Maharaj recently performed during the National School Intensive (NSI), an initiative by Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY), which was organised from December 24 to 30, 2011, at Delhi Public School (DPS), Pune. Leading exponent of the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Kathak, Pt Birju Maharaj, interacted with students from all over the country who attended the event. He spoke to Gaurav Ogale on the essentials of being a good student.
Do you think the guru-shishya parampara is well preserved today? How was your experience while interacting with schoolchildren in Pune?
Times have changed in the way people perceive dance and music today. I myself am very fond of western music but due to misinterpretation of pop culture, it has created a misconception in the minds of youth regarding the dance form. We cannot think of the entire world but there is always a niche that will preserve this culture.
I have been associated with SPIC MACAY since its inception and I am very happy to perform and interact with the schoolchildren under the NSI, which is giving these creative children the necessary exposure to our culture and art.
In your academy Kalashram, why have you emphasised on developing sensitivity towards fine arts, yoga and voice culture among students?
Music is made of three elements; singing, instruments and dance. If you know singing and have adequate knowledge of musical instruments, your dance will be enriched. I, in fact, enjoy painting. When you have overall awareness of all these components of dance and art, you will realise their interdependence.
What is your advice to young people who are students of Kathak?
Follow what your guru tries to teach you. The biggest thing that classical dance and music does to you is help attain balance between your mind and soul.
Once you are balanced, you will learn from your own mistakes and develop into a good human being. Also riyaaz (practice) is an integral part of any art form. So manage your time well and dedicate adequate time for your riyaaz.
Why is it important to remain a student all your life?
When you are a student, you will always strive for more knowledge. Your thirst for learning about new things will never die. I have seen many people who have achieved perfection in their respective fields and have considered themselves gurus but eventually, they never learned beyond what they knew.
Comments