Traditionally Bound

8220;Any kind of art can be mastered only if one is passionate and is willing to give his fullest. And for something like music, you have to dedicate your whole life to it,8221; said Nafeesuddin Dagar while addressing a seminar for the students of liberal studies at FLAMES college in Lavale.

After initial training under their father, Ustad Sayeeduddin Dagar and uncles Ustad N Zariruddin Dagar and Ustad N Faiyazuddin Dagar, the duo is currently seeking guidance from their uncle, the renowned Ustad R Fahimuddin Dagar and cousin Faiyaz Dagar. 8220;Music is a never-ending subject and we believe that the learning process must go on,8221; say the two, adding, 8220;Like our ancestors, we too want to devote our life to music and would also propose the same to our coming generations,8221; says Aneesuddin.

With changing tastes, as the influx of western music has hit the current generation, Aneesuddin feels that whatever music one may hear for the moment, the charm of classical music will remain forever. 8220;Fads may come and go but our cultural heritage is very strong and will never die,8221; he says. While Nafeesuddin who feels that the glitz of reality shows on TV is a wrong way to groom young talent, says, 8220;It is very difficult for the children to handle the limelight at such a young age8230; one failure can break their heart forever. Besides, their actual potential gets lost in the race of commercialisation.8221;

Safeguarding the original form of Dagarwani tradition of Drupad, the contribution of the Dagar family to the perpetuation and enrichment of music has been precious and unique while representing a microcosm of the history of Indian classical music. 8220;We are shouldering a family tradition and it8217;s a big responsibility to maintain the family name. But it8217;s the connection with eternity that gives us strength,8221; says the duo.