Q. Many veteran musicians in the country have voiced their concern over how Indian classical music is losing out to the more popular forms. What is your view?
A. I don't think Indian classical music is losing its market. It is heartening, in fact, when young children participate in such events. When I played `Vaishnav Jan' for the children in the audience, asked them to identify the song and then to sing it, I was nearly confident no one would come forward to sing. The children, however, proved me wrong. It shows little girls and boys are as appreciate of classical music as older people. They just have to be shown the way.
Q. What, in your opinion, should be done in order to promote Indian classical music?
A. When I landed in Lucknow and was driven from the airport to the hotel, it didn't feel like the old Lucknow at all. It was a pleasure to see the changed skyline of the city and how the monuments and parks had metamorphosed it into some new and grand. My request to the government is that Indian music needs to be treated in a similar manner. They need to create robust infrastructure, with trained teachers and music institutions, to promote classical music. I promise you, there will be plenty of takers.
Q. Promoting Indian classical music among the youth is a recurring concern among most practitioners of Indian music. Are reality shows on television the answer?
A. Not at all. In fact, I think television channels have used children and these shows to further their businesses. For them, these shows are little more than commercial ventures. At an age when children should receive formal training, in school or in music gurukuls, they are sitting in studios being coated in layers of makeup.
There is plenty of talent; which needs to be channelised. Participating in reality TV cannot help children take up music as a viable career option, proper training and 'riyaaz' can.
Q. With an upsurge in these shows, have more children started approaching your Vrindavan Gurukul for classical training?
A. No. The Gurukul receives a steady flow of students who are committed to learning various forms of Indian classical music. These are people who regard music as a passion.
Q. Are many students learning the art of playing the flute, as opposed to other musical instruments?
A. I am happy to say that they are. The reason is that flutes are far more affordable than most other instruments. As a result, many students choose the flute. Of course, like any other instrument, the flue too, takes years of practice to master.
No comments:
Post a Comment