JOIN US'There are all kinds of listeners'
Santoor player Rahul Sharma does an incredible job of carrying on the musical legacy passed on by his father, Shivkumar Sharma. Through his soul-stirring strains, it has been his endeavor to draw youngsters towards classical music.
Metrolife caught up with the performer when he was in the City recently.
Even as many believe that classical music is dying and modernisation is required to draw the attention of youngsters, Rahul has been able to connect with the youth. “Classical music has immense power. It has the ability to express different emotions. Although youngsters may diversify, it is important that they continue the legacy of classical music,” he says. He feels that in metropolitan cities, there is a niche audience. “I do a lot of fusion music along with keeping the traditional aspects of classical music in mind. But I have also noticed that many people attend my classical concerts after having listened to fusion,” he explains. He adds, “There are all kinds of listeners. I am hoping that apart from my existing listeners, I will be able to add on some more. It’s an endeavour to convert a section of the audience to classical music.”
His passion for the santoor isn’t surprising, given that his family is in the same field. “There are a lot of musical ragas that can be combined in the santoor — this is the speciality of the instrument. While playing music which depicts different seasons, the beauty of the santoor is that it resonates the sound of water, creating the magic of the monsoon,” he adds.
Ask the musician, who has doled out over 60 CDs in 15 years, what his success mantra is and he smiles. “I am yet to crack it. I enjoy whatever I do completely. It is important to note that learning is endless. Each concert is an experience. In fact, I am still learning from my father,” says the down-to-earth performer, adding, “there is nothing like giving people genuine satisfaction through music and striking a chord.”
Being a multi-faceted artiste, what does he love the most? “My forte is composing. It’s through that I find expression,” he replies.
The maestro, who had composed the sound track for Mujhse Dosti Karoge, is back in Bollywood with Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘Freedom’. “I have once again got back to music direction,” he says. He’s got a line-up of concerts and another one in Bangalore too, although the date is not fixed. “I enjoy coming back to Bangalore, especially since it has great weather,” he signs off.