Whether it is creating new instruments or collaborating with world class musicians in different parts of the world, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is always making history. Grammy award winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and the famous Chitraveena exponent Ravi Kiran treated the New England audience to an enthralling concert at a performance organized by MITHAS at MIT on Sunday October 7, 2002.

Padmashri Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is the foremost disciple of the Pt. Ravi Shankar. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has attracted international attention by his successful Indianization of the western Hawaiian guitar with his perfect assimilation of sitar, sarod & veena techniques, by giving it a evolutionary design & shape and by adding 14 more strings helping him to establish the instrument MOHAN VEENA to unbelievable heights. Outstanding features of Bhatt's baaj (style) are his natural ability to play the Tantrakari Ang and incorporate the Gayaki Ang on Mohan Veena which is the greatest advantage of this instrument over traditional Indian instrument like sitar, sarod etc. He has played with Jerry Douglas, Simon Shaheen (Arabic Ud player), Jei Bing Chen and many other stalwarts.

I met Panditji in the beautifully decorated home of Smt. Poornima Sehgal, a MITHAS volunteer who was hosting Panditji during his stay in New England. When one is in Panditji’s presence, one is very taken with his warm and friendly nature. He is very passionate about music and desires to carry Indian Classical music to a wider audience.

RS: How did you begin your musical career?

VM: We have an old tradition of music in my family. I never knew when I really got into music. My mother and father were my teachers. My mother who is now ninety three, has done a lot for music. She was the first women lecturer at Rajasthan University. She is responsible for introducing music as an optional subject for girls in in Rajasthan. My brother is a Sitar player. He is a student of Pandit Ravi Shankar. Another brother is violinist.

RS: What motivated you to build a new instrument?

VM: Once we had a lady from Germany learning music from my father. She left her guitar in our home. I was very taken with the instrument. I had a vision for the kind of music I would like to produce. I realized that to do what I envisioned , I need an instrument that has the brilliance of a plucking instrument and the staying power of a bow-instrument. This need lead me to the creation of the Mohan Veena. I told my father that it could take me almost twenty-five years to attain success with the instrument. I practiced for 8-12 hours a day for several months to gain mastery. As I sit back today I feel a satisfaction that the vision I had was not false. I continue to innovate. My quest for an exciting vibrant tone led me to the creation of Vishwa Veena.

RS: You have won several awards and yet it seems like the Grammy is special. Why?

VM: Well the Grammy is special because it proves to me that people who are not used to Indian Classical music also accept my music. That is very satisfying. The award has brought me many opportunities. I must tell you that the Grammy was a complete surprise to me. When I was working with Ry Cooder on "A Meeting By the River" we were just trying to produce good music. We sat one evening with no pre-preparation and tried to do our best. When I won the Grammy I realized the power of our music.

RS: Why do Western musicians get attracted to Indian Music?

VM: I think they are very taken with the improvisation aspect of our music.

RS: How is the Jugalbandi experience with Shri Ravi Kiran?

VM: It is wonderful. He is a great musician. Our instruments are also similar.

RS: It seems like North Indian Classical music is more popular than South Indian music when it comes to Western audiences. Do you agree? Why do you think this may be?

VM: South Indian music is very composition oriented and those compositions are complex. One needs to have an understanding of the language to really appreciate it. Also there is a lot of "Gamak" and the staying at one note for a long period is not done. During Aalap South Indian musicians reach "Tar Saptak" very quickly. In the beginning I myself found Carnatic music not very approachable. Language is a barrier. Perhaps a Western audience may also find the complexity daunting. Hindustani music with its simple compositions with emphasis on rendition of the Rag is perhaps more approachable.

RS: What about the state of classical music in India?

VM: Well it is not as good as we would like. A lot of people are getting used to the MTV type of music - a music that gives short-term sensual pleasure. The visuals that go with the music add to that kind of an appeal. But of course classical music is the music for the soul. It brings a connectedness with God. Indian Classical music is a highly developed system and it is sacred. In the North the state of classical music is worse than in the South.In the South people do keep up traditions and interest in music. . We are working through organizations like SPIC MCKAY to bring awareness for classical music.

RS: You have composed music for Bollywood. How was that experience?

VM: There are certain people whom I cannot refuse and the great A.R.Rehman is one of them. He is wonderful to work with and I am pleased with my music in Bawander and Lagaan.

RS: As a dancer, I have to ask you - It seems like the Natya Shastra clearly brings forth dance and music as an integrated whole. Dancers of course are wedded to music. But do you watch dancers and do you think you gain from watching dance?

VM: (Panditji smiles) Well often we are forced to watch dance because the dance program often precedes our own show. I am of course a fan of great performers. Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's presentation of the "Kevat Prasang" is forever etched in my soul. The concept of Bhav and Ras is very integral to our music. Dance is a practical application of this concept. We musicians have to bring it all out just through our music.
(He proceeded to demonstrated how Raag Manj Khamaj should be sung if it is to be used to represent Shringara Ras - for example during a dance while depicting Vasakasajjika Radha (Radha adorning herself)

RS: Could you tell us more about your family?

VM: I have unfortunately only one wife (laughs) and two sons. Both of them are musicians. My wife is a tamilian from Chennai. My older son Salil is a classical musician who plays the Mohan Veena. My younger son Saurabh is a composer. He has given several background scores for many TV serials. Ekta Kapoor, the daughter of actor Jitendra is a great entrepreneur in the entertainment industry. He has worked a lot with her. His album 'Kaisa Yeh Jadoo' is garnering rave reviews.

RS: How do you manage your family life given your hectic travel schedule?

VM: (Laughs) Well you know I think my family prefers me out of the house. I think when I am home they are quite stressed out.

RS: How do you like Boston?

VM: I love Boston. The people are so nice. It is also an old city with lot of traditions. This is my fifth visit to the city. The audience is wonderful.

RS: Thank you so much for your time.

VM:The pleasure is mine.

|