Music maestro Pandit Harvinder Sharma calls sitar special, nuanced instrument

In Indian classical music traditions, string instruments or for that matter, all instruments are not placed as mere tools of sound but an integral part of the music 'parampara', their placement more spiritual and aesthetic. For instance, sitar assumes a deeply melodic and prime role in classical vocal performances as it is, if not the oldest, still one of the most recognised Indian classical music instruments globally. With stalwarts of Indian classical music, including Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan making it essentially known, and also modern with their own versions, the sitar also formed the centre of a discussion at a special lecture organised by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Guru Nanak Dev University, in collaboration with the Golden Jubilee Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Detailing the nuances of sitar through live performance was Pandit Harvinder Sharma, an eminent sitar maestro and Hindustani classical teacher. A disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan and recipient of several awards and accolades, including Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Pandit Harvinder Sharma called sitar a 'special' instrument for its nuanced role in a performance. "It is considered close to 'khayal ang gayaki' (vocal style) and considered as most recognisable sound of Indian classical music. In classical music traditions, instruments are considered sacred and sitar plays the most important aspect in forms such as dhrupad, thumri, dadra and so on," he said while addressing students of music.

During his presentation, Pandit Siddharth Chatterjee on tabla mesmerised everyone with his splendid accompaniment to Pandit Harvinder's sitar performance. As a teacher and artist, Pandit Harvinder Sharma has also been engaged in music education, which he said was rewarding experience. "To understand the rich legacy of Indian classical music, it is pertinent to first understand the basics, its core philosophy and principles," he said.

Pandit Harvinder Sharma's rich repertoire and training of music across different gharanas enables him to expand the scope of his performance as well as music education.