Panditji says


I have been fortunate to have heard some of the great old masters. I have derived so much inspiration from this listening that I could arrive at certain principles that could be beneficial to a student of Hindustani music, if followed faithfully. My observations are based purely on my experience of learning, teaching and performing spread over half a century.

Inspiration, impulse and involvement

Listening to great masters of different gharanas was quite impulsive. Maestros like Krishnarao Shankar Pandit, Faiyaz Khan, Kesarbai Kerkar, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Hirabai Badodekar, DV Paluskar, just to name a few, had some such quality in their vocalism worth absorbing. This made a tremendous impact on me, urging me to undergo serious training. The best opportunity came my way and I started taking lessons from none other than DV Paluskar.

Learn, listen and look for the best

On starting my studentship, as advised by my Guruji, I continued listening to musicians more attentively. Such listenings do form a part of training and give you strength to analyse a repertoire presented by the artiste. This exercise helps you to broaden your vision. It certainly helped me to build more confidence in me.

Guru is ultimate

Having realised the importance of teachings of the Guru, I reached a stage when a guru-shishya relationship is established. Naturally, it has got to be reciprocal. You can know better of a Guru by catching him in his unguarded moments. He is always a beacon for you and remains within you.

Music is a prayer

An artiste should consider music to seek blessings from Almighty. The posture of 'vajraasan' adopted by musicians of yester-years was idicative of offering prayer.

Music is a pleasant dialogue

I recall my concert at a friend's house. I was in my element.Right from the beginning I started getting response from the packed audience. I could immediately establish rapport with the listeners resulting into unison between us. I think such relationship is better enjoyed in a drawing room performance than in a huge auditorium.

Music is 3-dimentional

Any beautiful piece of art - be it painting, sculpture or music - it must have three dimentions. In music these three dimentions are Bandish (composition), Raga (melody) and Theka (rhythm). Spontaneous exposition of these units should be considered as good music -irrespective of gharana. A performer should take care to see that technical brilliance goes hand-in-hand with aesthetic excellence.

Let me end by saying that a student should have determination, dedication and diligence in his pursuit of excellence.