Tapping young talent

Nehru Centre has roped in Ustad Allarakha and his son Ustad Fazal Qureshi for a five-day workshop on tabla from June 03, 1997. This is part...

Nehru Centre has roped in Ustad Allarakha and his son Ustad Fazal Qureshi for a five-day workshop on tabla from June 03, 1997. This is part of the Centre’s ongoing series of workshops conducted by stalwarts from the world of theatre, dance and music, aimed specifically at the younger generation.

"We want to involve the youth from the state in some meaningful activity. There is a general feeling that our youth are moving away from our rich cultural tradition, and this is an attempt to draw them back," says L H A Kazi, Director (culture) at the Nehru Centre. The first workshop was held in January, when Prof T Subbagi addressed theatre enthusiasts from all over Maharashtra. This was followed by a programme on the eight nayikas in Abhinaya by Kanak Rele. And, most recently, Pandit Birju Maharaj conducted his workshop called Kathak Darpan. After the tabla workshop, the Centre has organised a 10-day programme about the art of presenting Nattuvangam in Bharatnatyam, which will be conducted by Rajee Narayan.

"We have received the co-operation of senior gurus as they too are eager to share their knowledge with the students. And like-minded institutions like Banyan Tree, Allarakha Institute and Nrithya Geethanjali have supported us for these activities. We have tried to space our programme in such a fashion that school and college students can attend these workshops," says Kazi.

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For the tabla workshop, Qureshi plans to discuss the finer nuances of his instrument and talk about rhythm in general. "There are a lot of students who would like to know about our style of playing or maybe some other details about the instrument. I am looking for intermediate or advance level students with whom I can share some information about the tabla. On the last day, my father would address and furnish further clarifications to their questions," says he. "A lot of people find fast movements exhilarating, but don’t know exactly what goes into them. So they can talk to me why they feel thrilled listening to Ustad Zakir Hussain," he adds.

Qureshi attributes the growing popularity of Indian classical music among youngsters to big names like Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Ustad Zakir Hussain. "Till a couple of decades ago no one had even heard of the santoor. Today, more and more people are trying to learn the instrument. The hysteria of the renowned personalities draws the crowds, and each time they go back a little educated. Today, 60 per cent of our audience comprises of youngsters. It is very heartening to see that when colleges have their annual festivals, one day is reserved for classical music. I have seen a full house in IIT listening to an all-night performance of classical music," he says.

Another reason for the renewed interest in Indian classical music among the youth is the entry of the corporate world in a big way. Says Qureshi, "Today corporates are actively involved with organising concerts, and this bodes well for the cause of music. Now, youngsters have the opportunity to make a name as well as money unlike a few years ago."

At the Basement Lecture Hall, Nehru Planetarium. From 03 to 0 7 June 1997, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm.