Classical music digitally evolving not only to survive, but innovate and stay relevant to survive

Pt Tarun Bhattacharya, a disciple of Bharat Ratna, Ustad Ravi Shankar and the only santoor maestro of the Maihar gharana, has traversed the globe many times, performing at some of the most awe inspiring venues, including Royal Albert Hall, Palace-de-beaux (Brussels), Theater- De-La-Viile (France), Apollo Theatre (Spain), Jubilee Auditorium (Canada) and the Kremlin (Russia), mesmerising the likes of Prince Charles, George Harrison, Paolo Solaris and others of similar stature. Known as the Sultan of Santoor Pt Tarun Bhattacharya, a recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademy Award, has been a prolific international musician of Indian classical genre, in his own right. Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Pt Bhattacharya shares his take on the future of Indian classical music in India and globally, especially the commercial future of Indian classic in the wake of the pandemic and otherwise

Classical concerts have had sell out audience across the globe, it became iconic being played at the Woodstock or other popular venues of the globe, so popularity is not the factor, but the problem is the way classical music is being marketed and branded in India which is not attracting corporate funding. We need marketing strategists to re-brand our form of music

I believe a lot of what people listen and what becomes popular is dictated by what they are made/forced to listen today in day out. The space for classical music is shrinking and also the corporate sponsorship is much less compared to other live events. There is an almost stigmatization in mainstream when they call the other forms of music as popular while classical music as niche so in a way a narrative is created that our form of music is not for all thereby restricting our audience

How do you see the future of commerce in Indian classical music?

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many industries, lives and economies everywhere. Those who have seen this as an opportunity to digitally transform their business have not only survived but grown despite the pandemic. We, the Indian classical music practitioners and the industry have digitally evolved to not only survive but innovate. Due to Covid, this music festival completely stopped. We classical musicians had a complete erosion of our earnings as live concerts not only in India, but also abroad stopped. It threatened the existence of many of my fellow musicians but necessity is the mother of invention and now many have come back successfully as live classical music streaming is gaining ground among ardent listeners and fans. That itself is the bright part of our future.

In terms of revenue where does the industry stand and how is the future?

The Indian music industry, which is largely dominated by Indian film music, is estimated at just Rs 1,500 crore and classical music has less than 10 per cent share of that revenue. The music scene being largely dominated by Bollywood sound, the task is uphill and near impossible, but do we give up hope, no is my answer. Seniors like us have to be ensure that without losing the purity of music have to remain open to new sound forms, experiment with ragas to make it exciting for the new age music lovers and also practitioners yet retaining the notes, meters and the tunes.

What are the problems impacting the growth of Indian classical music?

First and foremost a major part of the music listening population are actually not given an opportunity to listen to Indian classical music, neither are music channels showing it nor are the radio stations broadcasting classical genre. I believe a lot of what people listen and what becomes popular is dictated by what they are made/forced to listen today in day out. The space for classical music is shrinking and also the corporate sponsorship is much less compared to other live events. There is an almost stigmatization in mainstream when they call the other forms of music as popular while classical music as niche so in a way a narrative is created that our form of music is not for all thereby restricting our audience. But I still appreciate that government patronage till today actually helps us survive.

Do you have complaints about lack of corporate backing to Indian classical music?

I really don't grudge lack of adequate support from corporate sector towards Indian classical music. They are in the game of profits and seemingly this form of music does not fetch returns on investment and obviously would not interest investors. Though I have a different take on this, classical concerts have had sell out audience across the globe, it became iconic being played at the Woodstock or other popular venues of the globe, so popularity is not the factor but the problem is the way classical music is being marketed and branded in India which is not attracting corporate funding. We need marketing strategists to re-brand our form of music.

How do you see the future of the industry?

I am always positive and if we have survived for so many centuries we shall overcome this too, only way forward would be to innovate and stay relevant. I myself been a professional performer for over four decades and have constantly evolved and at present I am also actively digital in an effort to remain relevant and earn my bread, so does all other masters. I myself is promoting a virtual talent competition, Stars of Tomorrow, unearthing talent via the virtual format.

So, it will be tough future and only the fittest would survive and the fit shall be those who innovate and keep moving with times. Those who shall innovate shall remain relevant.

You have traversed across the world and performed at some of the most awe inspiring venues all over the world. How do you find the new Kolkata vis-à-vis other cities?

For me, the new Kolkata is perhaps the most happening cultural city of Asia. I would, in fact, put it at par with Paris or New York. The respect, love and adulation that a performing artist gets in Kolkata is rarely seen or felt across the globe. I have had the great fortune of performing across the world in all the continents and I get the maximum satisfaction of performing live to the audience back home. The stark difference in today's Kolkata is the state-of-the-art auditoriums with modern sound and lights. Any modern-day performance is enhanced by the supporting sound and light systems. The latest open air auditorium Uttirna is truly a blessing for us. Most of the old auditoriums and theatres managed by the state government look brand new equipped with modern facilities. The most heartening feature over the past few years is that all performing artists are getting major exposure on several platforms to showcase their talent in Kolkata.

The philanthropist in you has always been a rare quality over the decades. Your work towards polio eradication campaign has been truly inspiring so has been efforts to raise funds and awareness campaign and your "18 concert USA tour" for 'Support a Child Mission', across the US. So what has been the motto?

My motto in life is: 'India First' and I feel that music is the path for me to return to the future of India all that I have earned over the decades. I also took up fundraising initiatives for 148 orphanages across India. The orphanages take care of over 80,000 orphans across India. Along with my wife, with Guru Sanchita, I had presented music meets bell. Together we had raised money for Shankara Eye Foundation in India through 14 concerts in the US.