Wednesday

19


July , 2017
True musicians is a mediator to God
13:57 pm

Aniruddha Chowdhury


Aniruddha Chowdhury, the founder of Calcutta Performing Arts Foundation, who regularly organises the Chowdhury House Music Conference, is a versatile genius. He studied at Don Bosco school of Calcutta and became a civil engineer from IIT Kharagpur. He was the only IITian to become a member of the East Zone cricket team of India. He inherited music from his own maternal family. Great maestros like Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan often stayed at his house. Music is always a passion for him. His mother insisted on his propagating and thus expanding Indian Classical Music. Kaushik Chattapadhyay spoke to him.

His opinion about Indian Classical Music on time and trend...

He says that Indian Classical Music must be performed in a ‘Baithaki’ i.e. sit-in-mode ambiance. He stresses that Classical Music is a kind of prayer and therefore prayer should be performed by sitting on the ground like meditation but not on the chair. The whole atmosphere should be unlike a stage performance. “I offer the puja, (worship) and bring those artistes who like the puja! A Classical artiste is born after receiving benediction through several reincarnations of the soul. It is related to the ‘Shastras’.” One has to show by precept and by example that the path of sadhana is the path to perfect joy. Hence there lies a great responsibility of demonstration with calmness, composure, humility, purity, virtue, courage and conviction under all circumstances.

Say something for the aspiring artistes striving for their identity...

“You do not have to run after the money. Unless you are quiet and can’t feel the presence of God, you can’t succeed in Indian Classical Music. Because the truth is, food comes to you and you are not running after food. Omit negative vibrations. Do not think of the audience while performing, but think only of God. Act as you speak, speak as you feel, do not play false to your own conscience, do not cover your conscience by forcibly enslaving it and embarking on actions not approved by it.” 

Upcoming projects...

He doesn’t need fame and also doesn’t bother for his publicity and thus never invites the press or media. He only feels the presence of God and thus wants to show the world the true purpose of Classical Music. He is confident that Classical Music will change its course if all musicians understand it.

Memorable incident...

Years back there was a great occasion when Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was applauded by the enthralled audience. Ustadji very politely said that the audience cannot realise the intricacies of the raga. They only listen to me and feel the raga. I take them to God. I am the mediator. A musician is always a mediator and I am waiting for that moment when the listeners will forget to applaud.

Realisation....

Ideals must become higher and grander. Desires must become more and more selfless and sublime. Attachment must be transmuted into nobler and subtler emotions. The story will be gripping only when there is steady development towards the denouement. Give up all talk of people who have lost their way. Speak of reaching the path. Seek the Guru who looks on all with equal blessings.

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