New Delhi: The story of world famous flute player Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, who took Indian classical music to new heights, is fantastic and inspiring. With his life and art, he proved that true passion and dedication can also make the impossible possible. If the flute gave him fame, he installed the flute as a professional instrument on the international stage.
Tabla started learning secretly
The father wished to learn Hariprasad wrestling, but his mind was in the world of music. At the age of 13, he started learning tabla secretly. But, soon he met the flute and this meeting became the most important turn of his life.
(Photo courtesy: IANS
Hariprasad went against his father’s will and chose the path of music. His initial music education began in Banaras, but mother Annapurna Devi, daughter of well -known musician Baba Alauddin Khan, became the real guru. Hariprasad learned the nuances of flute playing in connection with mother Annapurna. His practice was such that he used to fill the color of his soul in every tune of the flute.
The world showed its art
In the 1950s, Hariprasad started his career as a flute player in All India Radio, Cuttack. This was the period when the flute was not given much attention in classical music. But, Hariprasad not only established the flute on classical forums with his art, but also played an important role in giving it a big identity in the world.
Not only the global platform, but he also spread the magic of his art in the film world. He gave music in many memorable films as composer pair Shiv-Hari (Shivkumar Sharma and Hariprasad Chaurasia), including films like ‘Chandni’, ‘Lamhe’ and ‘Dar’. The tunes of his flute reside in the hearts of people.
Hariprasad connected Indian classical music to the western world. He made an important place in the world of art by working with world famous artists such as George Harrison, John McLaglin and Jewish Manuhin. His ‘Call of the Valley’ album made a lot of accolades at the international level. This album gave the flute a new place on the global stage.
New dimension given to music
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is not only a player, but also an inspiring guru. He established ‘Vrindavan Gurukul’ in Mumbai and Bhubaneswar, where hundreds of disciples are taught flute playing. His disciples also include names like Rakesh Chaurasia, who have made their own identity in the world of flute playing today. The art of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia has been awarded many honors in the country and abroad. The Government of India honored him with Padma Bhushan in the year 1992 and Padma Vibhushan in the year 2000. Apart from this, he also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kalidas Samman and the prestigious ‘Order of the Netherlands Lion’ of the Netherlands. The tunes of his flute not only enriched Indian classical music, but also gave a new dimension to world music.
Gave a new color to every raga
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s personal life is as simple and inspiring as his art. His wife Anuradha Chaurasia was a strong foundation for his life. His dedication and simplicity to music is still an inspiration for young artists. He says, ‘Flute is not just an instrument for me, but part of my soul.’ Even at the age of 86, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s enthusiasm and passion for music has not diminished. The tunes of his flute still make the audience emotional. Whether it is the sweetness of the raga Yemen or the depth of the raga court, his flute gives every raga a new color.