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`Nothing is of my making'

He doesn't take his legendary status seriously. He doesn't need to. Because the rest of the world does. Talk about his incredible voice and global recognition and he constantly points to the power above. "Usne karvaya, maine kiya." (He made me do it and I did) Welcome to the world of Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj, who draws deeply from Indian philosophy, aesthetics and spirituality. His is the voice for all seasons, untouched by time and changing musical styles.

His charming daughter, Durga whose claim to fame till recently was her lineage and the Antakshari show on Zee TV that she co-hosted, is now trying to find her place in the sun by organising thematic, multi-media and multiple artistes classical concerts. One of her presentations, "Tiranga" (on the national flag) was well received by people and appreciated by President APJ Abdul Kalam. She is also planning to reach out to music-lovers through her Indian Music Academy and slickly made classical music shows for the television.

That the father-daughter duo are also great friends came through as they happily posed for pictures, joked, laughed and recalled anecdotes from their lives during a Take Two at the Taj Coromandel.

Chitra Swaminathan listened in.

Durga: There are thousands like me who feel your singing has a transcendental effect. Sublime, sonorous, soothing... they can just go on and on. What does it feel like to receive so much praise?

Jasraj: Embarrassing and uncomfortable. Nothing is of my making. It's destiny. Of course, there was a time when I felt elated about it all.

Durga: But I can't stop talking about my recent visit to your village Pili Mandori (near Hissar) in Haryana and the small house you were born in. Bapu, truly it was an emotional moment to inaugurate the park named after you. I stood there wondering about the journey undertaken by dadaji and you - from a nondescript village to the hall of fame. Imagine there is still no television there. Fortunately my cell phone worked!

Jasraj: Otherwise, how could I have heard your running commentary from Pili Mandori? (laughs)

Durga: Really Bapu, I kept thinking about the huge effort that has gone into making you what you are today. Having grown up in the shadow of your success, I feel Sharang (musician-brother) and I have had it really easy. The extraordinary lineage has also helped in our creative pursuits.

Jasraj: My child, thank Him for all that you have. I don't want to take credit for anything. Don't you think my wisdom should match my silver locks? (laughs)

Durga: (Looking at the reporter) You know, he carries this cheerfulness and warmth wherever he goes. It's wonderful travelling with him. Whether you are in Los Angeles or Lucknow, people take to him instantly and you feel at home.

Jasraj: (with a mischievous smile) That again is God's gift. Jokes apart, University of Toronto has a scholarship in my name and I cannot even speak good English. So, who do you think is behind all this? You know why I keep saying this? It's because it was He who told me to become a musician. I have told you about this vision I had when I was 16 in which a three-year-old Lord Krishna told me to take to singing. This spiritual encounter had such an impact on me that I simply followed His instruction. Since that day music has become a way of life and worship for me. Durga: I too feel blessed. Imagine, my paternal grandfather was a great musician ( Motiramji) and my maternal, a renowned filmmaker (V. Shantaram)! But sometimes the responsibility and expectations can bog you down. People think you should be as great as your grandfather and father. They keep asking why I have not taken to music. And I tell them because there can be only one Jasraj. I will never forget what Javed Akhtar saab once told me, `every individual has a unique perception of things. Put it to use and it can work wonders.'

Jasraj: Very true. Quite like how I used to stand listening to Begum Akhtar's song Deewana banana hai to deewana bana de at a teashop on my way to school while my brother would just walk away. Everyday I would go and sit in the shop and the owner would lovingly play the record again and again for me.

Durga: I think even before I knew what Hindustani music is, I was listening to it. My understanding of it is so great that I cannot accept my own singing.

Jasraj: I have no complaints beta. Do what you enjoy doing. After all, you're now working for the cause of classical music.

Durga: I learnt a lot while interacting with legendary musicians for my show "Utsav" for Star Plus. I invested a lot of my time and energy in it and it never went on air. It came as a blow. But on my friend Vikram Shankar's suggestion, I started doing similar shows on stage. His advice was the turning point.

Jasraj: And you came up with brilliant ideas such as "Tiranga", "Golden Voice, Golden Years", and now, "Panchtatva".

Durga: As for "Tiranga", the heartening thing was the President of India praised the concept and supported it at every stage. Otherwise, it would have been impossible as there are so many dos and don'ts about projecting the Tricolour.

Jasraj: Your recently launched Indian Music Academy is also a commendable effort.

Durga: There are National Awards that recognise those in the film industry, there are the Arjuna Awards for sportspersons but, for musicians, there are just the Padma Awards for which they have to wait till they grow old. There is no system of recognising the best every year. So, the Academy comprising eminent musicians such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Balamuralikrishna, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Lalgudi Jayaraman proposes to do something in this direction. The agenda for this year includes 12 concerts by senior musicians, promoting 12 new talents and awards for the best artiste from different genres of music. I remember how much of running around you did to get that 10 per cent quota in residential buildings for artistes in Mumbai under which they get a new flat at a subsidised price.

Jasraj: That was when Shankarrao Chavan was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Nice of him that he extended it to artistes from various fields because I too like all kinds of art.

Durga: No wonder you move around with your portable DVD watching films, especially on long duration flights. These days I see you watching Parineeta. How many times have you watched it? (laughs) I remember once I was playing a Barbara Streisand song while you were praying. After finishing the puja you said this is what voice culture and projection was all about. I was completely taken aback. Not to flatter you Bapu, you know why it's so easy to relate to you. Because you are open-minded and worldly-wise.

PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO

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