DD series to mark recorded music centenary

NEW DELHI: 11 November, 2002 marks the centenary of recorded music in India. In celebration of the 100 years of recorded music, national broadcaster Doordarshan is producing a commemorative series entitled “A Century of Recorded Music – A Retrospective “.

The director-general of Doordarshan, Dr SY Quraishi, in a statement, has been quoted as saying: “It is a matter of great national pride and honour that the first song was recorded in India on 11th November 1902 in Calcutta by the Gramaphone and Typewriter Ltd, and it was sung by Miss Gauhar Jaan, the most celebrated singer of her time. This series will be a tribute to all the great artistes who have contributed to the recording industry. The series will encompass all genres of Indian music, like film, classical, folk music and will be a veritable feast for music lovers.”

The research on the subject is underway to ensure that no detail, however small is left out. All the national archives of music are being involved in the project. Prominent film and music personalities have also been sounded out, to ensure that this production, the first of its kind, will be a magnum opus. Plans are also on the anvil to release boxed sets of videos and DVD’s of this production, which is sure to become a collectors item, the official statement said.

“We appeal to everyone who feels that they may have something of value to contribute to this labor of love, to come forward and contact us through our website ddindia.com” Quraishi said.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has declared that 11th November 2002 to 10th November 2003 will be the centenary year of recorded music in India. Several events are in store for the music lovers and the year long celebrations will culminate in an awards ceremony to honour the legends of the music industry that has revolutionized the meaning of entertainment by creating a unique bond between man and music.