Spreading peace through music

Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew and disciple of the ‘Flute Legend’ Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia was in city to perform in ‘Barkha Ritu’ programme. In a freewheeling chat,he spoke exclusively about his musical journey.

Excerpts:

How easy was it to decide on learning flute? Especially with your uncle Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia being a star of the instrument?
I have been listening to flute from the day I was born, so deciding to go for it was quite easy. At the age of four years, I didn't know anything about fame or popularity and I just loved the sound of flute.

Today when you play with Hariji, do you still see some surprises coming up and an urge to learn more?
Yes.It’s a surprise all the time. He always keeps on coming up with new phrases and ideas, which are exciting but also difficult to keep up with. I don’t think anyone has heard or seen Lord Krishna. But for me, Hariji is the ‘Living Krishna’. I am lucky to see and hear him to my heart’s content.

How can classical music find its way into the masses in a larger way?
Classical music has its own charm and value that an interested audience loves to listen. As people start listening to classical music, they will start loving it. There is no other comparison in music.

Are the concerts more carefully planned abroad?
Would you like things to improve in India?
Not much. Things are just a little bit more organised out there.

How can ‘Guru Shishya Parampara’ method of learning spread more? Should students be given more scholarship for pursuing it?
‘Guru Shishya Parampara’ can only spread when students are dedicated towards their music and are ready to learn. Scholarship should be given in as large numbers as possible. This will motivate students to learn the instrument they love and will give them a choice to learn from the guru they want to.

Who are the artistes that have inspired you on stage while performing?
I have always learnt something from the artistes I have performed with through my musical journey. But Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Ustad Zakir Hussain are the two most inspiring people I have ever met.

There is a performance format RAF (Rakesh and friends). What is different about it?
This is all about reaching out to the audience, which cannot relate to classical music but wants to listen and enjoy it. Often I have seen people not interested in listening to ‘Ragas’. There is a big mindset about it all. So, in RAF we play maybe ‘Runaway’ or ‘Dark Heaven’, which is nothing but say Raga Jog or Raga Bhairavi.People also like to have rhythm in form of a drum instead of a tabla.Even our attire could be a T-Shirt and jeans instead of the traditional Kutra-Pyjama.But then we relate very fast to this segment of audience. What we play is classical, but the packaging makes it look vibrant and contemporary. It is more appealing even to the younger generation.

What do you want to give people through your music?
I always wanted to spread peace and happiness through my music.

How important are awards in the journey of music?
Of course, everyone likes to be appreciated. But for artistes like us, awards and applauses from the audience are the encouraging factors that keep us going.

What is the reaction of family members in your musical journey?
I am pretty lucky to have a very understanding family who cooperate with me, eventhough I am not available due to my regular travelling. Also they are very supportive for my musical career.

What are your memories of Hyderabad?
Hyderabad is a place where connoisseurs of music look forward to soulful music and I always look forward to a performance in the city.
The charm of the Old City is magical. I can still remember ‘Qubani Ka Meetha’ or the ‘Biryani’. Not to forget the shop where more than hundred varieties of pickles were available. The city gives great food and keeps my soul happy.

Any message to the younger generation?
Life is incomplete without music. So, do add it in whatever possible way. After all, we speak musically and breathe rhythmically. It’s already there in our system. Even the seven Chakras in our body are related to music. There are proven research papers that music therapy can heal many ailments. Any function in life without music would be unappealing. On a lighter vein, even a horror movie without music would look like a comedy. Make use of these powers of music to make life more healthy and happy.