Mysore/Mysuru: Music-lovers in city were treated to a nostalgic and soul-stirring evening as “Gaata Rahe Mera Dil – 2: RRR Romantic Hits” was presented by the doctor couple, Dr. Somanath Vasudeva and Dr. Seethalakshmy, at Senate Bhavan in Manasagangothri on Apr. 12.

The programme, celebrating timeless romantic melodies, witnessed an almost full auditorium, reflecting the audience’s enduring love for classic film music.

The evening commenced with a grand entry of artistes to their signature song “Gaata Rahe Mera Dil,” setting the tone for a musical journey down memory lane. This was followed by a warm welcome by Dr. Somanath.

In a poignant moment, the artistes paid tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away earlier that day and to Kannada icon Dr. Rajkumar, marking his 20th death anniversary.

The formal inauguration took place with lighting of lamp by entrepreneur Sam Cherian, Dr. Umesh Kamath, Nithyanand Kamath, Kavitha Kamath, Dr. Javeed Nayeem, Dr. C.D. Sreenivasa Murthy and Dr. M.S. Natashekhar, along with the artistes.

A unique highlight of the evening was a serene violin invocation rendered by Dr. Somanath. The proceedings were then seamlessly carried forward by compere Aftab Ahmed and co-host Mahesh, who engaged the audience with warmth and wit.

The concert featured a carefully curated blend of Hindi and Kannada romantic classics, paying tribute to the musical brilliance of Mohammed Rafi, Dr. Rajkumar and R.D. Burman. The songs presented included favourites such as “Dil Pukare,” “Bahon Mein Chale Aao,” “Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi” and “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar,” interwoven with Kannada gems like “Beladingalaagi Baa”  and “Baala Bangara Neenu.”

Dr. Seethalakshmy’s rendition of “Poojisalende HoovugalaThande” was truly soul-stirring, while “Baala Bangara Neenu” beautifully brought out the rustic charm and expressions inherent in the composition.

Dr. Somanath presented “Kiska Rasta Dekhe” with finesse, capturing the essence of the original made popular by Kishore Kumar. The evergreen Dr. Rajkumar numbers “Beladingalaagi Baa” and “Cheluveya Nota Chenna” evoked deep emotions and nostalgia among the audience.

The duets “Idu Raama Mandira” and “Yeko Yeno Ee Nanna Manavu” rekindled memories of Annavaru’s signature romantic expressions, while “Jaane Jaa Dhoondhta Phir Kahaan,” “Hawa Ke Saath Saath” and “O Meri Soni” added vibrant shades to the romantic mood.

The grand finale, “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar,” one of the most celebrated romantic duets of Rafi and Asha, left the audience yearning for more.  A notable highlight was the innovative segment titled “Emoji Se Gaane,” an engaging audience interaction where participants guessed songs based on emoji clues and had the songs dedicated to them.

Dr. Seethalakshmy Somanath proposed the vote of thanks.