Ever heard of the Hawaiian guitar?

A Mumbai engineer is quietly trying to revive a forgotten instrument 

Pyara Singh Sokhi

In the year 1958, my friend and I happened to be present at Shivaji Park on Baisakhi, where Hazara Singh was performing along with his orchestra.

I was deeply touched by the sound of the instrument and decided to learn it. From then on, I would never miss a chance to listen to him playing. Be it on radio or a public performance, I would be there. I also made a collection of all his LP/EP records. Later, I began to tutor myself in the art.

I managed to make the instrument myself, which I still play and preserve. Gradually, I started to give performances at prgrams in a colleges and schools along with other musicians. After I got married, family responsibilities made me give up my passion.

Around three years ago, after a gap of four decades, I started learning classical music
from Subhash Wange and then playing sugam sangeet. I am now a member of the music group popularly known as Swara Sampada based in Mulund (west).

I have given solo performances at cultural events. In Feburary, we performed at a mega musical event in Kalidas auditorium along with a team of musicians.

It gives me great pleasure to note that people appreciate this instrument and encourage me to play more every time. I hope people appreciate this neglected instrument and its enchanting notes shouldn't be forgotton with the passage of time.