Clad in a simple crushed cotton shirt and a blue lungi draped around his waist, Pandit Hariprasad Charausia welcomed this reporter to his gurukul, Vrindavan, at Andheri (W). The afternoon breeze and chimes of flutes filled the corridors of the gurukul where his students sat practising.
On New Year Eve, the flute maestro spoke volumes about his gurukul, the guru-shisya parampara and his days of glory. Associated with Swami Haridas Tansen Classical Music & Dance Festival, he will be seen performing on January 10 at Shankaar Lal Hall, Modern School, Delhi.
The idea behind this festival is to keep the spirit of classical arts alive and to promote this festival as a token of respect to all artistes.
Asked about the onslaught of raunchy party numbers that rule the charts in Bollywood and the slow death of Indian classical elements, he expressed dismay and wished things were different.
"I feel sorry, especially when I see kids singing and dancing to the tunes of chaar botal vodka. However, I am inspired when I see young talents dedicating themselves to ragas of their roots. It gives me a sense of gratification, and that is solely why I feel a deep sense of obligation and responsibility towards aspiring artists."
He has won many national and international honors, the only one missing is perhaps Bharat Ratna. He however had an interesting outlook to it altogether. "I'll be overwhelmed and hang it beside other certificates on the wall. But the sense of satiation people draw from it, baffles me. After I get it, I will not be allowed to park in a no-parking area, will I?"
Charausia added: "I was not the happiest when Madan Mohan Malaviya was awarded Bharat Ratna days ago. I wish he were given it much earlier. Aadmi ko tab khana do, jab usko bhuk lagti hai. Marne ke baad sirf shradhanjali achi nahi dikhti."
"In these times, when world peace is at its lowest, I wish everyone health and happiness the coming year. May it bring cheers," he said as a parting note.
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