Genetics of Music

“It’s a fulfilling feeling,not only because Rahul is carrying forward a tradition,but creating a genre of santoor music that’s unmatched,’’ smiled the proud father and teacher. Sixty years back,no one had heard about the santoor,and the stature that the instrument has attained now,says Pandit Sharma,has only been possible due to divine blessings and intervention. “I think I was chosen as a medium to make the santoor a popular classical instrument worldwide and now I have disciples all over the world to spread the music,’’ says the santoor maestro,as he goes on to discussing the guru-shishya parampara and how it has evolved. He notes,the ability to first of all imbibe all the nuances of the guru’s art form and then move a step further to create a new path is what sets a brilliant musician apart from a good one. “This is exactly what Rahul has done. He carries on the classical tradition of the santoor with elan and has internationally found his own space that’s different from mine,’’ he adds.

The musician and composer believes that it’s not imperative for an artist’s child to follow in the footsteps of his mother or father. “Talent,inclination,passion,these are indispensable qualities. Some take 15 minutes to catch the pulse of their guru,while other students just struggle. Also,I believe some students bring along something from their previous birth. Sanskaar is what they get from their past life and like a fixed deposit in a bank,forget about it,’’ says he,looking fondly at his musician son.

As for Rahul,music flows in his veins and he admits that it’s a fine balancing act that he does everyday. “While you are trained as a classical musician to create and compose music,you have to condition yourself to step out of that framework and principles and have the ability to step back,” says Rahul. Having collaborated with pianist Richard Clayderman,performed at world music festivals,cut a rock album titled The Rebel,for Rahul the world of music continues to grow bigger with the urge to constantly compose,create and experiment with fusion. As for the santoor,the instrument’s soothing quality never fails to amaze Rahul.