Continuing the legacy of tradition in modern times

Disciples of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, ‘Flute Sisters’ Suchismita and Debopriya trained in Guru-Sishya parampara. Together, they revel in the intense fusion of the traditional and the contemporary

Flute legend Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia has set up a Gurukul in Mumbai and Bhubaneswar to impart the rich tradition of classical music to the next generation. Amongst the few privileged disciples of Panditji are the ‘Flute Sisters’ Suchismita Chatterjee and Debopriya Ranadive.

“When we were young, we learnt vocal music from our parents. They asked us if we would like to learn flute, and thus began our journey under Pandit Bholanath in Allahabad. Later, when we shifted to Mumbai, we came under the tutelage of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia in the year 1993. It’s been ‘talim’ at the Gurukul as per the tradition of Guru – Sishya parampara. We stay in the school, have breakfast, lunch, dinner and our lessons. When we return to our rooms, we do our ‘riyaz’. The presence of Guruji gives a very positive push to the whole atmosphere. He not only guides us in music but also many aspects of life. Even Pandit Rajan Sajan Mishra and Gundecha brothers (Ramakant and Umakant) have set up Gurukuls for the dissemination of classical music,” share Suchismita and Debopriya.

“For us, Classical music is like the unending depth of an ocean. The more we work on it; we understand that there is a lot more to do. The joy keeps adding as time progresses. It always appears that as we are getting older, the music is getting younger.” However, the current generation used to instant noodles may find it difficult. The sisters agree! “There is no shortage of talent in this country. The next generation is far ahead in its thought process. There have lot of energy and confidence as compared to us. But they want everything ‘instant’. There is lack of patience whether in the young learners of their parents. Everyone is in a hurry. They want to learn a little bit and get on to stage for a performance and become a star overnight. The reality shows on television channels have also added to this peculiar problem. Classical music is an endless and lifetime process. We visit many schools and colleges when we perform morning concerts for SPIC MACAY and are amazed at the deep interest in students for Indian heritage. But somehow, there is no form of continuous guidance or follow up for them to take up the right path.”

The sisters complement each other on stage and it is more about music than competition. “We are two individuals and both of us cannot be equal. We know our strengths and weaknesses and ensure that the outcome of ‘duet playing’ is positive and harmonious. We practice together, and try to see that the outcome is like a conversation between two musicians or a story telling session for the audience. For example, if one of us is playing an upper note, Guruji has trained the other to hold on to a lower note to complement the musical output.”

Following the footsteps of Guruji and embellishing their music with inspiration from legends the ‘Flute Sisters’ constantly hone their music. “It’s amazing to try and even think of the unparallel contribution of doyens like Pandit Shivkumar Sharma,Ustad Zakir Hussain,Vidushi Kishori Amonkar and Pandit Birju Maharaj.We sometimes wonder if anyone else can come up to their level and continue the legacy. Their contribution to the music world is like that of a ‘super human’ and a genius. Their passion and commitment towards music takes them to a level of the ‘Almighty’. When they speak something, it’s like a final word and we all listen in awe. We become speechless and try to imbibe the advice in utter silence. It’s very important for any young musician to adhere to the golden words of all these legends,” they advice.

The sisters are slowly and surely making their way up to the annals of Indian music. “Our goal in life is to live up to the expectations of our Guruji, our parents and in-laws. They have given so much of their valuable time and support to make us what we are today.”

On a signing off note, they state, “Flute is becoming a very popular musical instrument in India and we also have a few girl students who are now serious about making a career in music. The youth of today must develop patience and trust their Gurus. The attitude to rush towards shortcuts must change and there is need to work towards achieving depth of knowledge.”