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Journalism of Courage
For the iPOD savvy, obsessive hip hopper that an upwardly mobile Indian youngster has turned into today, Anoushka Shankar was a myth-buster of sorts. Classical music was no more about crisp dhotis and kanjeevarams, because Shankar trashed a lot of clicheacute;s associated with the genre. On the eve of the ambitious collaboration with Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson, Shankar talks music, and some more music.
How did the collaboration happen?
It was primarily through our promoters. We didn8217;t know each other before this. But then, I was told that Ian had been interested in working with me for some time now. So, we finally got to meet and the whole process was very informal as we discussed stuff over mail, and probably met just a couple of times before we came here8230;
It8217;s intriguing. More because it has a very deep content. Even if it is mostly metal, it has classical and folk elements. Again, elements which are brought together in a very synergistic way, and not just purposefully.
You have collaborated with artistes from various schools of music. Do you think fusion is a way to take something as traditionally rooted as the sitar, to a wider audience?
It might be a risk, if you don8217;t have your interests sorted out. If it8217;s done just for the sake of doing it, the music stands nowhere, it has no anchor. But if sensitively done, boundaries dissolve.
In that case, what do you look for in a collaboration when you8217;re involved in it?
I look to be challenged. You grow only when you move out of your comfort zone. At the same time, I should have something new to offer also in course of it8230;
How do you define your music?
My music has an Indian heart. But it8217;s like something indigenous presented in different clothing. When I tour with my band, you can spot influences of jazz, flamenco etc. Then again, it8217;s mostly about how they relate to their Indian counterpart.
Do you keep a tab on the developments in the Bollywood music scenario8230;
I do get to know if something interesting is happening, if there8217;s new talent. But I still wish Bollywood wasn8217;t this trend oriented. Like, two years back, they discovered electronica and everybody blindly started following it. Hip Hop has been around for over 20 years now, but it8217;s now that Hindi films suddenly seem to have made it mandatory to include at least one Hip Hop number8230;
How was it like working for Dance Like A Man? Are you considering more acting offers?
The whole set up of the film was very comfortable. I knew the director and the movie was about dance. That is something very close to my heart as I am a trained Bharatnatyam dancer. It8217;s not that I want to be an actor, but I think I would want to act at least once again, if I have an interesting offer. The film was interesting, but you know, it was a typically niche low budget one. As a first film, I wanted something a little more structured8230;
What will you be busy with in the coming days?
There8217;s the Live Earth concert in Mumbai after this. It8217;s very exciting as it is about environmental issues. Then there8217;s the premiere of my father8217;s concerto. This piece has been written by him just for me and the second one he has written in his life. So, it8217;s very special to me. And finally I want to bring my band, Anoushka Shankar Project, to tour India. I have been wanting to do this for a long time now8230;
If given an opportunity would you compose for Bollywood?
I don8217;t say that I am fabulous, but I approach my work with a lot of integrity. If I am asked to churn out hits, without a soul, it8217;ll be difficult. But is it8217;s a beautiful film, and I am allowed to do a thing I believe in, why not?
