Thursday, October 21, 2010

POORVI

Poorvi- A very beautiful evening raga!! It is said that a well played or sung poorvi can bring tears in listener's eyes.Now a bit being technical,this raag comes from poorvi thaat.while singing, a singer has to take care not mix it up with other ragas like puriya,puriya kalyan and puriya dhanashree.An artist's skills are on stake while performing this particular raag.when this technical things and artist's emotion balance together,poorvi is a delight to listen.

My memories with this raga are also teary but for another reason.Dada introdused me this raga,the Aaroh-avaroha,bandish,aalap-taan and later Baba(my father) took-up the task to teach me real,deep ragadari of .Soon I realised that I'm in trouble. he was so very strict on accuracy of each note and particularly the'KOMAL DHAIVAT' which makes it emotional.Half an hour went by and still no progress on my side.........
Gradually he started irking,became irritated and patience less.correcting me each time on that same note made him more and more angrier and with him in this mood, I was loosing grip on all the notes,not just DHA.

All of a sudden he roared 'Keep that tanpura aside,foolish girl.......you are never going to learn this."
This came as a big shock.I broke down in tears ........the hurt was just unbearable!!!!I silentley kept Tanpura and walked out with tears in my eyes.......wondering may be he his right that I am not that good in singing!He was just a teacher for that moment....quietly I decided to stop learning......
AND....Much to my surprise the very next day,he was waiting for me to teach"Poorvi" again!!And I simply havn't heart to refuse or announce my previous night's decision.even he waiting for me was out of guru-shishya
parampara mannerism. He just instructed  and I knew I have to follow this!He didn't seem caring about my tears.
Today,I realise,taking a tradition ahead is not a simple job.It takes lot of efforts of guru and shishya's part,parents and society.Late nights and early morning riyaz,Guru's valuable guaidance and student's relentless efforts.........All make it a success.
Later on I learnt many ragas from baba . I knew that it was only hard-work by which I was able to win his heart.Riyaz,mehant was his favorite words.That sad poorvi lead us to a wonderful path.A guru,father,teaching
sanskrit,english and math for academics and a good friend in our adolescent years!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Guru devo bhav!

Here goes my first post to my Guru and grandfather,Pt.B.N.Kshirsagar,
whom we all called 'Dada'.In Music circle,family,relatives,students and grandchildrenhe was fondly called by this name.

In my early childhood I never realized that what a Doyen of Hindustani music he was.He was
always caring,loving and busy to make us feel happy with our childish demands.....Taking us to a
walk with hidden promises of jalebi,milkshake,omelet........and what not!!
By the age of seven-eight I started learning music from him......and serious learning started 5-6 years later this.
those were the very beautiful days.....wish they could come back!!
He introduced me with several ragas first,teaching chhota khayal,simple Bandishes,aalap and later on
 we moved to deep raagdari. His way of teaching was very fantastic......had a magical skill to make tough things simpler,knowing students limits of learning,always ready to make changes according to students capacity are few of them.Students who learnt once from him never went to another teacher.

As I write here about him here I realise it's not possible for me to portray him fully.he possessed so many rare qualities nowadays we don't get to see.Feel myself blessed to have him as a guru,grandfather and a wonderful person in my life,who,in many ways shaped my personality.

Dada! I love and miss you a lot! Not a single day goes without remembering you in one or another way. Wish to learn Yaman's 'Mora man bandh leeno'just one more time from you!!!!!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Namaskar!

Hello everyone,
Finally, I'm also here.Since a long time I was thinking to start writing........
Anything which came in my mind,my own thoughts,my views ......related
to any subject. At first, wasn't sure if I could write well.... but thought to give it a try.

Besides being a performing artiste of Hindustani classical music I honestly haven't done something new in
other fields.So....here I am!exploring the world of writing.

Good wishes,comments,suggestion.....all are welcome!
will come soon with a post.