A free flowing art

Manika Ahuja

They belong to different gharanas, but are united in their view that music has a universal appeal. For Hindustani classical vocalists Nabhodeep Chakraborty and Rita Dev, music is one realm where even barriers of language fail to operate. In their perception, one might not understand the lyrics a tad bit, “but the pristine musical beats and mellifluous voices will touch you at a deeper level, nonetheless.”

Kolkata-based classical singer Nabhodeep minces no words when he says, “Music is a universal language. It has the power to unite people by transcending differences of language and dialect.”

Renaissance mode

Dev, who along with Nabhodeep, is in Chandigarh to participate in Triveni Sangeet Sabha, notes that people from all over the world are developing a renewed interest in the genre, “Classical notes bestow a distinct sort of peace on the soul. That state of bliss cannot be achieved by taking recourse to any other genre of music. This hallmark of Indian culture has of late been enticing people from foreign shores alike.” She highlights the universal appeal of music, by recollecting how a bunch of foreigners approached her, after one of her concerts. She recalls, “They came to me and said, that although, the lyrics were incomprehensible to them, the music touched the heart’s deepest recesses.” 

For Nabhodeep, to keep listeners hooked, exponents of classical music should acknowledge their role as torch-bearers of Indian ethos by gauging a befitting way to present their music. “True success of an artist lies in how profoundly he establishes a connection with the audience by feeling their pulse,” he passes a radiant smile.

Involving youngsters 

According to Dev, more initiatives like Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY)- a nation-wide voluntary movement that organises classical music and dance events in educational institutes - should come to the fore, “to boost the awareness levels of students about Indian classical music.” Agrees Nabhodeep, whose main purpose is “to be the torch-bearer of Kasur Patiala Gharana’s legacy by reaching out to youngsters.”

Pulling the crowd

The singers enlist various ways for classical musicians and singers to pull the crowds. “My Guru, bade Ghulam Ali Khan’s music is replete with elements of mass appeal; we vocalists need to follow his lead and understand that we are performing for the masses. The onus to get them interested in our roots lies with us,” claims Nabhodeep. 

Both the singers unequivocally urge the young brigade to re-establish the fading connect with their roots, “by embracing classical music, which symbolises India’s sacred heritage.”