‘I don’t play to teach, I play to share joy’: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on six-decade journey with the flute

His story begins in Allahabad, where a young Chaurasia trained as a wrestler to please his father while secretly pursuing music.

That secret blossomed into a lifelong devotion, leading to sharing the stage with legends at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Kremlin. His journey is as extraordinary as his music.

Though I come from a classical background, I’m thankful to have worked in films and collaborated with legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, as well as explored fusion music with artists such as George Harrison from The Beatles, said Chaurasia.

Chaurasia’s melodies have become part of Hindi cinema’s most enduring soundtracks – Silsila (1981), Chandni (1989), and Lamhe (1991) – while his global collaborations with artists like John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain have brought Indian ragas into conversation with jazz and world music.

In this exclusive conversation with indianexpress.com, the maestro reflects on his unorthodox path, the spiritual essence of the flute, and the importance of surrendering to one’s calling.

Q. Your father wanted you to become a wrestler, but you chose the flute. Was that a rebellion, a calling, or fate?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: It was all God’s plan. I never aimed to become a musician. I trained as a wrestler to make my father happy, but deep inside, I was drawn to music. I quietly followed that path and eventually gave myself completely to the flute. Maybe the strength I built through wrestling helps me play even today. Now I travel with my flute and let it speak. People may not always know my name, just like they remember Lord Krishna’s flute more than his name, but for me, it’s about giving voice to the flute.

Q. How do you connect with people through your music, and what do you try to express?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I don’t perform to teach or preach. I play to share joy and emotion. I observe people, learn from them, and try to spread happiness through music. I’m not promoting myself, just trying to share the beauty of music with others.

Q. Your children have chosen different paths. Do you hope your musical legacy continues through your grandchildren?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: It all depends on God’s blessing. Talent and interest must come naturally. If they are meant to carry it forward, I would be happy. But it should come from within, it can’t be forced.

Q. What’s your daily routine like? How do you keep your music sharp with age?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: As we get older, we need to put in more effort. I still practise every day and stay in touch with other musicians to keep learning. My day begins and ends with music. Even if I don’t have the flute in my hands, I’m thinking about it. The flute is my best friend, I just try to spend time with her every day.

Q. How do you feel about your stage show Bansuri Jab Gaane Lage, which tells your musical story?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: It’s a very special experience. An artist’s life has many emotions and stories. It feels good to share that journey with people through music.

Q. You’ve composed for many films. Is there a recording session that stands out to you?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia with George Harrison. (Image: Tumblr/@harrisonarchive)

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: Though I come from a classical background, I’m thankful to have worked in films and with legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. I’ve also done fusion and worked with artists like George Harrison from The Beatles. Every session has been meaningful, but I feel most connected to devotional and spiritual compositions – they stay in my heart.

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Q. Have you worked with Pakistani artists? Are there any musicians today you’d like to collaborate with?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I’ve visited Pakistan three times. People there deeply love music. I’ve met and shared recordings with many artists. Even if we don’t meet often, we stay in touch and keep learning from each other.

Q. What does success mean to you, and what advice would you give young people who want to follow your path?

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: To me, success is being connected with God. When young people play music with sincerity and focus, they connect with their breath and their soul. That brings peace. Success comes from dedication, love for your art, and surrender. If one truly enjoys what they do and gives their heart to it, everything else will follow.