru Kaka Jeevatram Matai “Sacho Sufi Athav Sufi Darvesh”

“Ishwar Ain Jeev Jeev Jey Lagape taraf Rooh Rihan”

Chaar Changa, Chaar Mada

Shah Sahib

“Sangeet ain Maan” where Master Chander has detailed his journey of Music.

“Hika Mulakat” where he has detailed his meeting

“Sindhi Lok Sangeet” – He has touched upon various facets of Raga and Singing

Deepchand – Koel Jee Kahani (Screenplay) – Available in the form of Audio Cassette and CDs.

“Anja Ta Aita Maan Nandiri Ahiyan” – Story about small intelligent girl

In 1964, he also performed in a Sindhi movie Jhulelal.

_____________

Life Sketch Courtesy: Sindhi Wiki

The post Music Maestro Master Chander’s 116th Birthday Celebrated in Hirdaram Nagar, Madhya Pradesh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh Courier Correspondent 

Bhopal

Sindhu, a social and cultural organization of Sindhi community of Hirdaram Nagar (Bairagarh), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh state will hold a poetry recital session and musical concert on December 15 to commemorate the 116th birthday of Master Chander, the Music Maestro, who was born on December 7, 1907 in Sindh.

Sindhu organization used to celebrate the birthday of Master Chander every year since its inception in 1989.

The commemorative program will be held in collaboration with Sanskar Public School at Nirmal Nursery located in its premises at 6pm on December 15, 2023 in Hirdaram Nagar.

Ballu Choithani and Dev Arjwani will recite the poetry while Dileep Lalwani, Naresh Gidwani and Nari Lachhwani will entertain the audience by singing the songs.

Darupadi Chandnani will conduct the program.

Life Sketch of Master Chander

Master Chander, a Legend of Sindhi Music, who was the first to sing songs of love in Sindhi Language, was born in Tharushah, a small but historic town of district Naushehro Feroze (Formerly part of Nawabshah district) on December 7, 1907. His songs were recorded by HMV records. There must be thousands of songs sung by Master Chander, but hardly 400 songs’ information is available. He could very easily form the lyrics of the songs and perform in no time. That is one of the reasons, they were not officially recorded and are unavailable.

Master Chander had a passion for music from his childhood. Born in a Zamindar family, where singing was considered a ‘taboo’. Master Chander faced great odds in acquiring rightful place in the field of music in Sindh. He was not only the most popular singer of HMV, but also a legendary figure, who brought new singing wave in Sindh. His renderings kept the audience spellbound for hours. One of his rendering ‘Rutha Ee Rahan, Par Hujen Hayati’ (Let them live long even when they are not on good terms) was most popular. He had the knack of keeping his audience, spell bound for hours.

Master Chander was indeed an only child born to his parents – Mr. Assandas and Mrs. Rami Bai Damwani. He changed his surname to Damwani as his Great Grandfather was Zamindar Damo Mal Matai. Master Chander was the seventh generation of the family.

As a child, Master Chander was very fond of music, however, since music was looked down upon in those days, he studied music secretly. But, he was encouraged to study music by his uncle, who also bought him his first harmonium from Calcutta.

One day, Bhagat Kanwar Ram, a great singer of Sindh, saw Master Chander perform and predicted that he would become a great singer in the future. He said that Chander will shine like the moon. It’s said when Master Chander performed the people would shower money, gold and other valuables on stage.

Master Chander, recorded his first song “Sunhina Arza Ahe” in 1932. This song became a phenomenon on the radio. It was a mix of classical music and a style of his own, what now we can categorize as an early rendition of rap. After his first hit, there was no looking back. His career spanned over 50 years.

Like many famous singers of today, who venture into movies, so did Master Chander in the late 1930s. He worked in films including “Dilaram” and “Maut Ka Toofan”, in which he played the hero. He was also cast for “Achoot Kanya” with Devika Rani but was later replaced by Ashok Kumar. Sadly, prior to production of this movie, two of his five sons passed away within months. He was needed at home and thus ended the movie career but Master Chander recorded seven songs for “Achoot Kanya”.

Master Chander was not only a singer and actor but also a poet and music director.

Master Chander was more famous among the younger generations of that time and his fan following and musical hits reached the heights.

One of the most endearing songs of Master Chander was “Nandri Nandri Ahiyan”- a story of an eight-year old girl, her servant, Pirla and a thief. It was sung in a story telling style. The song was recognized by Prime Minister Jawaherlal Nehru in the early 1950s.

Beside his own poetry, Chander sang songs written by the great poet Parsram Zia. Master Chander’s music was copied by the music directors of Bollywood. Master Chander was the only singer in the entire history of HMV music who was paid 7% of royalties. Others were paid 5%.

In 1947, during the partition of India, Master Chander and the majority of Sindhis were forced to leave their homes and properties in Sindh. He narrowly escaped his own death during those tumultuous days, having sent his family- his pregnant wife, Heti, mother, three sons and three daughters, as well as extended family members ahead in a ship to Bombay, India. Seeing the plight of his people and missing his homeland, he began to write and sing songs for building confidence of the displaced Sindhis in India. Some of the notable songs during this period were “Mitha Abana” from Sindhi movie Abana, “Kismat Kai Judai” and “Hoshiyar Sindhi”.

After the partition, living in Bombay with his growing family, he continued to record music and sing in films. He also trained his sons Gope and Mahesh Chander. Gope Chander, lives in New York and is a well-known singer. Mahesh Chander is also a famous singer, known as the “Man with the Velvet Voice.” He is a music director, who has won many awards, including being recognized for composing the poetry of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

In 1955, Master Chander was given the rare opportunity to give a concert in Sindh, and he did so along with his son Gope Chander. There they were warmly welcomed by the people of Sindh. After his return to India, he never visited Sindh again, but gave concerts all over the world during the 1960s and early 1970s.

On 3rd November, 1984, Master Chander passed away leaving behind a lifetime of music, songs and his family to become ‘The Legend of Sindh’.

In the mid-1990s, in honor of Master Chander, his family created the Master Chander Sangeet Academy in New York, USA and Bombay, India. Every year in either December or January, a concert in the memory of Master Chander is held in New York, Bombay, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmadabad and Ulhasnagar.

The music continues with Master Chander’s sons- Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander, grandchildren- Arti Raj Chander, Harish Chander and Anil Chander. The music will forever continue with future generations from his family and beyond.

Apart from being great singer, musician & poet, Master Chander was also great author who wrote these books during his lifetime.

Detailed Life story of his Guru Kaka Jeevatram Matai “Sacho Sufi Athav Sufi Darvesh”

“Ishwar Ain Jeev Jeev Jey Lagape taraf Rooh Rihan”

Chaar Changa, Chaar Mada

Shah Sahib

“Sangeet ain Maan” where Master Chander has detailed his journey of Music.

“Hika Mulakat” where he has detailed his meeting

“Sindhi Lok Sangeet” – He has touched upon various facets of Raga and Singing

Deepchand – Koel Jee Kahani (Screenplay) – Available in the form of Audio Cassette and CDs.

“Anja Ta Aita Maan Nandiri Ahiyan” – Story about small intelligent girl

In 1964, he also performed in a Sindhi movie Jhulelal.

______________

Life Sketch Courtesy: Sindhi Wiki

The post Sindhi community of Hirdaram Nagar, Bhopal to celebrate 116th birthday of Master Chander first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh Courier Correspondent  

Bhopal

Sindhu, a social and cultural organization of Sindhi community of Hirdaram Nagar (Bairagarh), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh state will hold a poetry recital session and musical concert on December 15 to commemorate the 116^th birthday of Master Chander, the Music Maestro, who was born on December 7, 1907 in Sindh.

Sindhu organization used to celebrate the birthday of Master Chander every year since its inception in 1989.

The commemorative program will be held in collaboration with Sanskar Public School at Nirmal Nursery located in its premises at 6pm on December 15, 2023 in Hirdaram Nagar.

Bilo Choithani and Dev Arjwani will recite the poetry while Dileep Lalwani, Naresh Gidwani and Nari Lachhwani will entertain the audience by singing the songs.

Darupadi Chandnani will conduct the program.

Life Sketch of Master Chander

Master Chander, a Legend of Sindhi Music, who was the first to sing songs of love in Sindhi Language, was born in Tharushah, a small but historic town of district Naushehro Feroze (Formerly part of Nawabshah distric) on December 7, 1907. His songs were recorded by HMV records. There must be thousands of songs sung by Master Chander, but hardly 400 songs’ information is available. He could very easily form the lyrics of the songs and perform in no time. That is one of the reasons, they were not officially recorded and are unavailable.

Master Chander had a passion for music from his childhood. Born in a Zamindar family, where singing was considered a ‘taboo’. Master Chander faced great odds in acquiring rightful place in the field of music in Sindh. He was not only the most popular singer of HMV, but also a legendary figure, who brought new singing wave in Sindh. His renderings kept the audience spellbound for hours. One of his rendering ‘Rutha Ee Rahan, Par Hujen Hayati’ (Let them live long even when they are not on good terms) was most popular. He had the knack of keeping his audience, spell bound for hours.

Master Chander was indeed an only child born to his parents – Mr. Assandas and Mrs. Rami Bai Damwani. He changed his surname to Damwani as his Great Grandfather was Zamindar Damo Mal Matai. Master Chander was the seventh generation of the family.

As a child, Master Chander was very fond of music, however, since music was looked down upon in those days, he studied music secretly. But, he was encouraged to study music by his uncle, who also bought him his first harmonium from Calcutta.

One day, Bhagat Kanwar Ram, a great singer of Sindh, saw Master Chander perform and predicted that he would become a great singer in the future. He said that Chander will shine like the moon. It’s said when Master Chander performed the people would shower money, gold and other valuables on stage.

Master Chander, recorded his first song “Sunhina Arza Ahe” in 1932. This song became a phenomenon on the radio. It was a mix of classical music and a style of his own, what now we can categorize as an early rendition of rap. After his first hit, there was no looking back. His career spanned over 50 years.

Like many famous singers of today, who venture into movies, so did Master Chander in the late 1930s. He worked in films including “Dilaram” and “Maut Ka Toofan”, in which he played the hero. He was also cast for “Achoot Kanya” with Devika Rani but was later replaced by Ashok Kumar. Sadly, prior to production of this movie, two of his five sons passed away within months. He was needed at home and thus ended the movie career but Master Chander recorded seven songs for “Achoot Kanya”.

Master Chander was not only a singer and actor but also a poet and music director.

Master Chander was more famous among the younger generations of that time and his fan following and musical hits reached the heights.

One of the most endearing songs of Master Chander was “Nandri Nandri Ahiyan”- a story of an eight-year old girl, her servant, Pirla and a thief. It was sung in a story telling style. The song was recognized by Prime Minister Jawaherlal Nehru in the early 1950s.

Beside his own poetry, Chander sang songs written by the great poet Parsram Zia. Master Chander’s music was copied by the music directors of Bollywood. Master Chander was the only singer in the entire history of HMV music who was paid 7% of royalties. Others were paid 5%.

In 1947, during the partition of India, Master Chander and the majority of Sindhis were forced to leave their homes and properties in Sindh. He narrowly escaped his own death during those tumultuous days, having sent his family- his pregnant wife, Heti, mother, three sons and three daughters, as well as extended family members ahead in a ship to Bombay, India. Seeing the plight of his people and missing his homeland, he began to write and sing songs for building confidence of the displaced Sindhis in India. Some of the notable songs during this period were “Mitha Abana” from Sindhi movie Abana, “Kismat Kai Judai” and “Hoshiyar Sindhi”.

After the partition, living in Bombay with his growing family, he continued to record music and sing in films. He also trained his sons Gope and Mahesh Chander. Gope Chander, lives in New York and is a well-known singer. Mahesh Chander is also a famous singer, known as the “Man with the Velvet Voice.” He is a music director, who has won many awards, including being recognized for composing the poetry of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

In 1955, Master Chander was given the rare opportunity to give a concert in Sindh, and he did so along with his son Gope Chander. There they were warmly welcomed by the people of Sindh. After his return to India, he never visited Sindh again, but gave concerts all over the world during the 1960s and early 1970s.

On 3rd November, 1984, Master Chander passed away leaving behind a lifetime of music, songs and his family to become ‘The Legend of Sindh’.

In the mid-1990s, in honor of Master Chander, his family created the Master Chander Sangeet Academy in New York, USA and Bombay, India. Every year in either December or January, a concert in the memory of Master Chander is held in New York, Bombay, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmadabad and Ulhasnagar.

The music continues with Master Chander’s sons- Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander, grandchildren- Arti Raj Chander, Harish Chander and Anil Chander. The music will forever continue with future generations from his family and beyond.

Apart from being great singer, musician & poet, Master Chander was also great author who wrote these books during his lifetime.

1. Detailed Life story of his Guru Kaka Jeevatram Matai “Sacho Sufi Athav Sufi Darvesh”
2. “Ishwar Ain Jeev Jeev Jey Lagape taraf Rooh Rihan”
3. Chaar Changa, Chaar Mada
4. Shah Sahib
5. “Sangeet ain Maan” where Master Chander has detailed his journey of Music.
6. “Hika Mulakat” where he has detailed his meeting
7. “Sindhi Lok Sangeet” – He has touched upon various facets of Raga and Singing
8. Deepchand – Koel Jee Kahani (Screenplay) – Available in the form of Audio Cassette and CDs.
9. “Anja Ta Aita Maan Nandiri Ahiyan” – Story about small intelligent girl

In 1964, he also performed in a Sindhi movie Jhulelal.

______________

Life Sketch Courtesy: Sindhi Wiki

The post Sindhu organization to celebrate 116th birthday of Master Chander first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh Courier

Mumbai

Doordarshan Sahyadri Mumbai has launched a new weekly Sindhi Program named as ‘Sindhu Dhara’, for Sindhi community of India which was aired on Thursday, 5th October 2023 at 6 pm.

The legendary Ghazal singer Mahesh Chander, the illustrious son of the great Master Chander appeared in the Premier Show of Sindhu Dhara.

Mahesh Chander talked about his growing up years under the guidance of his father Master Chander, and what made him such a great singer.

The other distinguished guest in the program was Mrs. Shobha Lalchandani, the Editor of the highly respected Sindhi Weekly, Hindvasi.

She talked about the early days of Hindvasi and how she learnt the art and craft of running a Weekly under the guidance of her   celebrity parents Mrs. Paru Thakur Chawla and Shri Thakur Chawla.

The program host was the filmmaker Susheel Gajwani.

The weekly program shall have writers, entrepreneurs, and artists to enthrall the viewers.

Sindhu Dhara has introduced a new anchor, Ms. Mamta Vaswani. Doordarshan Sahyadri’s Sindhu Dhara is produced and directed by Shri Rajesh Dalvi, an innovative Producer.

______________

The post Doordarshan launches new program for Sindhi community first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Master Chander, an acclaimed singer and music composer, who was born on December 7, 1907, and passed away on November 3, 1984, still lives in the hearts of millions of people of subcontinent and around the world, being a soulful singer who had the voice that stood out from the rest and held the audience in trance wherever he sang since early 20^th century.

Master Chander was born to his Zamindar parents as Chandu Mal Damowani in Tharu Shah, a small town of Naushahro Feroze District (Formerly Nawabshah District), also known as Sahiti Pargana of Sindh province.

He got early education in Tharu Shah. In his family, singing was not encouraged but Master Chander had a passion for music and learned the notes of classical music. He used to write lyrics and compose them in classical and folk tunes. Though his parents restricted him, he continued his passion for music until he started singing in drawing rooms, orchards and parties.

Master Chander also worked in public works department at Nawab Shah. During his job at Karachi he opened schools for music where he used to train music lovers for which he was known as Master Chander. Jeevat Ram Mitai, Khan Sahab Barrey Ghulam Ali Khan, Khan Sahab Ashiq and others were among his music teachers.

Watch Master Chander’s interview

He recorded his first song “Suhina arz aaahe” in 1932. There must be thousands of songs sung by master Chander but information is available only about 400. “Rutha e rahan par hujan hayati” (let them live long even when they are not on good terms) is one of his popular rendering.

One day Bhagat Kanwar Raam, a great Sufi singer himself, saw him while singing and predicted that Chander would become a great singer in the future and will shine like moon.

Chander introduced new trends in music. He was first to sing kalam and songs related to love in Sindhi language. His listeners and admirers forgot themselves on the tunes of his singing. He recorded many ghazals and geets for Sindhi and Urdu movies on gramophone.

Listen to Master Chander’s song

During the 1947 partition, Master Chander and the majority of Sindhi Hindus left their homes and properties in Sindh. He narrowly escaped his own death during those tumultuous days, having sent his family- his pregnant wife, mother, three sons and three daughters, as well as extended family members ahead in a ship to Bombay. Seeing the plight of his people and missing his homeland, he began writing and singing songs for developing confidence among the displaced Hindu Sindhis in India. One of the notable songs during this period was “Mitha Abana.”

Master Chander also took part as an actor in India’s first Sindhi Film “Abana” in 1958. Besides he also performed in various Urdu films like “Dilaram” and “Mout ka toofan”, in which he played as hero. He was also selected for “Achoot Kanhaya” with Devika Rani but later was replaced by Ashok Kumar. Many of his fans used to spend huge amounts for watching his concert.

After partition of the subcontinent, he migrated from Sindh to India. He performed throughout the world. His songs are still broadcast by All India Radio Delhi.

Master Chander’s career spanned over half a century. His Master’s Voice Company awarded Chander several gold medals. In addition, the Sindhi Panchayats & Associations in India and abroad honored him with medals, trophies, and other tokens of respect and recognition. The last of these honors was presented in 1982 by ‘International Sindhi’ at Birla Matoshri Hall, Mumbai.

After the partition, Master Chander, accompanied by one of his sons, visited motherland Sindh and also traveled in train to his hometown Tharushah in September 1955 and to his surprise he was received by thousands of people, men and women, with great love and respect who showered on him rose petals. According to some people of old generation, his admirers traveled from different towns and villages to have a look of Master Chander and listen to his songs. Master Chander and his son were taken in a big procession from railway station to the school ground in the heart of town where he performed almost whole the night. It was his first and the last visit to Sindh after partition.

Very emotional scenes were seen during his singing when Master Chander as well as the audience couldn’t control their tears. And, the most emotional moments were witnessed when Master Chander went to see his own home, which then housed a migrant Khanzada family.

Watch interview of Haji Akhtar Khanzada

This family, who chose Tharushah to settle after migrating from India, felt proud and took it as a responsibility maintain the house in its original shape as the custodian of the house of legendary Singer. This family later remained in constant touch with Master Chander and his sons Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander and often shared photographs of the house.

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Source: People Pill and other websites

The post Remembering Master Chander, the Legendary Singer first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh music maestros Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander, not only present their legendary father Master Chander’s musical renderings with fervor and distinction but also have played a key role in spreading Sindhi music in the world and teaching the music to young generations – Gope Chander in America and Mahesh Chander in India.     

Gope Chander, settled in America since decades has kept Sindhi folk and modern music alive there. The most significant contribution of Gope Chander is to spread Sindhi music & culture in many parts of the world. He and his brother Mahesh Chander have established Master Chander Sangeet Academy. The main object is to promote & preserve Sindhi culture & music.

Gope encourages talented Sindhi artistes from India to visit and perform in USA. His children are also talented and have made their name in promoting ‘Sindhayat’ in U.S.A.

It was Master Chander’s musical personality, supreme skill and deep passion that was responsible for bringing Tharu Shah, from being an obscure village, to the center stage of world. Master Chander has left an indelible mark on Sindhi music. He has played an inimitable role and when science enabled the world to record voices for posterity, Master Chander and Bhagat Kanwanram were the first choice of HMV, the sole music company of yesteryears to record their melodious songs in the early 20th century.

People in Sindh, at that time were literally crazy about Master Chander’s music. He gave voice to the travails of lovers and they used to dance under the spell of his songs. Every road, every street and every home echoed with the voices of Master Chander’s songs. His songs voiced the sentiments of every young lover and amidst such a musical environment.

Master Chander, known as Tanseen of Sindhi Music, was blessed with the birth of Gope Chander on December 31, 1932. Later on, he was joined by his two brothers, Hari Chander and Mahesh Chander. The three brothers have carried on the legacy of their revered father, Master Chander and proven themselves true inheritors of the inimitable music of their late father. Hari Chander has proven his mettle in instrumental music by playing the accordion and has recorded many melodies in the company of guitarist Hazara Singh with HMV. Mahesh Chander has been one of his kinds and proven beyond any doubt that he is the best in Sindhi and Urdu ghazals. He has been blessed with a treasure of melodious tunes and songs and whoever has come in his contact has benefited immensely from this talented singer. Every connoisseur of music has acknowledged it in unequivocal terms and given him the title of ‘Master of all masters’.

Gope Chander has been witness to many ups and downs in his life time. When he was an infant of just three years, he had to face a host of health problems. Losing faith in traditional doctors, his parents decided to approach Saint Baba Saroopdas Maharaj of Halani Darbar. Gope Chander lived for one whole year at the darbar and with the blessings of revered saint he became hale and hearty and was allowed to join his family, once again.

In the year 1939, when Gope Chander was studying in III Std., he actively participated in the school’s annual drama and music competition. Despite being a kid, he excelled not only in his school’s competitions but proved his mettle in Kandiaro’s competitions too and was acknowledged as No. 1. He has been blessed with deep knowledge of music and seeing his keen interest, Master Chander took him along, whenever he went for a performance in the fourth decade of 20th century. His father used to make him stand on a chair and Gope in turn would enthrall the audience with his mellifluous voice. He used to sing Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ghazal ‘Lagta Nahin Hai Dil Mera, Ujre Dayar Mein’.

When he learned more about the nuances of music, he graduated to singing K. L. Sehgal’s ghazals. With the passage of time, his love and longing for music reached a crescendo. He used to forget taking even his meals at the stipulated times. He began composing fresh tunes on his harmonium. Music became his religion and songs, a food for the spirit. His father played a decisive role in devising his upbringing as music maestro. Master Chander used to teach him fresh tunes and musical notes, and worked hard to inculcate deep knowledge of music in Gope Chander.

After Partition, a film ‘Abana’ was made on the agony of Sindhi refugees in India and in one of its songs, Master Chandra had beautifully described the situation of Sindhi Hindus:

Pakhi Bagh Panhinjo  Chhdeenda Vanjan Tha

Ladeenda Vanjan Tha Hai! Hai! Pakha Purana!

(Birds abandon their garden – they migrate from their old nests)

Another such song of Mahesh Chander was

Malik Toon Dard Kateenden, Keen Chadeeden,

Har Handh, Har Hall Mein,  Ranval Rahbar Theeden!

(O’Lord! Lessen my sorrows, leave me not,

Everywhere, in every situation, Be my Guide!)

Master Chander’s every musical meet would normally begin with classical songs, like: Raag Darbari, Malkauns, Tarana, Raag Maru and then proceed to Sufiana renditions interspersed with the couplets from different poets.

His company helped his children, Gope and Mahesh a lot. They became adept at various facets of singing, like Sindhi ghazal, Sindhi kalam, folk songs, mystic songs, Sindhi notes, Kaafi, Qawali and the art of couplet renditions. They also learned subtle differences of various musical notes and their different modes of singing. Sensing the mood of the times, both brothers opted for ghazal singing, Mahesh Chander composed many new tunes for various Urdu ghazals while Gope Chander bagged the title of our own Talat Mehmood, as the latter was considered the ultimate in ghazal singing, at that time.  He even recorded sixteen popular ghazals of Talat Mehmood in his own voice.

Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander’s permanent presence alongside their famous father earned them a new title of modern day Baba Guru Nanak with Bala and Mardana.

In 1955, the government of Sindh in collaboration with Master Club, Larkana invited Master Chander to visit Sindh and present few musical concerts. Master Chander was accompanied by his son Gope Chander, his student Lachhman and tabla nawaz Nihchaldas. Their tour began with first ever program at the shrine of Sai Qutub Ali Shah at Hyderabad. People were simply ecstatic on seeing them and listening to Master Chander’s legendary music. The railway station of Tharu Shah presented a never seen before sight, when thousands of people converged there to have a ‘dekho’ at Master Chander. They were accompanied by Dhol, Sharnai and various Sindhi musical instruments. Master Chander presented a program at the school ground of Tharu Shah. Then a program at Nawabshah, then Sukkur, Rohri, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Ratodero and after that this melodious caravan reached Larkana.

The Larkana program was held at Jinnah Bagh and some twenty thousand people gathered to see Master Chander, perform live. The spectacle should have been seen to be believed. People had come from various nooks and corners of the district on different modes of transport, like horses, buggies, cars and some of them had even come on foot from far flung areas. The famous recording company of those days, HMV, wasted no time and recorded some fourteen songs of Master Chander and one of Gope Chander, too; which rafted in the air like this:

‘Rusu Na, Rusan Mein Chhahe Rana!’

(Sulk not, what is there in sulking, Darling!)

In 1968, Master Chander was invited by Seth Moolchand of Singapore, where he was accompanied by Gope Chander, Mahesh Chander and their mother, too. Gope Chander emphasizes the point that their mother, at that time had played the part of a director. The tour began with a show in Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) arranged by Colombia Sindhi Association. Later on, they performed in Singapore, Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Hong Kong and Kobe, Tokyo and Yokohama, the cities of Japan. Wherever a Sindhi association existed, they would insist that the famous trio, perform for them. The tour lasted for five months. Master Chander would sing Sindhi songs; Mahesh Chander, Urdu ghazals and Gope Chander would sing Sindhi marriage songs with movie songs and liven up the musical meets.

Gope Chander had also dabbled in business and one of his business trips took him to London, Paris and then to New York in 1974, where he had a chance to meet Nari Lakhani. A musical meet was arranged at the latter’s residence in New York, where many Sindhis of New York had also come to listen to his captivating voice. Another meet was organized by Nari Pohani Sindhi Association. Gope Chander liked the environment of New York so much that he decided to stay there, permanently.

Since then he still organizes two programs a year, in New York. One is held on Cheti Chand and another on the occasion of Diwali. A monthly program at Satya Narayan Sindhi Mandir is also held regularly for the connoisseurs of Sindhi music. Later on, his children also joined him at New York.

Music is in their genes and the children of Gope Chander are also gifted with sangeet by goddess Saraswati. Now it has become ‘Chander Family Sangeet Group’, comprising of Aarti Raj, Haresh, Anil and Gope Chander himself. Normally, they are engaged in business, but they do perform at various music shows on regular basis. Actually his musical meets have been playing the role of a bridge between divided Sindhis of India and Pakistan in alien shores of America. Be it World Sindhi Institute of Washington or annual convention of SANA, they make it a point to invite Chander Family Sangeet Group. Sometimes, Mahesh Chander from India also joins them. It is nothing less than a celestial experience for New Yorkers.

Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander have also been to Spain and performed at Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Tenerife, Las Palmas and Eldora. Nowadays, they emphasize on promoting Sindhi music. I was informed about an interesting feature of Sindhis of Spain, by Gope Chander. He told me, that it is the sole prerogative of each and every Spanish Sindhi, to converse in Sindhi language in their homes. I doubt, whether any other city of world can boast of anything like that. Their conversation in Sindhi also enables them to hide their business secrets from the local population. It is despite the fact, that there is no Sindhi school or Sindhi teacher in Spain. Mahesh Chander has tried his best to promote Sindhi music in Mumbai and for that he had prepared audio CDs and cassettes in his own voice and that of Gope Chander, Aarti Raj, Anil and Haresh Chander.

In order to promote Sindhi language and culture, Gope Chander had produced a TV show in New York, titled ‘Ho Jamalo, I love ‘Sindhi’ for one and half years, non-stop. The show was presented by Aarti Raj, Anil Chander and Haresh Chander. The program’s fame can be gauged from a simple fact that every Sindhi would simply rush to their homes, so that they did not miss a single episode of the show.

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Click to watch Mahesh Chander rendering a popular song of Master Chander

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In India, Mahesh Chander has established ‘Master Chander Sangeet Academy’, to preserve and promote pure Sindhi music. Every year, he celebrates Master Chander’s birthday, by performing live, on regular basis. He promotes new Sindhi singers, by training them and giving them chance to sing new songs, composed with his fresh tunes. Very often, Gope Chander would also come down to Mumbai along with his family, to participate in Master Chander’s annual birthday celebrations.

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Click on Sindhiwiki link to watch Gope Chander’s interview and songs

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Gope Chander is humility, personified. He always seeks blessings from his community, so that he could carry on with his services, even more. Ram Navani, the son-in-law of Master Chander had also proved his mettle in the field of music. May God enable Chander family to reach up to new heights of the zenith of music! History shall never forget the services of Master Chander, Gope Chander, Mahesh Chander, Aarti Raj, Anil Chander and Haresh Chander in the field of Sindhi music.

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(This write up contains excerpts from an article written by Dr. Baldev Matlani, published in Sindhishan Magazine of India – Oct.-Dec. 2007 issue, and the information of Sindhiwiki, Encyclopedia of Sindhi)   

The post Sindhi Music Maestros – Gope Chander and Mahesh Chander first appeared on Sindh Courier.