Playing tabla was Vijay Jadhav’s passion

It was just a week ago that National Film Archive of India (NFAI) director Vijay Jadhav spoke to DNA’s Shirish Shinde about his hobby and his passion: playing the tabla.

It was perhaps his last interaction with the media. Looking quite cheerful and energetic, Jadhav played two video clips of his solo tabla performance at sitarist Pushkar Lele’s home.

He got nostalgic while talking about his gurus Satyawan Mane and Ustad Allah Rakha, whom he held in high regard. He also admired his latest guide and guru, Pandit Vivek Joshi.

Jadhav said that the tabla was his first love and he could not imagine being separated from the instrument even for a day. Thus, despite his busy schedule, he had continued with the hobby. He dreamt of becoming a full-time professional tabla player and had promised to invite this correspondent to one of his future performances. Excerpts from his last interview to DNA:

When did you start learning tabla and who was your guru?
I got my initial lessons in tabla from Satyawan Mane when I was seven. He guided me for eight years. Then, I learnt it from Ustad Allah Rakha for 10 years. Today, Pandit Vivek Joshi teaches me the instrument.

Any special memories about your gurus?
Satyawan Mane and I used to play tabla at the Vitthal Mandir in Mumbai on the eve of Ashadhi Ekadashi every year to accompany bhajans throughout the night. I remember I had got my first recognition when I was 10 in the form of a coconut and Rs2 during one such programme. Abbaji (Ustad Allah Rakha) loved his disciples like his kids. I learnt from him how to improvise. Abbaji and Ammaji visited my new house in Pune. I felt no need to organise a house-warming ceremony as my guru’s presence was
auspicious enough.

After Abbaji’s demise, there was a void. Luckily, I met Pandit Joshi, a disciple of Pandit Arvind Mulgaonkar, who taught me the original compositions of different gharanas. Among them are 150-year-old compositions by Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa.

Have you accompanied any professional artistes?
Not in a public performance, but I have accompanied violinist N Rajam on the tabla at a private baithak and vocalist Alka Deo Marulkar during riyaz.

What is your advice to youngsters who want to play tabla?
You need to have lots of patience. When you experience the joy while playing this instrument, you will be able to entertain the audience.

What is your professional background?
I am a chemical engineer from the Institute of Chemical Technology (then University Department of Chemical Technology). I am using my knowledge of chemistry to preserve and restore old film prints at the NFAI.