Mumbai: Celebrated actress Arpita Chatterjee takes centre stage in ‘My Name is Jaan’, a solo musical play that brings the legacy of India’s first recording artist, Gauhar Jaan, to life. Known for her versatility and emotional depth, Arpita captivates audiences by embodying Gauhar Jaan, a legendary singer who redefined Indian music and left an indelible mark on the industry.
In ‘My Name is Jaan’, Arpita combines her talents as an actress, classical dancer, and vocalist to immerse herself in Gauhar’s world. Arpita has trained with music luminaries, including Ustad Rashid Khan and Pandit Arun Bhaduri, allowing her to authentically portray Gauhar’s musical genius and the emotional journey that defined her life. The play’s highlight is Arpita’s multilingual repertoire, where she performs 11 of Gauhar’s songs in Hindi, Bengali, English, Gujarati, and Punjabi, transporting the audience to the golden age of Indian classical music.
As she portrays Gauhar’s rise in Kolkata’s classical circles and her achievements as India’s first recording artist, Arpita’s powerful vocals and dramatic presence vividly capture the singer’s resilience and fierce independence. Through her nuanced portrayal, audiences witness Gauhar Jaan’s journey as an artist and a complex, celebrated figure who paved the way for future generations.
This tribute to Gauhar Jaan not only honours her musical contributions but also sheds light on her struggles and triumphs.
Arpita Chatterjee
Known as the ‘Tolly Queen’, Arpita’s two-decade career, spanning over 50 films in Bengali, Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Odia cinema, has prepared her for this remarkable role. Arpita’s dedication to bringing Gauhar Jaan to life is evident not only in her vocal precision but also in the emotional depth she brings to every scene.
Her approach to the character extends beyond performance; she has studied Gauhar Jaan’s life extensively, understanding the singer’s fierce independence and resilience in a time when women’s voices were often silenced. This commitment is clear as Arpita embodies Gauhar’s bold spirit, transporting audiences back to an era when Gauhar became a symbol of female empowerment through her voice. The actress’s ability to connect deeply with Gauhar’s struggles and triumphs has left audiences spellbound, making ‘My Name is Jaan’ a profoundly moving experience that celebrates the journey of an extraordinary artist.
My Name is Jaan: Booking Details
The play, My Name is Jaan, will be performed on 25 October at 7:30 PM and 27 October at 6:30 PM at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Bandra West, Mumbai. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, and early booking is highly recommended to experience this moving tribute to Gauhar Jaan.