IN PASSING
Classical realities
SUCHITRA BEHAL
When a classical musician begins to talk about reality shows for their genre, it’s time to sit up. Pandit Ronu Majumdar, renowned flautist who has also been nominated for the Grammy, feels, “Our music is in danger. The need of the hour for classical music to survive are reality shows on pure Indian classical music. I would love to make such a show but that is possible only with corporate backing.”
He also feels that the corporate world has a responsibility towards classical music and should do its bit in maintaining its popularity, otherwise “Classical music will be relegated to small private gatherings.” Strong words, some would say; but Majumdar, who has set up a school for Indian music, says that fusion music as well as reality shows can infuse that much-needed enthusiasm for classical music to gain popularity.
He feels his band ‘Vibrations’ will also be instrumental in getting across to the youth. Clearly his words will be music to others musician’s ears.
Blog connections
There is no escaping his tall frame. Amitabh Bachchan has a view on anything and everything and uses his blog to air his opinions. “It was never started as an inquilab; it’s a medium to pen thoughts, talk to myself with some listening in. The blog has turned out well and helped me connect with people across the board. There have been instances when people have been critical of what I had to say but they have a right to their opinions and I to mine.”
Bachchan feels the Internet has succeeded in giving space to people beyond media projections, especially actors. He is emphatic that only he writes the blog and not a battery of helpers. “I write, edit and even put up pictures myself; everything is done by me except for the videos,” said he. Does he finally blame the media for his trials and tribulations? “The media is never entirely pro or against any public figure. There are phases when good things are written and sometimes critical. It’s a cycle and has very little to do with the person you are.”
Musical synergy
He continues to remain shy and lives life on his own terms. A.R. Rahman, despite international and national accolades, refuses to remain in the media glare. There is a reason, as Rahman clarifies: “I want my children to stay out of this. They should grow up normally without the pressure of how well they should perform because their father is someone. They need to grow up and write their own destiny.”
Rahman maintains that he would like to retain his privacy and let his work do all the talking because that is his identity. “My children can write their own future, they are young and should focus on doing whatever they want to.” Rahman, who is known to be very close to his mother, often gives her credit for what he has turned out to be. “She is the spiritual head for us and my mother has sacrificed a lot. I would say I wouldn’t be who I am without her.”
While Rahman remains rooted in tradition, he is quick to realise that India has a storehouse of musical talent, and a synergy between the east and the west will only help boost this.
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