Legendary flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia was recently in the city to perform at a cultural convention organised by SPIC MACAY. In an exclusive interview with us, he talks about his love for the flute, his message to the next generation and more..
. Talking about his film work, he says, “I have composed for Hindi films like Silsila (1981), Faasle (1985), Lamhe (1991), Parampara(1993) and Darr (1993), and the Malayalam film, Pokkuveyil (1982). Composing music for films has its own charm and larger appeal, but performing a concert is an experience.
” The octogenarian remembers the time he collaborated with maestro Ilaiyaraaja for the album, Nothing But Wind. He calls it “a beautiful collaboration and a great album”. I have performed in Chennai many times in many of the sabhas.
I have been coming down south to perform for about 20 years now. Performing in the Carnatic capital is a wonderful experience and playing North Indian music here is very lovely. The feel of music for North Indian and South Indian music is different, and I sometimes like to play Carnatic ragas, like Keeravani.
To me, music is wonderful and universal; it doesn’t matter where you are playing. With my performance, I try to create an interest in music among the youth, so that they take up music. The flute was Lord Krishna’s instrument, something he made; a beautiful thing he left us with.
There is no instrument like it. It’s a very simple instrument with no string and skin, and all it requires.
