'My body is my rhythm'

He has been able to stagger effortlessly from heavy rhythm-ridden Carnatic music, the blitzkrieg of Bollywood to melodious fusions. Bikram Ghosh, one of the most versatile singers of today, makes no predilection to either form — classical or commercial.

One of the most noted composers of the modern era, who is fully aware that classical music “was, is and will always” have a niche audience, Bikram is careful not to dilate the essence of the classical during his concerts, in terms of styles or even stage attire, just for a mass reach. 

With the sweeping changes in the music industry, he explains that people should understand and reflect on what exactly technology is doing to music. “Technology makes us perfect musicians but that perfection is not what one should aim for. They shouldn’t lose heart in the process of making music.”

Justifying with an example of musical legend Kishore Kumar, Bikram says that as he was not comfortable with classical music and he would sing what suited him the best. “Human touch is needed in music as people will lose out on its essence otherwise.”

Examining the pool of opportunities open to youngsters today with an analogy, he says, “One can have a high-end car but there is no point if the car is not filled with petrol. It is very easy to get into music for up and coming singers but they need to work hard and be talented as only then will they be considered socially relevant later.”

Advising youngsters to dream, learn and practise, the seasoned musician says that people should have “attunement” towards music.

Bikram, whose collaboration with Sonu Nigam lasted five years, has now come out with a new album, ‘The Music Room’, with him, which will be released on December 15. The album features Bikram on ‘tablas’ and multi-percussions and Sonu on lyrics and vocals.

The album is a melange of upbeat Gujarati rhythms, trippy and edgy electronic music, peppered with Bollywood tunes, fusions and classical elements. Bikram explains that through the course of the collaboration the duo have realised that the album is their favourite space as it lets them be their creative and maverick selves.

His inspiration for music has been his father, his ‘gurus’ and other legendary musicians like ‘Zakir saab’, RD Burman and the likes. Music forms every part of his DNA, and as he so rightly puts it, “My body is my rhythm. If my pulse or heart beats off rhythm, I fall sick or I die. Melody is my soul.”