UNCHAINED MELODIES

Shubha Mudgal talks about bringing India's young musicians to the fore through Jackfruit 2023 and the rhythms that define her life

- Priya Pathiyan

It's Jackfruit season in Bengaluru again! The beloved children's music festival of this name comes back in its fifth edition, and this time, they have renowned Indian classical vocalist and composer, Padma Shri Vidushi Shubha Mudgal, curating the talent as Festival Director. "Basically, I get to dream and imagine and hear lots of wonderful music from which I have the challenging task of selecting artistes, repertoire, and details related to presentation," says Mudgal.

Gayathri Krishna, Managing Trustee of the Bhoomija Foundation, which is behind this annual music festival, says, "We called it Jackfruit because the fruit kind of personifies classical music-hard exterior, sticky, and a difficult way to the real fruit that is incredibly sweet! Much like the journey to realising classical music as an artiste!" She adds, "Way back in 2013, Bombay Jayashri directed our first Children's Carnatic Choir, and I was astounded by the talent! Since then, we've been doing a bit of work with youngsters." She is visibly excited about the artistes participating in Jackfruit 2023, which will be organised in association with the Indian Music Experience Museum and held in Bengaluru between September 12 and 17 at the museum and MLR Convention Centre at JP Nagar.