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A new silsila
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Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia says that he wants to concentrate on his students
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Photo: R.V. Moorthy
Guru cool Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia
The childlike brightness of his eyes and that cherubic smile belie the title ‘maestro’. But then, isn’t a maestro one who possesses formidable learning? And children are the fastest learners.
No wonder Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, stalwart of the Hindustani flute, seems to grow younger with years. Not just in terms of jocular repartee and delight at the unexpected, but also sheer stamina.
Chaurasia has been associated with the Indian Music Academy’s Jalsa series since its inception last year. After the concert the floor is usually thrown open for audience questions.
“Poor things,” he says amiably, “they come from far off to hear us. Many never had the chance to learn music. So they have all kinds of questions. Some ask, ‘What is that on your forehead?’ referring to my tilak. Once a girl asked me whether I was married! But sometimes they stump me. Once somebody asked what raga Swami Haridas used to sing. I was amazed. How could I answer? There were no recordings in those days!” His eyes are round with wonder.
Good times
He feels times are good for classical musicians today because corporate sponsorship is picking up. But, he notes, corporates naturally give money with an eye on the mileage they can extract.
“If the government took up children from poor families and looked after their education in a field in which they are talented, how great India would be! It would set an example for the world.”
How many Lata Mangeshkars, how many Bismillah Khans might be produced, he exclaims. “How much would a child eat after all?” He thinks this way because he suffered poverty as a child. As for arranging programmes and organising festivals, he feels the government’s cultural departments have been rendered all but redundant since the corporate sector has taken over this aspect with gusto.
Free classes
On his part he teaches students for free at his gurukul, ‘Vrindavan’. Located in Juhu, “right near Amitabh Bachchan’s house”, the establishment houses 15 students whose upkeep he takes complete responsibility for.
The man gave us innumerable film music classics have called a halt to composing for a while. “27 Down, Avtar Kaul’s film, was the first film for which I composed. It was Rakhee’s first film,” he recalls. Thereafter he partnered santoor maestro Shiv Kumar Sharma to compose for a string of productions including Silsila, Faasle, Lamhe and a host of others. “But now I want to give time to my gurukul,” he says.
When the maestro is evergreen, we can always expect a new silsila.
ANJANA RAJAN
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