Demanding Due

In Lucknow to perform for a SPIC MACAY programme,Bhatt says classical music need not be as popular as pop or rock. “Such music is for a different genre,we have our audience and they are only increasing in number,” says the maestro soon after mesmerizing the students of La Martiniere Girls Inter College with his pristine pure,delicate yet fiery music.

What upsets him is the fact that while few write obituaries for legendary classical singers like Gangubai Hangal and DK Pattamal,Michael Jackson’s funeral is shown live on Indian television.

“We must learn to give credit to our people also,” he says dismissing the notion that modern day kids are losing interest in classical music.

“They have the sense to appreciate music that is worth a praise,” he says as he interacts with kids post an hour-long mesmerizing performance.

“Classical music is not that intricate that and one needs to have a knowledge of it.To enjoy it,you must attend concerts regularly,” says Bhatt who is all for fusion.

“Through fusion two different streams come together bringing with it possibilities of two cultures coming together. It is a different dimension of music,a different expression to be honoured if done properly,” he says emphasising that it requires spontaneity and improvisation.

“For fusion,you ought to know the other form of music besides yours,” says Bhatt.

A disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar,Vishwa Mohan belongs to the family of Mughal emperor Akbar’s court musician Tansen.

“For 300 years we have been into music and hopefully will continue to do so,” he says terming his son Salil as one of his best disciples. “He is doing equally well and has invented another kind of Veena —Satvik Veena,” adds Bhatt who has given electrifying performance all over the world.

Stressing that playing the Mohan Veena is like reaching God through music,Bhatt is studying its therapeutic and stress-busting quality.

“It relieves you of stress and anxiety which are at the root of all diseases,” he says citing cases where researchers have written to him about the success stories.

Bhatt has performed extensively in the USA,USSR,Canada,the Great Britain,Germany,Spain,France,Italy,Netherlands,Belgium,Scotland,Switzerland,Denmark,Dubai,Sharjah,Bahrain,Muscat,Abu Dhabi etc. and throughout India.

However,most memorable performance remains the first.

“It was in 1970,in Bombay when I performed before the likes of Ustad Amir Khan,Ahmed Jaan,Dagar brothers,Pt Jasraj and Bhimsen Joshi,” reminisces the maestro.