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‘Jugalbandhi is a concert, not a contest’

KOCHI: ‘Jugalbandhi’ is a meeting of minds, and not music. This one statement catches the compatibility between Pandit Viswamohan Bhatt and Ravikiran.

Both were interacting with the media on Monday before their performance, which marked the grand finale of the ongoing Vasantholsavam, the winter festival of music and dance. “Without this blend, no two artists can perform together, however great they may be. Because, ‘jugalbandhi’ is a concert and not a contest,” said Mr. Ravikiran.

But similarities between two artists are too obvious to miss. Both worked on traditional instruments to take music to new realms.

While Pandit Bhatt modified guitar and created Mohanaveena to adapt the instrument to Indian classical music, Mr. Ravikiran worked on Chitraveena to create Navachitraveena.

“Navachitraveena gives a different range in pitch,” he said, adding that the adaptation made it easy for collaborative concerts. But he plays the traditional instrument also, which “has a majesty” of its own.

Asked about the threat caused by popular film music on classical music, Pandit Bhatt said that the audience for classical music was strong enough to be eroded by popular music.

However, both could see the positive aspect of reality shows, which has become a rage in Indian television of late, as it generated an interest in the public for music.

Last couple of decades have witnessed a boom for Indian classical music. Now, it is for the media, and musicians, to generate a passion for music among the public, said Mr. Ravikiran.

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