Conferring awards in a timely manner is important: Suhas Vyas
The septuagenarian insists that while “awards and titles are encouraging”, they diminish in value, if not given at the right time
Seventy-year-old classical musician Suhas Vyas, son and disciple of Padma Bhushan awardee, the late Pt CR Vyas, has been successful in holding his own as an established Hindustani classical vocalist. “Emotion is the soul of music,” he constantly reiterates, and perhaps that is why he has a penchant for baithaks, even in this age of technologically elevated concerts. The artiste talks about what government can do to encourage classical music in our country, the importance of riyaaz, and the meaning of awards, among other issues. Excerpts:
You belong to a family with a rich musical legacy. How has that shaped your approach to music? It is a blessing to be born in a family with a rich legacy. There are many advantages. I didn’t have to start from scratch as the atmosphere at home was always musical. But of course, that also placed a major responsibility on my shoulders to live up to the expectations.
You have found your niche in the world of classical music and established an identity, which goes beyond being
Pt CR Vyas’ son. Was it difficult to do?
Yes, it was because my father’s name is still taken among the doyens of music. Therefore, it is an ongoing process for me. Having said that, in the end, both of us are different individuals, thus we automatically become different and distinct. How would you describe your style of vocalisation? Technically, I present a mix of Gwalior and Agra gharanas. However, my father never believed in the gharana system, and he groomed us likewise. He gave us the freedom to develop our thought and style.
What are your thoughts on awards and titles? Do you think artistes feel appreciated because of them?
Awards and titles are encouraging and can certainly make an artiste feel appreciated for their work. However, conferring awards in a timely manner is extremely important. There are so many stalwarts who have not been acknowledged at all. Some have left this world without any such titles. This needs to change.
How do you go about your riyaaz after all these years?
When I started, the duration used to be longer. The format of riyaaz is different for different age groups. For 15 to 25 year olds, it is about rigorous practice, both physically and mentally. In the 25 to 40 age bracket, the riyaaz is at an advanced stage. Now at this age, I am focusing on maintenance and correct application of energy levels. Riyaaz is an ongoing process and teaches us something new at every stage, irrespective of age.
What can the government do to support classical music and artistes?
Actually the government has many schemes and scholarships, especially for the youngsters. All those scholarships can be extremely beneficial for the young musicians in their pursuit of music. What is lacking is the awareness of the same. If these musicians are not aware of them, how will they apply or try for it? Therefore, if the government develops a stronger outreach programme, it could be really beneficial.
What is your advice to youngsters who are interested in classical music?
Practice or riyaaz is of course one piece of advice. Another would be to listen to music as that is also a part of riyaaz. Also, do not just attend concerts of marquee artistes, be open to experience. When I started, I used to attend many concerts, festivals and baithaks, of legends and earned musicians. That experience helped me remendously.
Tell us about the attempt of going ack in time in your upcoming vent and perform without speakers, microphones and electronic gadgets?
I think it is a wonderful initiative and a déjà vu moment for me. As I mentioned earlier, I have attended so many of such intimate baithaks in my youth. Microphones are helpful in big shows or concerts but the effect of natural voice is something else. Also, such intimate baithaks bring the best out of an artiste as there is a connect with the audience.