An overseas-based Guyanese couple, Dr. Roopnarine Balkaran and his wife, Mala, recently promoted their debut musical album, entitled "Faithfully Yours" under the patronage of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

The launching was held at the Kendra in Prashad Nagar and the show dubbed "Raga Geet Aur Ghazal" saw youths from the Hindu Dharmic Nritya dance troupe perform an invocation in dedication to Lord Shiva. The couple's album was then presented by president of the Hindu Dharmic Sabha and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.

Dr. Balkaran, his wife and their musicians took to the stage and entertained with music from their ancient instruments and melodious voices. The Balkarans' performance included semi-classical and love songs.

After this, four young ladies danced to Bharati PPU using the Bharatnatyam style of southern India.

The second half of the show was the open air section, following a brief intermission when patrons met the artistes and requested the songs that they most liked.

The band also features Kadar Khan, who is the couple's guru and tabla player and Sultan Khan, who plays the harmonium. Both Kadar and Sultan are Indian nationals. The instruments used were the saranghee, tabla and the harmonium.

Dr Balkaran and his wife are a part of the Kalavant Centre for Music and Dance in New York.

According to Dr. Balkaran, he grew up in Shell Road, Kitty and has been singing almost all his life. His wife Mala is mostly focused on dancing since she is also a dance teacher. Mala, who hails from Bath Settlement, West Berbice, has only been singing professionally for six years. When the couple married, they moved to Shell Road before migrating to the United States a few years later.

Dr. Balkaran has released two other albums as a solo artiste but this is his first with his wife. The couple said their music is about the bringing together of people. The show was hosted by the dance teacher of the Dharmic Nritya Sangha, Vindya Persaud. The couple also performed in Tain, Berbice.