The WIND GOD

Flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia is performing live with singer Hariharan for the first time. After a performance in Mumbai, Living Legends: Hari Se Hari Tak—A Soulful Night of Music is next taking place at Delhi's Siri Fort Auditorium on May 30

- —with Neha Kirpal

Q. Your father wanted you to be a wrestler. How did you manage to become a musician?

My father wanted me to carry on the family tradition. However, my heart followed music. I developed a keen interest listening to my neighbour, Pandit Rajaram, who was a dhrupad exponent and music teacher. My mother used to sing lullabies, so maybe there were some music genes as well.

Q. How did you decide to start playing the flute?