Famous Indian Hindustani classical and indie-pop singer Shubha Mudgal has countless hit songs including devotional songs. His song ‘Ab Ke Sajan Sawan Mein..’ remains an eternal beauty ruling the hearts of successive generations. Mudgal will perform at the Delhi Classical Music Festival from December 3 to December 5, 2024, which is being organized by the Sahitya Kala Parishad and the Government of NCT Delhi. The festival promises to enthrall the audience with captivating performances by some of the leading Indian classical music maestros. In an interview with Zee News Digital, Shubha Mudgal shared her love for classical music, traveling and festival experience. 1. Who inspired you to pursue classical music and who were your most important mentors during this time? Shubha Mudgal- My parents, late Jaya and Skanda Gupt, had a passion for music and I inherited their keen interest in music from them. He actively encouraged me to learn music and make it a part of my life. I was fortunate to be accepted as a disciple by Pt. Ramashray Jha “Ramrang”, one of the most respected scholar-composer-composers of recent times. Later, I also had the privilege of getting guidance from great masters and teachers like Pandit ji. Vasant Thakar, Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Pt. Kumar Gandharva and Smt. Naina Devi ji. 2. What is the role of events like this festival in keeping classical music alive in modern India? Shubha Mudgal- Traditional arts like classical music are part of the rich and diverse cultural fabric of India. Festivals like the Delhi Classical Music Utsav, through their continuous efforts to highlight classical music, encourage potentially new listeners to come and experience the magic of Hindustani classical music, and encourage experienced and discerning listeners to listen to the artistry and Also provide an opportunity to enjoy. Diverse artists specializing in different genres. 3. Which raga or composition holds a special place in your heart and why? Shubha Mudgal- It is music that holds a special place in my heart and a very large part of it; Not any one composition or raga. 4. What advice would you give to young, aspiring classical musicians trying to establish their footing in this field? Shubha Mudgal- I think the best person to mentor young candidates would be their respective mentors. They can always expect from me my very best wishes and my deep desire to hear their music. 5. How do you see the future of Indian classical music in the age of digital platforms and globalization? Shubha Mudgal- Indian classical music has always been adaptable and flexible. It has survived and overcome many challenges and will continue to do so. Digital platforms are also already being used in many ways for classical music, so as long as artists and audiences are eager to listen to them, I don’t see any major challenges. 6. “Ab Ke Sawan” remains an evergreen favourite. What do you think makes it so enduring in the hearts of listeners? Shubha Mudgal- I think the credit for Ab Ke Sawan’s standing the test of time should be given to the entire team that made it – composer Shantanu Moitra and many other artists and experts who contributed to its success. 7. What do you think about the independent music scene in India? Shubha Mudgal- Since there are no state-supported artists in India, I would have to say that almost every artist in India is ‘independent’. While some opportunities for performance are provided by the government in the form of festivals, concerts, etc., and some scholarship/fellowship schemes also exist, artists in India generally secure their living and future independently. Much needs to be done to protect artists who specialize in traditional music and work independently and this includes welfare schemes such as health insurance and benefits. Governments should provide insurance for traditional handmade acoustic instruments etc.
Exclusive: ‘In fact, every artiste in India is independent’, says famous singer Shubha Mudgal
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