Voice of devotion

SD Sharma

“Indian classical music has diverse and enriching cultural contexts,” maintains acclaimed classical vocal maestro Kalapini Komkali, who is here on the invitation of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi for a concert dedicated to the memory of vocalist Ratnika Tewari at the Tagore Theatre on Thursday. Coming from the family of legends, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Kumar Gandharva and Vidushi Vasundra Komkali, Kalapini is religiously carrying forward their rich musical legacy.

Kalapini had embellished her wide repertoire of ragas and compositions with the traditional songs of Malwa, representing the folklore and ethnic fragrance of the region. The Sagun-Nirgun bhajans (devotional songs) of the various saint-poets rendered in her inimitable style provide a mystic flavour to her renditions.

Her versatility lies in immaculate singing of various genres, right from the classical to lighter forms like the hit Dhola Re Dhola Re from the film Paheli, as also songs for film Ahilaya. Her commercial releases include, Aarambha and Inheritence by HMV, Dharohar by Times Music; and Swar-Manjari, a live concert recording that was released recently by Virgin Records. She shares her views on the classical music scene & more.

Do you strictly follow your father and guru?

I have imbibed the best of classical musical arts of my parents and gurus, Pandit Kumar Gandharva and Vidushi Vasundra Komkali. They never advised me to stick to their style or form. Rather they insisted I create my own compositions. Accordingly, I compose with new innovations and render in my style.

After Kumar Gandharva, who do you think has influenced your singing the most?

I relish listening to great masters like DV Paluskar, Pandit Jasraj and more, but I never attempt to copy them or be under their influence. Every artist has its own aura; who can emulate the complex thumris sung by Ustad Barkat Ali Khan? It is always better to be original, as you can realise and assess your talent better.

How imperative is the role of a good guru?

Music and theatre are performing arts to be staged before the audience, which spontaneously judges your ability or capability. So I do not see any option of succeeding without the tutelage of a guru.

Do you find the same old-time dedication among the present-day disciples ?

Moral values have chanjged, but still there are many who seriously pursue music at our Gandhava Sangeet Akademi in Dewas. More youngsters are learning classical music and dance, which is certainly a good sign.