Little did I know that being in love with music would play such an important role in my life. Having learnt North Indian Classical since early childhood (which does not diminish my love for South Indian Classical), I was in the habit of both listening and singing very often. The week would include regular practice sessions followed by the visits of the music teacher. At that little age it was a mundane activity, but having taken birth in a family where culture has always been given an importance to, it was mandatory to learn a form of art. I had no clue back then that eventually music would become an integral part of my life.
Till date I need that “me time” when I can immerse into music and forget all worries of the day. Whether it be during travel to work or on a lazy Sunday, I need my doze of music. Irrespective of whether it is a Bollywood number, retro or an energizing EDM, it’s always pleasant to the ears. I grew up listening to John Denver and Beatles, Harry Belafonte and gazals sung by Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh which were indeed choices of my parents. Very soon, I started embracing western music with Boyzone, Backsteeet Boys, Savage Garden and the journey has continued till Dido, Maroon 5, Akon, One Direction and Katie Perry. Alisha Chenoy and the songs of Roza still remain close to my heart although Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal are not much behind. And how can I forget the brilliant rapper Honey Singh, Papon and the brother duo Salim Sulaiman wo never to fail to enchant the audience with their magical voices.
Few numbers which never fail to strike the inner chords are the Sufi numbers, few present day Bolywood numbers and songs sung by Richard Marx. From high school till college I remained in touch with music, whether it be humming “Nothing is going to change my love for you” on the first day of Senior school, putting together a song to escape my seniors during ragging or be it for Music society auditions in school and college. Furthermore, in recent times I tried learning the nuances of Rabindra Sangeet as well, till I was pressed for time.
Coincidentally, whether it has been my hostel mates or co-workers at work, I have crossed roads with people immersed into music…….few trying to play an instrument flawlessly at leisure, few experimenting with their God sent powerful voices and few simply listening to the radio even while working. Me being based at West Bengal in India currently, I have been very lucky to be surrounded with music always.
I have been fortunate to attend live performances of few star performers. Right from Shubha Mudgal to Palash Sen, from Amyt Dutta and Somlata, to Rupankar Bagchi and Bickram Ghosh, I somehow don’t seem to get enough of music. With powerhouse of music like Lata Mangeshkar, Alka Yagnik, Shaan and Sonu Nigam, their impact on the younger audience cannot be denied. It feels nice to witness youngsters excelling at music today. Witnessing the talents competing at Indian Idol, the strong influence of music on them cannot be missed.
As I pen this blog down, I have music playing in my ears and cannot deny that I am always at a loss whether to concentrate on the lyrics or the musical notes. And if it’s both I am listening to, I am on a high for the next few hours. Till date I have not been able to criticize a single composition. Each comes with its own essence, as different as colours of the rainbow……and never with a slight resemblance to another. Such is the magic of music…………………………………..