Hindustani Classical Exponent and Padma Shri Recipient Shubha Mudgal were in conversation with singer Kaushiki Chakraborty for the Kolkata chapter of Sur Aur Saaz.

Shubha Mudgal talked about her parents and her academician family who had encouraged her to follow her calling with equal respect and dedication. Though scholars, her parents had given her sibling and her adequate exposure to performing arts and literature. She spoke about the deep reverence for art that had been imbibed in her, with absolutely no performance pressure. She revealed that it was actually her mother who had ‘discovered’ her calling and guided her to follow her passion.

The ‘Guru shishya parampara’ is an integral part of the tradition of classical music. ‘A Guru is not just a teacher’ she stated. The Guru customizes his or her teaching according to the disciple’s competence and skill. She further elucidated that the guru is like the potter who moulds the soft clay to its desired shape. She believes that though there is a shift in the training process the ethos has remained the same and digital media has definitely made a positive difference to the learning process.

Reflecting on ‘Nepotism’ in the music arena she states that unless a person is really talented just backing will not help survive in the long run. Merit and talent go hand in hand in order to prosper. She defined ‘Nepotism’ as a human failing.

The enthralling conversation left the attendees absolutely mesmerized.