Innovations and Achievements:
After five decades of a glittering music career, countless recognition across the globe, and making a complete new raga or inventing menkas or tuners for Santoor, what is your next goal? “I am proud of the innovations I have made in the style of playing the instrument and the fine tuners that I created to make Santoor a better sounding instrument as well making the playing easier.”
The Future of Indian Classical Music:
How do you see the future of Indian classical music? “Social media is already playing a vital role in spreading the influence of Indian music at a global level and in the coming 15 years it shall play the most vital role in spreading our music to the farthest parts of the world.”
Promoting Classical Music:
It is high time there are dedicated slots in the satellite channels for young classical musicians, Competitions for classical music only (like the Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma etc) and corporate sensitization that India does not only have Bollywood but outstanding classical musicians as well.
Contributions to Society:
Tell us about your work for the future generations through SPIC MACAY and other charitable organizations like Rotary UNICEF Polio, etc. “My association with Rotary has been for over a decade. One day my good friend Subhojit Roy (a Rotarian himself) told me about how he is planning a Polio campaign and he requested me to lend my name for the promotion along with Amitabh Bachchan, Bill Gates, Jackie Chan, Archie Panjabee, Bishop Desmond Tutu.”
Influential Associations:
My biggest teacher or Guru has been Bharat Ratna Ravi Shankar, he was not only my Musical Guru but also a life coach. I owe everything to Guru ji. Thanks to him I got introduced to George Harrison and had the privilege to collaborate with him.
Conclusion:
The journey has been one of satisfaction, happiness and I have lived a dream of a life and I would like to be born as a musician in my next life too.
