It’s been not too long when everyone was grooving to the beats of Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and Yaad-E-Rafi shows presented by Gopal Bhatia, singer, and radio jokey by profession. That now he is back again with, yet another show named ‘Magical Pancham’ which is scheduled to take place on 5th March at Skycity Theaters in Auckland.

Gopal is one such artist that we know eats, sleeps, and breaths music, which is very evident from his performances in each show, every time with a melodious impact. The Indian News got in conversation with him about what comes next from his end amidst the raging pandemic.

1. What was your inspiration behind conceptualising Magical Pancham?

Gopal: I grew up idolising the veteran composer’s music. Pancham Da’s songs are relevant even today. While growing up most of the songs that I liked happened to be Pancham Da’s songs; they were a part of my training sessions. Two of the most favourite compositions by this legendary composer were ‘Zindagi Ke Safar Mein and ‘Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna’. So, I used to sing along in my practise sessions with these two songs always on loop.

2. R. D Burman is considered one of the greatest music composers of the Indian Film industry, how have you & your team managed to tackle his composition? Is there any pressure to live up to his image and how do you handle it?

Gopal: It is indeed challenging for every one of us in the team, R D ‘s every song itself is an institution, which will teach you while you prepare the song itself. It is indeed a huge pressure when we have to perform live on stage; recreating his compositions live, as most of the music lovers are very well aware of every minute details of the songs.

3. Can we know more about your team for this show, please give us a sneak peek of Magical Pancham.

Gopal: Magical Pancham will have a set of very talented musicians and singers who have been part of our other shows as well, these include Araad, Shalen, Cloyd, Hemant, Don Dilantha, Mithun, Vishnu and myself. We are ready to take the challenge and ready to bring the best. No stone left unturned from each one of us.

4. We know you are great at your job, but any challenges that you are facing for this show? What are they?

Gopal: I take every show as challenge because it is my commitment to myself and our lovely audience, who gave us the power and opportunity to showcase our talent by witnessing our shows.

5. Is Magical Pancham show going to get delayed with Omicron griping NZ, your message to your audience.

Gopal: As on today while interviewing this I would still say the show is going to be on the 5th of March. However, I do have concern that it may get delayed, which could be part of our life as long as the events are concerned. But I would like to promise you all that we will bring you the best which will be remembered for years to come.

6. We also know that you have another show lined up – Latasha, which was announced last year. Sadly, the legendary Lata Mangeshkar has recently passed away, your thoughts.

Gopal: It is truly very sad for every music lover to know that our very beloved goddess of music is no more.

I have seen that the media and show organisers in New Zealand and worldwide are flooded with tribute shows after the demise of legend.

But I have announced Latasha in 2021 during our last concert that makes us different than others and I take this as a blessing of the legend and an opportunity to pay real tribute.

7. Gopal Bhatia’s message for everyone looking forward to attending Magical Pancham & Latasha. Any surprises that await?

Gopal: Thank you for your overwhelming response to our shows Pal Pal Dil ke Pass and Yaad -E- Rafi. As you know I have very beautiful surprises for you in both our upcoming shows. And I would like to also offer everyone who is coming to watch Magical Pancham to buy tickets for Latasha (30th July 2022) before April 30th and get further 20% off. (Eventfinda)

The tickets can be found on Eventfinda – www.eventfinda.co.nz. Promo code is LATASHA30JULY – TIN Bureau