A student-teacher relationship is one of the most pious and strong bonds that one formulates in life. On the occasion of Teacher's Day, Kartiki Nitin Lawate interacted with three city-based Classical singers who believe in following the guru-shishya discipline with utmost determination
Sanjeev Abhyankar
The singer from the Mewati Gharana, is an artiste of international repute in the field of Hindustani Classical and Devotional music. He often stands as an inspiration for the younger generation, but for him his guru (teacher) is still supreme. “Guru is the only person who will tell you your mistakes accurately. I have learned from Pandit Jasraj ji. I feel that getting the right guru is very important for one to succeed in life,” says Abhyankar. Reminiscing about the days he spent taking lessons from his teacher, the singer exclaims, “I remember he used to always have a positive approach to things and I learned a lot from his combination of sensitivity and creativity. As a student I used to fight with my friends to attend all his performances, even the ones in other cities as I felt that I would learn even if I just see him perform, such was his magic.”
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Anjali kulkarni
Anjali Kulkarni, an Indian playback singer and Hindustani vocalist, has learned Classical music from her mother Anuradha Marathe, who herself is a renowned Classical and Light vocalist. Kulkarni, a psychology graduate, wanted to pursue medicine, but it was in Std XI when she realised that her calling was music. “I feel that the guru shishya parampara is reducing nowadays as students now want fast results. They don’t have the patience to learn the core of the subject; they need instant results. Students should increase their patience level to succeed and get all the knowledge needed,” advices Kulkarni. Throwing light on her student days, the vocalist shares, “My mother was my guru, so, I have a lot of memories with her but I also remember my school music teacher, Mrs Doctor, who taught Western Classical music.”
Anand Bhate
A Hindustani Classical vocalist from the Kirana Gharana, Anand Bhate was a disciple of the late Bhimsen Joshi, with whom he trained for 15 years. “Guru shishya parampara is very important. Its pattern must have changed, but its principles should be the same. Students should respect their gurus and practise what is taught to them. I feel that learning from a good guru is also very important,” says Bhate. Sharing an anecdote with us, the singer remembers, “The day I was asked to sit behind Bhimsen Ji in a performance, where the santwani was presented by him; it was an experience that I will never forget.”u00a0