Not into Indian "classical" music, actually don't even recognize it. Exposed to Carnatic music -that is ensconced in squatter's world, and with very rare exception I find it tedious and unable to connect -shows the quality and self assured arrogance that permeates the music. They are promoted by racket while 'folk' is alive and strongly connected to verve of life. There is a reason why western classical connects (not the high pitch singing though, I even went for paid sessions to understand but just couldn't connect to this one) sometimes brimming in tears -its searing and yes scary that you will be lost in a such beautiful world that you may not be able come back. Hindustani has much openness but trapped in "pristine purity" of cringe -the spiritual religion. Kumar Gandharva worked his magic by bringing in the subtleties of 'folk' into 'classic'. And really changed the syntax and aesthetics of music, context and narration. I wasn't aware of him until happen to land up in a festival on Kabir in late 1990s. When it comes to Indian music Kumar Gandharva is right there in a special place. The other day I was listening to him and realized it was his death anniversary. Humanistic prose of Kabir find voice through Kumar Gandharva and epitomizes everything that is human. These humanistic value system were severely degraded by Castetva forces and now passed onto Hindutva (and the worst binary projected through Islam). Religions are serious threat to humanity. Any system that seeks to nurture religion is therefore a threat to humanity. Religion can exist in sidelines but cannot be given primacy that is being appropriated for last many decades. It cannot be allowed to intrude into human identity. Religion is a pity, and really is woefully incapable to contain vastness of life.
Ud jayega hans akela...is hauntingly beautiful rendition.
Imagine a
world where language could listen
Words could
understand
Say the
things soul sense
And express
itself in pause
Imagine the
words as breath itself
That gives
life in prose, and music
