Future of classical music in safe hands: Pandit Jasraj

Legendary classical music vocalist Pandit Jasraj, who recently turned 87, is not adding more wrinkles by worrying about the "future of classical music", as he feels that the genre is in "safe hands" with talented youngsters taking the tradition forward.

"Our young generation is immensely talented. They know what they are doing. In fact, we are the ones to be blamed for not understanding their far reaching vision until now.

"So, yes the future of classical music is in safe hands. And there is no need to be worried about it," the Padma Vibhushan awardee told PTI.

A strong proponent of "technology", the musician feels technology has helped expand the realms of Indian classical music.
 

"Those who are against technology simply don't understand it. Thanks to technology the reach of Indian classical music has multiplied several times now.

"Leave alone India, the fan-following of classical music has gone up worldwide. I keep hearing about people sitting here in India teaching classical music to their students in the USA and other countries. This tells a lot," he says.

Agreeing that old age comes with its own set of problems, the octagenarian who celebrated his birthday this year with Navrasa Duende concert here, says his "long hours of 'riyaz' (practice) have definitely taken a hit".

"I used to do 'riyaz' for 14 hours a day, and now it has been cut short to two hours. Surely, it gets difficult at this age, but what is important remains important. And doing 'riyaz' is very important, so I continue to do it religiously," he says.

Having won both Padma Vibhusan (2000) and Padma Bhushan (1990), the singer also congratulated singers like Anuradha Paudwal, K J Yesudas, Kailash Kher and others for making it to the list of Padma Awardees this year.

"It is always good to know that 'music is being appreciated and honoured. Most of them are from the film industry, but belong to the singing fraternity nonetheless. I think all of them are well deserving," he says.