Bharat Sangeet Utsav presented to Bangalore some of the best names in Indian classical music and dance, over the past four days. While the inaugural day saw the confluence of carnatic and Hindustani music by Suma Sudhindra and Praveen Godkhindi and a recital by Begum Parveen Sultana, day two had singer S Sowmya present a multilingual concert, with the theme unity in diversity. She was accompanied by Embar Kannan and Neyveli Narayanan.
The evening also saw Grammy award winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt team up with legendary Vikku Vinayakaram (ghatam), our very own Praveen Godkhindi (flute) and Yogesh Shamsi (tabla). The bond that he established with the audience with his ``I thank you for coming here sacrificing 200 TV channels,’’ was only strengthened by his soul touching and rejuvenating pieces.
While his Mohan Veena solo pieces complemented by Shamsi made for a perfect beginning, his play with pace and strings combined with Vinayakaraman’s and Godkindi’s expertise earned the maestro a loud ovation.
After presenting yet another magical concert and winning over both young and old hearts, the charmer from Rajasthan, took time off to speak to Metrolife on music and his foray into it.
On your initiation into music.
Music has been in my family for over 300 years. While my parents were into vocal music, my sister and brother learnt sitar. So it was natural for me to take to music. In fact, my mother took music exams when she was expecting me.
Mohan Veena happened.
In 1966. I took four years to modify rather indianise the guitar. The instrument has 20 strings and a thumba. I wanted to create different sounds and tones, those that could be produced from the assimilation of sitar, sarod and veena. Mohana Veena was my humble idea of contributing to Indian music.
You also came out with Vishwa Veena.
Yes, it has 35 strings and is made of one piece of wood. But I don’t use it much as Mohan Veena is my first love. I am very attached to it.
Fusion then is not a bad idea.
Fusion is not about clash of traditions. It is more about going out of the shell and showing your talent. Not everybody has a talent for combining music, so if one has it why not use it. Fusion is a different dimension of a musician’s talent. It is not about tampering with tradition. There is nothing wrong to try different things to produce better sound.
You have yourself worked with several foreign artistes.
It is very interesting to combine with artistes of different streams. For instance, I worked with a Chinese artist. She didn’t know English and I, her language. However, when we sat down with our instruments it was so easy to communicate. Collaborating with foreign artistes is very helpful. It is about reaching Indian music to larger audience and venues. Take `A meeting by the river’ that fetched me the Grammy itself. I enjoy collaborations, especially jamming with Jerry Douglas.
We are like fire on the stage and all our performances in Canada received standing ovation. Back home, I enjoy performing with L Subramaniam, N Ramani, Ravikiran and my son Salil Bhatt.
On your experience in films and albums.
I have worked in Bhavandar, Dead Man Walking, Two Days in the Valley and Meet the Fockers. But I enjoy stage shows. While on the topic of films, I have to say that I enjoy listening to Sunidhi Chouhan. I have released 39 albums in India and 14 in the USA. I am currently working on an album, which will have music for romance.
You have come a long way as a musician, also won a Grammy
Yes. Grammy gives you recognition. But that should not be a qualification. Grammy or not, I would still have had the same knowledge and talent. Music will be there with me forever, in every breath I take. It is very satisfying and sacred. It uplifts me and purifies my mind, body and soul. I worship it.
