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‘Fusion is creating confusion’
MANGALA RAMAMOORTHY
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Pandit Gokulotsav Maharaj of Indore was recently conferred the Tansen award in Gwalior.
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Honour Vocalist Gokulotsav Maharaj
It’s a much deserved recognition for someone who has contributed significantly to keep the musical tradition of India alive. Well-known Hindustani classical vocalist, Pandit Gokulotsav Maharaj of Indore, was given the Tansen Award for the year
2007-2008 by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh at the annual Tansen Sangeet Samaroh held in Gwalior recently. Given to a musician for his unique contribution to Indian music, it is an honour bestowed upon very few, but the maestro is modest when he says, “For me it is just a gift of love that people have showered on me.”
The descendant of Jagadguru Srimad Vallabhacharya is also a proficient player of the veena and the pakhawaj. Having studied under Pandit Moreshwar Rao Golvelkar who taught in the Gwalior and Kirana traditions, Gokulotsavji chose not to tread the usual path. “I mostly perform rare ragas and talas. Though I have played and recorded albums in many standard and well-known ragas, I actually love to get into the depths of classical music.”
Music is like an ocean, and there’s no end to how much one can discover in it. Gokulotsavji works on this premise. “Our ancestors have left so much for us to explore. These days everybody is into fusion music, as it gets them instant fame. As a result, the quality of classical music takes a backseat. We should first learn our music perfectly and then get into other kinds of music. Fusion is only creating confusion. Why not develop our classical strength instead?” he questions
He disagrees the youth are moving away from classical music. On the contrary, he feels they have never come this close to it. “Water is so ancient, don’t we still drink it? I see so many youngsters at my concerts and workshops, both in India and abroad. True, people abroad realise our culture more than us. But even here youngsters have realised that classical music is such a strong base that can help them get into different kinds of music later.”
It is the penchant to use his knowledge in a productive manner that got him to compose over 5,000 rachanas, 28 ragamalas and several new ragas using the 72 melakarta ragas. “Mere anusaar sur ke saath Ishwar ka shaksatkaar ho sakta hain (According to me you can realise God through musical notes),” says the Dhrupad gayak who found inspiration in Ustad Ameer Khan.
He also developed the swar yoga or naad yoga and used it to cure various ailments, such as depression and respiratory problems. “People who do not have peace of mind, find solace here. I did deep research on the subject. I researched on tarang and learnt how to control the different chakras of the body,” explains the Diploma holder in Homeopathy who has also studied Ayurveda and Unani medicines.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
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