I wish people explored more genres of music. It’s like speaking multiple languages,” says vocal coach Leena Rajan, who grew up listening to Tamil hymns in Kalyan, trained in Western A capella in the USA, and swears by Mohammed Rafi’s Abhi na jaao chhod kar. To top it all, Rajan will now open the day-long Fête De La Musique 2025 at the Alliance Française de Bombay (AFB) today.

For Laurent Vergain, director, AFB, it’s the perfect occasion to look back upon the fête back home. “Citizens and residents are urged to play music outside in their neighbourhoods or in public spaces and parks. This year again, people will celebrate live music not only at free concerts outdoors, but also in performance halls, museums, and even churches in Paris and the Île-de-France region,” he reveals.

(Left) Leena Rajan’s students (centre) Khayla Samuel and (right) Nidhi Bhanushali in performance. Pics Courtesy/Leena Rajan