Navras Records - Indian Classical Music At Its Best

Welcome to Navras

Basket

Home

Interviews

Interview with Lakshmi Shankar

Interview with Lakshmi Shankar

Back

1. What inspired you to become a musician?

My love for music; I guess from the age of 3 I used to sit and listen to my brother playing the violin. My mother had a beautiful voice and used to teach me simple songs. But some how I never got to learn music seriously since my mother was keen on teaching me dance.

2. What training have you undertaken and what sacrifices have you made?

I had rigorous training under gurus, the first one being Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan of Patiala Gharana. Later I took a Bachelor of Music degree under the guidance of Prof. B. R. Deodhar. Pt. Ravi Shankar, Lakshman Prasad Jaipurwalle and Pt. Mahadev Mishra were my other Gurus. I do not think I made much sacrifice except the time I spent in practice.

3. Other than being a musician what other occupation would you have pursued?

Actually my first career began as a dancer. I learned Bharata Natyam under one of the best Gurus in Chennai, later learnt Kathakali, Manipuri, and the original style of dance based on the Indian classics in the Uday Shankar India Culture Centre at Almora near the Himalayas. I took part in several Ballets, a Tamil Film in which I directed my dances and sang my own songs. It was after this that I took up singing seriously and had rigorous training.

4. What motivates you to perform for audiences around the world?

My ardent love and devotion for singing inspired me to perform all over the world for all kinds of audiences.

5. As a lover of music yourself, what do you listen to and which artists inspire you the most?

I do listen to all kinds of music which appeals to my heart – from Carnatic music, North Indian Light and Classical, Folk music, Rabindra Sangeet, Western, and so on. I have always been inspired by M. S. Subbalakshmi, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ameer Khan and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

6. You have obviously travelled extensively around the world, which is your favourite destination and which is your favourite concert venue?

I have enjoyed signing all over the world but France I believe has the best audience in the Western World. In India, Maharashtra, Bengal, and South India have great listeners.

7. Having travelled you must have experienced other cuisines, which is you favourite?

Any vegetarian meal appeals to me. Among Indian, I enjoy Gujarati, Marwari, and South Indian.

2010-03-31: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan In Concert

The sarod maestro and his sons will be in concert at London's Wigmore Hall on Thursday 7th April. See Wigmore Hall.