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`Thank Him for all you have'

Hindustani music legend Pandit Jasraj tells daughter Durga that music is a spiritual calling

WARM RELATIONSHIP Pandit Jasraj and Durga bond over music, films and more Photo: R. Sivaji Rao

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." Welcome to the world of Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj, who draws deeply from Indian philosophy, aesthetics and spirituality.

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. She is also planning to reach out to music lovers through her Indian Music Academy and slickly-made classical music shows for TV.

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.

Chitra Swaminathan listened to the jugalbandi.

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 cellphone 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. You were just four when dadaji moved out of the village to work as a state musician in the royal court of Hyderabad and Kashmir, explored the world and faced adversity with just his musical talent. You followed in your father's footsteps, took to music and worked your way up the ladder. Having grown up in the shadow of your success, I feel Sharang (her 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 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 me) 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, the 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. Every day 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 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 was a blow. But on my friend Vikram Shankar's suggestion, I started doing similar shows on stage.

Jasraj: And you came up with brilliant ideas such as Tiranga, Golden Voice, Golden Years, and now, Panchtatva... I really like all kinds of art.

Durga: No wonder you move around with your portable DVD watching films, especially on long flights. These days I see you watching Parineeta. How many times have you watched it? (laughs) I remember once I was playing a Barbra 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.

Jasraj: Jai ho! (His characteristic way of ending a concert)

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