For his interview on Monday, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, clad in a simple white panjabi, entered the room a bit drowsily. And no wonder – he had been performing until 5:30am the night before to an audience of more than 55,000 enraptured souls on the fourth day of the Bengal Classical Music Festival at Dhaka’s Army Stadium.
But he kept his good humour, giving thoughtful answers to each question.
How do you feel about the Bengal Music Festival?
I have been performing on stage for 60 years but have not experienced such a grand arrangement before. I wonder how everything can be managed when such a huge crowd attends a show.
Even more interesting is the enthusiasm of the audience here. They spend the whole evening and stay up all night to listen to music. I played until 5:30 in the morning and people were alertly listening to me.
It is really inspiring to see the appreciation of music here in Bangladesh. I have not seen such music lovers in the whole world.
Last year I saw a big crowd, but this year it was even bigger. Maybe in the coming years the programme will flourish even more.
Indeed, the day you play breaks the record for festival attendance each year. Why do you think that is?
The people of this land have a special connection with the flute and its sound. It is very much a Bangladeshi instrument.
The flute from western countries is different from ours, made of metal and having keys. In this land it is very simple, made of dried bamboo, which can be found left and right in Bangladesh. The flute has a religious value too, as Lord Krishna was the creator of the flute.
What are you trying to express when you play? Joy, pain or something else?
I do not have something in mind. I just close my eyes and play.
I feel like I am praying. I am playing to Him, who I assume to be seated between me and the audience. If I find He is happy, I feel happy. That impulse makes me play, thus the people who are listening to me enjoy it also. One will find love, dedication and devotion in prayer.
What changes have you seen over the course of your career in the subcontinent’s music scene?
Things change, that is natural. Things have changed a lot since we were young. What is happening in music is good. It is like the cycle of a day: After light one has to see darkness, and after darkness comes the light.
The younger generation may have different tastes in music. There is nothing wrong with that. They have to choose among the options they are given. What I appreciate is that they still love music.
How do you feel about fusion?
Yes, it is a current trend. Fusion has its utility too. We have learned the chord system and harmony from the new generation’s music. People abroad really like the pattern of music from this land.
They come and learn from here too, and later introduce what they have learned into their own styles of music.
Corporate sponsors also appreciate such collaborations, which gives them the opportunity to organise more and more shows. But there is no certainty about the longevity of this particular trend, and nothing can be said about its future.
Why don’t you do music for films anymore?
When I worked for films, the teams working on films were really impressive. Now the story, song concepts, background, artists and even the mood of the music is all different. When I left the film industry it was out of necessity, to concentrate more on classical music.
What is lacking in the classical music field?
A person who wants to be a musician has to be dedicated, not merely commercially-minded.
The guru – shishya [teacher – disciple] method historically significant in this land should be upheld and continued. A music guru does not only teach music by the hour. It is a lifetime education.
Do you have plans to expand your Gurukul to Bangladesh?
I too have the desire to teach music here. If anyone establishes a Gurukul [a school where pupils live near the teacher and learn] for me, I can come to Bangladesh.
The Bengal Foundation has started their project to teach classical music. If time and scope allow me to come and contribute, I will certainly come. I am interested to sit with everybody, even those who cannot play the flute. In my show at the festival, I asked the audience to all bring flutes next time they come. I wish to play with all of them together.
What do you love most about Bangladesh?
What Bangladeshi people have is a love for music. It is really worthy of appreciation. The food in Bangladesh is also something I love, especially hilsha from the Padma River.