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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 28, 2026 | The Indian Eye 29

From Raga to Bollywood: Houston Audiences Discover

the Classical Roots of the Songs They Love

IAA Houston brings “Raageet” with singer Priyani Vani Panditt to Houston for an evening connecting

Indian classical tradition, Bollywood favorites and a community that loves to sing

OUR BUREAU some of the country’s best-known mu-
sic competitions, including the 2005
HOUSTON, TX
Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge, Amul Star
n any given weekend in Hous- Voice of India in 2007 and Jo Jeeta
ton, Bollywood music can be Wohi Superstar in 2008. Equally com-
Oheard far beyond the con- fortable with classical foundations and
cert stage - from karaoke gatherings contemporary repertoire, she brings
and community celebrations to living both musical knowledge and the ener-
rooms and music groups where gen- gy of a popular performer to Raageet.
erations come together around songs The program reflects IAA’s
they have known and loved for years. broader mission of preserving and
But how many listeners know the Indi- presenting the artistic traditions of the
an classical ragas that inspired some of new way. Through performance and may already know by heart. “Bolly- Indian subcontinent while finding new
those familiar melodies? conversation, Priyani will reveal how wood music is often where people first ways to connect those traditions with
On August 29, the Indo-American composers have drawn upon the emo- encounter the extraordinary richness contemporary audiences and younger
Association (IAA), a Houston Cultur- tional language and structure of ragas of Indian music, sometimes without generations.
al Treasure, will present RAAGEET, to create melodies that have remained even realizing it,” said Sheetal Bedi, RAAGEET – Priyani Vani
featuring acclaimed Bollywood play- with listeners across generations. Executive Director of IAA. “With Panditt Live in Concert
back singer and stage artist Priyani For Houston’s large and diverse Raageet, we want audiences to enjoy
Vani Panditt and her live band at South Asian community - including the songs they love while discovering • Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Unity of Houston. Raageet explores the many amateur singers, karaoke the classical traditions that helped • Unity of Houston, 2929 Unity
the fascinating connection between enthusiasts and music lovers who reg- shape them. It is about making that her- Drive, Houston
Indian classical ragas and popular film ularly gather around Bollywood music itage accessible, joyful and relevant.” • For tickets, artist videos and ad-
music, inviting audiences to hear fa- - the program offers an opportunity to Priyani Vani Panditt rose to na- ditional information, visit IAA-
miliar Bollywood songs in an entirely discover what lies beneath songs they tional prominence in India through HOUSTON.ORG.

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