Eminent Indian classical vocalist Shubha Mudgal, who never fails to mesmerise audiences with her soulful voice, believes that classical music and technology, which ease the teaching and learning processes, can go hand-in-hand.
"I myself am fascinated by technology. The tanpura is a huge instrument, very delicate and fragile. Its sound has been sampled so well that, in a sense, it has become far more convenient (to teach and learn). Apps like the itanpura and itabla, which a lot of musicians and vocalists are using now-a-days, are making it easy for us to get the sound of the tanpura just right while travelling," Mudgal, 57, told IANS in an interview.
The Padma Shri awardee, known for her sheer elegance in presenting different genres of music like khayal, thumri and dadra, is playing a crucial role in the Serendipity Art Festival (SAF) -- a multidisciplinary event taking place along the banks of the river Mandovi in Goa capital Panaji.
In its second edition in December, Mudgal is curating two projects -- Sonic City and River Raga.
Talking further about the involvement of technology in music, the vocalist explained that Sonic City is one such example as it is a perfect amalgamation of music and the ambient sounds that form a part of the national capital's soundscape.
"It is a programme which compiles the chaos of the national capital; the noise of traffic, the voices from dharnas, the speeches at political rallies, the beats of drums at weddings and the chirping of birds, along with melodious voices to create a rhythmic whole," she pointed out.
Curating an art festival or a cultural event is something that Mudgal enjoys. "If I am curating, I become very close to the project. I believe there is so much young talent that needs to be brought forward and should be given importance."
For SAF, Mudgal said that she had to immerse herself into research and analysis and involve herself in a lot of studying to create the best line-up for the event.
"While curating, the prime objective this year was not what was showcased last year. SAF is not just a large and fancy art festival; it's an attempt to make a difference to the artistic and cultural climate of the country," the vocalist explained.
Although Goa is primarily known as a tourist hub, its cultural aspects often take a back seat and Mudgal thinks that events like SAF can help to remove the "hippie" and "tourism" tags and provide a different lens to view Goa through.
"For me, it is a place which I revere for being the birthplace of some of the most iconic people in Hindustani classical music. And simultaneously, it is also the home of many famous jazz musicians like Antony Gonsalves and others. Goa certainly is very diverse in its communities and music," she said.
Although rarely heard in Bollywood, Mudgal leaves the listeners amazed every time she does lend her voice -- like in "Piya Tora Kaisa Abhimaan" from the movie "Raincoat", directed by Rituporno Ghosh.
Asked why she doesn't sing much for Bollywood movies, she said: "Film has its own specialisation which I am not really trained for. And unless there's something that requires my background it's pointless to sing."
It is going to be two decades since "Aab Ke Saawan", a song that became extremely popular when it was released and continued on top of the charts for long. So, why is there not more of this genre?
" 'Aab Ke Saawan' belonged to an age when big music companies would launch albums and do a lot of publicity. Today, it doesn't happen any more. This is the age of self-publishing and independent publishing and distribution," Mudgal concluded.
Celebrity Hairstylist Hakim Aalim shares hair styling tips to help set your own vibe
Today, as men are realizing the importance of hairstyling in making a lasting first impression, they are investing time and effort in grooming themselves actively. Celebrity hairstylist, Hakim Aalim shares styling tips that men can incorporate into their grooming routine to set their vibe!
Sreejita De opens up on being 'chudail' to playing 'dayan' in 'Shaitani Rasmein'
Actress Sreejita De, who has entered the show 'Shaitani Rasmein' as Chaya Dayan has opened up on her character, who is a formidable woman, adding how she has a strong affinity for supernatural dramas.
96th Academy Awards: 'Oppenheimer' wins Best Picture, clocks 7 wins
The film edged out fellow contenders like ‘American Fiction’, ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, ‘Barbie’, ‘The Holdovers’, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, ‘Maestro’, ‘Past Lives’, ‘Poor Things’ and ‘The Zone of Interest’.
Demi Lovato has a beauty advice for her teenage self: Have your own standards
Singer-songwriter Demi Lovato has spoken up about the influence of beauty standards on her teenage self.
Jacqueline Fernandez teams up with French-Cameroon crooner Tayc for 'Yimmy Yimmy'
Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who was last seen in the Ranveer Singh-starrer film 'Cirkus', has collaborated with French-Cameroonian artiste Tayc for a music video.
Rashmika Mandanna: Japan was a place I've dreamt of going to for years
Rashmika Mandanna is in awe of Japan, which she dreamt of going to for years, as the actress said that she found the picturesque locale "amazing".
Ritabhari Chakraborty, Abir Chatterjee to star in Bengali film ‘Bohurupi'
Abir said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Nandita di for entrusting me with two diverse roles this year. After 'Aamar Boss', I'm thrilled to bring a completely different character to life in Bohurupi. It's an extra-special Puja release for me as an actor.”
Kajal Memorial Football Tournament: Tripura Sports School to face Mungiakami School in final
Tripura Sports school once again played with lots of dominance and continued their good record in this tournament as previously they won the title for three times.