Inside-Out

Ustad Sayeeduddin Dagar, the youngest of the distinguished Dagar clan of Dhrupad exponents, turned 60 this year. In Mumbai for a felicit...

Ustad Sayeeduddin Dagar, the youngest of the distinguished Dagar clan of Dhrupad exponents, turned 60 this year. In Mumbai for a felicitation ceremony, does the maestro feel that recognition has come late?

Ustadji seems more concerned about keeping Dhrupad alive than personal recognition. quot;How can I receive fame, when the Dhrupad school itself is not receiving the respect it deserves? I am dedicated to preserving Dhrupad in its pure form. It is the oldest school of classical music, derived from the Vedas. But it is a fact that Dhrupad singers have been pushed to the margin.quot;

Why is it being marginalised?

quot;I don8217;t have the answer to that. There is no difference between the ragas and the themes that Dhrupad is based on. It8217;s just the treatment that8217;s unique.quot;

Perhaps the ordinary music-lover finds Dhrupad too complex?

quot;Are you telling me that the common person understands the nuances of the Khayal? Music is for the ear. We perform for the public, not the eruditemusic critic. But one has to consistently listen to it to cultivate a taste. This is not pop.quot;

For 19 generations the Dagar family has kept Dhrupad alive. Will the next generation continue this tradition?

Ustadji8217;s son is yet to perform. quot;Our seniors will have to give him permission. It is a part of our sanskaar.quot; The other Dagar comes from the Delhi clan of Dagars. quot;We have disciples from outside the family too, but their number is fewer than it used to be 10 years ago. Our music is for those who come with a passion for it and can uphold its tradition, not contaminate it. The Dagar gharana is the only lineage of Dhrupad singers. We cannot let it die.quot;

Even at the cost of popularity?

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Popularity cannot be gained deliberately. quot;It will attract people if we have enough power and intensity in our music.quot; Ustadji was teaching vocal music at the University of Rajasthan before he decided to travel all over Marathwada to popularise Dhrupad. He recently performed in Bonn, Holland,Belgium and France, besides conducting a week-long workshop on Dhrupad in Paris. quot;People there are discovering an entirely different kind of music. The West is known to have a penchant for things new and oriental. It is encouraging.quot;

And Dhrupad8217;s future in India?

quot;I think there will be a time when it will have to be imported from the West.quot;

8212; SANJUKTA SHARMA

Ustad Sayeeduddin Dagar will perform at Bhavan8217;s K K Sabhagriha, Chowpatty. On Sept 10. Time: 6.30 pm.