Bhopal, Apr 2: Languages make a chasm between nations: A Chinese has no knowledge of Hindi or any other language of India, a common Saudi national is also faced by the same problem and even people across the border might not understand some difficult words of Hindi. But music is such a 'language' which is understood in every nook and corner of the world whether people over there fail to understand words of the lyric but it is rhythm and playing of instruments which captures their hearts. Thus we can easily say that music transcends all barriers and borders. That is why songs of Indian films are hummed people of many countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, parts of USA, Canada, England and other countries. It is due to popularity of these songs that a number of foreigners have started to understand Hindi a bit. Similar, popularity has been gained by maestros of Indian classical singers and instrumentallists like Pandit Ravi Shankar. But on the contrary Hindi films have resorted to wanton copying of western music and a song based on Indian classical music is a rare sight on the silver screen these days. Bhopal Today Team talked to music experts as well students to delve deep into the issue.

What experts say

Rashmi Rather of music department of Nutan College accepts that there had been a tough time to Indian classical music in recent year. However, she is satisfied that a number of youths are returning to their roots as far as music is concerned. Songs rendered by the great Mohammed Rafi Sahib, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh and Manna De reverberate in college campuses. This is the proof that the young generation has turned bored with the cacaphony of western style songs.

She said that a girl student taught by her is promoting Indian music in Mauritius while many other students are seeking career in music and singing. It is a matter of pride for our society as well as country. She believes that some TV shows have also led to revival of penchant for old songs and classical music among the youth and many young talents have earned name and fame through such programmes.

Tabla player Kiran Deshpande says, 'music has two facets. First is rhythm and another is voice. It is the basic need of one if he wants to learn music. I have accompanies on Tabla with vocalists of three generations. I have seen Zakir Hussain grow up before my eyes. But I am still eager to learn more despite having devoted a long period of time in music.

What students say

Charula Agnihotri says, 'I had been a lover of music since my childhood. That is why I have chosen music and dance as my career. I can play on Cassio instrument with ease. I have passed MA in music and want to pursue PhD also.

Student of Indira Kala Sangeet Vidyalay Rahul Swarnkar says, 'I want to brighten my name and eke out earnings through music and art alone. I have completed the course of 'Kovid' in Tabla playing from Indira Kala Sangeet Vidyalay. I hold Zakir Hussain Sahib as my virtual Guru and I have sought guidance from him on many occasions. I have manifested my talents on large scale at programmes held at Mumbai, Benaras, Allahabad and of course in the city. It is due mainly to music that I have earned so much name, fame and honour.

Leena Suryavanshi of Nutan College says, 'despite being a commerce students, I have been greatly inclined towards music. Now, I am seeking my career in singing and dancing since there no better medium of expressing your creative instincts. In this quest, my entire family is backing me.

Kamlesh Saxena, teacher at Excellence School, says that right after passing class X, I had decided to pursue career in music. That was why I did MA in music and later got employed as a music teacher. Now, I am guiding children in this art. He said that children of this era are really very talented. What they need is only proper guidance.