Journalism of Courage
Gayatri Joshis path to becoming a classical vocalist was marked at the very beginning of her life. Born to the well-known singer Shankar Shreeshailya Vairagkar,Gayatri grew up with the sound of music in her ears. There was music in the house all through the day. My father had his own riyaaz,students would come to learn from him and practise at home,and my brother,sister and I began to sing as well. If music wasnt already imprinted in my genes,it was certainly imprinted onto my ears, says Gayatri,who is among seven artistes performing in the city at the classical arts festival,Swarbhaskar Mahotsav.
While Gayatri completed her advanced music training under vocalist Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar (from the Agra Jaipur gharana),those who are familiar with her fathers style (Kirana Patiala gharana) often recognise his influence on her. I went to learn from Arati tai when I was 22. While she has had considerable influence on me,my father has probably had even more,since I began learning with him and he taught me all the way from my childhood till I was 22, she says.
In case of Rakesh Chaurasia,the tradition of music has passed not from father to son,but from uncle to nephew. A flautist just like his uncle,Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia,Rakesh is often confused for the flute maestros son,and he says,in a way,music has brought them together in a similar bond. I have learned from him and lived with him since I was a child,so I call him babuji, he says. Rakesh was four-and-a-half when he began his education in music from the flute maestro quite accidentally. There was a big family party going on,and my uncle suddenly asked whether anyone wanted to learn music. I didnt even know what his
instrument was called,but I put my hand up. Out of nowhere,he brought out a small flute and handed it to me. Perhaps,the sound of him playing the flute had stuck in my mind, he says.
