IT WAS THE HIGHEST HONOUR TO PERFORM FOR PM MODI AND PM STARMER: NAVIIN GANDHARV

Pt. Naviin Gandharv shares his journey, challenges, and mission to popularise Belabaharr globally.

- NOOR ANAND CHAWLA

It is rare indeed to have the opportunity to turn one's passion into one's vocation.

A shining example of someone who has done so is Pandit Naviin Gandharv, Tabla soloist, exponent of the unique instrument known as the Belabaharr, and the founder of Anuraaj Classical Band. After a recent performance at the Governor House for Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer, alongside other dignitaries, The Sunday Guardian caught up with him for an exclusive chat. Excerpts from an edited interview:

Q. How did you enter the field of music and why?

A. I belong to a musically rich family from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. My paternal grandfather Pt. Kashiram Gandharv ji was a respected Sarangi artist and maternal grandfather Pt. Mansingh played many instruments, focussing on the Sarangi and the Tabla. My father Pandit Babublal Gandharv invented a unique bow instrument called the Belabaharr.

At the age of 10, I was fascinated by the Tabla. My father encouraged my interest and put me under the tutelage of Pt.Vishwanath Mishra. At first, I won competitions at intercollegiate youth festivals and then progressed to performing at smaller community events. Soon, I was presented with a rare opportunity to learn the Tabla from the legendary wizard, Ustad Allarakha.

Q. Please talk about your journey as a musician and the difficulties you have faced along the way.

A. By the time I was 25, I was Tabla accompanist to my father and other maestros like Ustad Irshad Khan. But I knew my potential was far greater than this, and I felt the pull of the Belabaharr. Making the shift from Tabla to Belabaharr was not easy. I had the temperament of a Tabla player, but I worked hard and followed my instinct. In two years, I managed to play audibly and got my first stage performance at SurSingar. This feat was unprecedented in such a short period of time.