I Learned Music Secretly

Music director and flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia has elevated the humble flute to celestial heights, mesmerising audiences for seven decades now. In a jovial conversation with CE, he talks about Rang Barse, George Harrison, Hyderabad and more

- NITIKA KRISHNA

true maestro of the bansuri, his breath weaves magic through bamboo, enchanting audiences across the globe. From concert halls to sacred temples, his melodies flow like a river of devotion and artistry — that is Indian music director and master flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia for you. A recipient of many honours, including the Padma Vibhushan, Pt Hariprasad continues to inspire generations with his timeless music and boundless spirit. At the 10th Annual International Convention of SPIC MACAY at IIT-H, children affectionately gathered around him on stage, drawn by an unseen magnetism. With serene grace, he breathed life into raags like Madhuvanthi, Bheempalasi, and Pahadi. Awestruck, everyone joined their palms in reverence. Pt Hariprasad answered with a warm smile.

But in conversation with CE, he confesses, "I was so nervous about performing in front of so many people! But I thoroughly enjoyed myself and also made it a point to involve attendees as I performed. There was this little girl who sang so well as I played the flute — I was overcome with emotion."

When the 86-year-old maestro is asked how he dove into the world of music when he was a little boy, he quips, "Why, am I looking old now?" It is this quality, perhaps akin to Lord Krishna's playfulness, that complements his divine musical abilities.