By Sukant Deepak Varanasi 28 Nov : , There is no lineage, no godfather, no inherited platforms.What has worked for Nirali Kartik, Hindustani classical singer, is not just extensive training, but also a commitment to constantly reinvent herself.It has not been an easy journey.”I just kept doing what I loved.You must remember that there are limited spaces and very few platforms.But then, I prefer to look at all the positives,” Nirali, who is also the founder of the band “Maati Baani” with Kartik Shah.
She says it is a platform to show her versatility.
The classical singer spoke to IANS at the Mahindra Kabira Festival, which is currently taking place in the oldest city in the world.She said that the “Maati Baani” is a space where India meets other cultures, and the universe gets to know India.”Different styles blend seamlessly here.We create the music we love.This project also shows that Indian classical can be adapted to any genre, whether it is funk, rock, or folk from other parts of the world.
She insists that Indian classical music is always the main focus and occupies the centre stage.She insists that Indian classical music is not as restricted as popular belief.A Raga is like grammar.It is a structure that you have been given.
One can do a lot with that structure and make the Raga her own.It is very personal what you do.A song may not convey the same feeling.
Nirali believes it is crucial that artists know the tools that will allow them to survive.
It is essential to have this skill-set otherwise life can be very difficult.Although I love classical music, I also know that financial survival is not possible with only classical music.
I also enjoy a lot of popular music.My husband and me are always looking for new ideas and ways to reinvent our lives.
While digital concerts were common during the Corona pandemic, Kartik and she did a remote collaboration in 2012 with 11 international musicians from five different countries.”It took many months to make, but I will never forget the experience.It was addictive and we have continued to do remote collaboration, which is now a common practice.It was professionally done and looked like a music video, not a Skype recording.
Although the lockdown was harsh for the art community Nirali made sure to dig deep into riyaaz, and explore new ragas.”It was also an opportunity for me to see ragas that I didn’t know.It was like going back in school.
The singer emphasizes the importance of more festivals and says that India’s culture and heritage are what truly define it.It is a fascinating land full of stories and storytellers.We don’t know what will happen if we take that away.We should not take it for granted.It is vital that heritage be protected and that children are educated about its richness.
Music is for her a way to understand other cultures.Collaborations are why I love them.
While some people travel to learn about another culture or country, I prefer to connect with the ethos of the other person through music collaborations.They are a way to understand another culture.
I see Portugal through Fado, for example, to gain a glimpse into its collective consciousness.
Nirali smiles when you ask her about the reactions of purists to her collaborations with artists from different genres.
Then I have a series in which I release ragas every fifteen days.Without riyaaz, nobody can do that.Nirali concludes, “I know how to prove my self.”
sukant/dpb #Nirali #Kartik #continuously
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