Force behind dhrupads revival

Wasifuddin Dagar,his Delhi-based nephew told The Indian Express,It is a difficult time for us and a loss for the nation. His only advice to us and the other young dhrupadiyas was to be strong and regale the audiences with this rare art form as long as possible.

For many years,the term Dagarbandhu has been synonymous with the names of Ustad Mohiuddin and Ustad Fariduddin Dagar. The duos jugalbandi was the toast of music soirees of the 60s,especially in Europe. Direct descendant of Swami Haridas,the 16th century saint who taught Tansen,the Dagars have preserved the family tradition for over five centuries. Haridass style,called the Dagarvani style,was developed in Gwalior and passed down to generations into the Dagar family.

Ramakant Gundecha of the Gundecha brothers,in an email,said,It is an extremely sad day in our life. We attribute all of our musical knowledge and understanding to gurujis deep,subtle and unique taalim. Chhote ustad,as we fondly called him,will be remembered for the revival of dhrupad music in this era.

Fariduddin learnt music from his father Ustad Ziauddin Khan. He was awarded Padma Shri last year.

Unfortunately,the most dedicated audience for the art form is not in India but Paris,a place where dhrupad concerts are a regular.