6A – Akasha Ganga (Woodridge – IL Screening)

Subject:

Annapurna Devi, a renowned musician of the Surbahar, who was the daughter of Ustad Allauddin Khan and the first wife of Ravi Shankar. 

Director:

Nirmal Chander, who also produced the film for the Annapurna Devi Foundation. 

Narrator:

Nityanand Haldipur, a disciple of Annapurna Devi and a master bansuri player. 

Theme:

The film explores the philosophical question of whether an artist can exist without an audience. 

Annapurna Devi's Decision:

In the mid-1950s, Annapurna Devi vowed to stop performing publicly to save her marriage to Ravi Shankar, who felt insecure about her fame. 

Filming:

As Annapurna Devi remained a recluse and did not grant direct access, the film uses shots of her home and interviews with her disciples to tell her story. 

Legacy:
The film highlights Annapurna Devi's talent, her role as a guru to other famous musicians, and her dedication to preserving the Maihar-Senia gharana.