The obvious question: what does being a legend’s granddaughter mean as a vocalist?
I don’t think I am different when I am in the classroom with her. I am her student. But audiences perceive me very differently.
How do you cope?
I learnt to look at it as an inspiring boost—they have set their standards very high for me.
Now that you have started performing solo, how do you view yourself?
I consider myself as a beginner; I am still learning and exploring.
Do you believe in fusion, or are you puritanical?
I like anything that is aesthetic; I wouldn’t turn my back to anything. But if two things don’t go together...you can’t have Idli with
soya sauce.
Do you like any particular music?
I listen to everything that is not noise.
There is anxiety that the young aren’t interested in classical music.
But I see lot of youngsters at my grandmother’s programmes.
Is it harder for the young because it needs time and patience to understand classical music?
That’s a misconception. We don’t expect the audience to know, just allow yourself to be affected by the music.
Performing at a theatre festival, do you enjoy this integration of the performing arts?
It’s absolutely fantastic. Why not integrate?
How different is it to perform without microphones/speakers etc?
Indian classical music wasn’t meant for a big ground. We need more opportunities like these to perform without microphones.
Do you get involved in the socio-political issues of the day?
I keep myself away from everything that’s not music.
