Going Blank............

It was one of those days, when I was glad to be jobless. Last few weeks have been such a mad rush. I woke up late and came to office at around 11 A.M today. There is a flip side to this joblessness for me. It takes me to a state of mind where I go completely Blank…..

After checking my mails this morning, I started my regular dosage of music. I happened to revisit the website of the Sangeet research academy today. I started re-reading the articles and watching the video recordings. ‘Listened to the inspiring performances of Padmavati Shaligram, Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and a few others.

Padmavati Shaligram, 88-year doyenne of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, performed at the ITC-SRA Sangeet Sammelan in November 2005. Listening to her soaring aakar tans, I was wondering what she would have been in her hay-days. Her mellifluous and stupendous tans conquered my mind and left me spellbound for the next few hours. I have heard that, endless taan patterns at an electrifying speed were her forte in her prime time. Even at the age of 86 (as on Nov 2005) the same seemed just as true. Her voice has a rare rustic appeal, which can elevate the listeners mind to a different level.

The next rendition I listened to was a tremendous performance by Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. Panditji belongs to a famous family of Keertankars. This tabla recital at the ITC Sangeet Sammelan at Bangalore in March 2005 should rightly be called as an ensemble of sorts. The most astounding component of this performance was its Nagma in a vocal composition "Nad Brahma Anahata" set to Raga Tilak Kamod. This was followed by an exhilarating performance of Drut Teentala (16 beats) in Raga Sohini, the composition being "Ja Ja Re Ja Re Balama". I had never heard a tabla solo with vocal accompaniment before. Being a percussionist myself, I could relate to Panditji’s performance. His involvement was showing wholly in his performance.

The next awe-inspiring performance was by Us. Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan on Shehnai. The raga he performed was Hamsdhwani. Ustadji was accompanied by his two sons on the shehnai and Sandip Banerjee on the tabla, Shehnai is one instrument, I have always admired. Hamsdhwani is again one of my favorite ragas. Ustadji has skillfully blended the gayaki ang into his rendition; so much so that I thought I was listening to the vocal version of the famous Hamsdhwani based bandish “Lagi Lagan Sakhi Pati Sang”.

The day ended with a mesmerizing Bhajan by the nightingale herself i.e. Begum Parween Sultana on raga Kedar. Her performance elevated my mind to a spiritual plane; not to mention that I again started feeling that I am in a wrong field. I don’t relate to any thing more than I relate to Indian Classical Music.

Some times like on these occasions, I feel that I am moving ahead without any direction in life….. A state of thoughtlessness where my mind goes absolutely blank…….

Better late than never

I have been thinking of blogging for over a year now.... Well finally 'am in.... I don’t know why I always go through an endless sense of lethargy, when it comes to starting anything new. I am sure it would take me a few more months before I really become an active blogger.

I am still more comfortable with my pen, when it comes to expressing something not related to my profession. I am not quite cyber-savvy and prefer limited use of IT in my personal life…. Just limiting it to my profession. However, with time ‘am sure, keying in my thoughts would become much easier.

However, I regularly visit and read various blogs. I must say it is really a great concept. It all started from sending small comments to posts I read…. An endless cajoling by friends and a wrestle between my self-motivation and mental lethargy followed. Finally I had to come in .....

That’s it. Better late than never!