Pandit Jasraj is back by popular demand. The Hindustani classical-music singer has performed regularly in the UAE since 1992, each time revealing to his audience a new aspect of his repertoire. This weekend at Madinat Jumeirah, the 85-year-old maestro will sing rare ragas in haveli sangeet accompanied by the pakhawaj (a percussive instrument) and jhanj (cymbals).
Jasraj, who lent his voice to the soundtrack of the 2012 film Life of Pi, began his career as a tabla player but switched to vocal training in the Mewati gharana (musical house) under the tutelage of his brother.
Jasraj will be presenting devotional pieces, accompanied by his students, the Grammy-nominated flautist Shashank Subramanyam, and vocalists Rattan Mohan Sharma and Tripti Mukherjee.
You’ve performed in Dubai before. What keeps bringing you back?
I first came to Dubai in 1992. Since then, I’ve been performing at least once every year here. The grace of God and people’s love keep bringing me back.
How do you keep up that energy and quality in your voice even today?
I do not wish to take credit for that. Without the blessings of God it is not possible.
You will be performing pieces in haveli sangeet. Can you tell us more about this kind of music?
Haveli sangeet is sung in praise of Lord Krishna. It touches on every phase of his life from his birth to all his leelas [feats].
Your student, the flautist Shashank Subramanyam, will be performing, too. How does it feel to see your students achieve such success?
God has been very kind to me. My disciples are performing all over the world. Three of them are coming with me to Dubai. Even Tripti Mukherjee got the prestigious Padma Shri Award [one of India’s highest civilian honours] this year. They are all outstanding in their own fields and they are supporting me.
Has teaching music changed in this age of technology?
Everything is rapidly changing in every field. So why not in music? I believe that change is the sign of life. Music is alive and changing, too, without one realising it.
• Pandit Jasraj will perform at Madinat Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, tomorrow from 7pm. Tickets cost from Dh100, are available from www.madinattheatre.com
aahmed@thenational.ae
