Thanks to the pandemic, I got to know daadu much better, says Shweta
Kunal Kemmu says he remains indifferent to the judgments that he faces due to his wife’s lineage
Singer Shweta Pandit, grand niece of the late Pandit Jasraj has been wrought with emotion since she heard of her “dadu” passing away. She was very close to him and shared a heartfelt note on social media, in the memory of her legendary grandfather, classical vocalist and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj, who passed away on Monday in New Jersey, USA.
Shweta is stationed in Italy with her husband and daughter. She has been busy connecting with the Indian Embassy to get to India and even get a visa for her newborn. Talking about her grandfather, Shweta says, “One of the earliest memories of him, was a life changing one for me. I was 11-12 and had recorded a devotional album called Mahalaxmi. I had sung it in Sanskrit and the signature song was sung by my dadu, Pandit Jasraj ji. I finished the recording, which had many difficult Sanskrit words, and though I had not learnt Sanskrit, and felt I was doing my job,” she says.
Pandit adds, “Dadu heard
As the nepotism debate rages on in Bollywood, many have talked about the insider vs outsider prejudice or the lack of level playing field. Weighing in on the same, actor Kunal Kemmu, says, “If you have box office success, you are an insider, if not, then you’re an outsider. I have seen my share of it, but it stands true for everybody.”
The Kalyug (2005) actor adds, “Film Industry hasn’t existed forever. It’s made by people who came from different parts of the country. It was built by outsiders.”
Kemmu, who is married to actor Soha Ali Khan, daughter of actor Sharmila Tagore, sister of Saif Ali Khan is often questioned about his connections. “People will always say something. I have to choose what kind of criticism I want to take. Don’t judge my work based on who I am and where I have come from or who my wife is, but if you do, it does not matter to me. All that matters is your talent and the rest is noise,” he adds.
The 37-year-old feels that it is all about that Friday and box office performance of a film. “Anyone who has a good Friday is toasted and when they don’t, they might slowly fade, they will stop getting calls, shows will not want them anymore and magazines don’t want to put them on their cover,” the actor explains.
So, what’s the cut off for a person to be considered an insider? “I didn’t have a filmy background, I’ve been doing it (acting) since I was 7. In those terms, I’ve been an insider but still, maybe, I feel like an outsider,” concludes Kemmu who started his career in 1993 with Sir and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.
People will always say something. I have to choose what kind of criticism I want to take. Don’t judge my work based on where I have come from. All that matters is your talent and the rest is noise.
KUNAL KEMMU, ACTOR
the album and came to our house at 6.30 in the morning. We were all sleeping and he kept ringing the doorbell. We were all startled and thought the worst. When we opened the door he came and hugged me and said, ‘I’ve heard your voice for the first time. You have sung so well that I can proudly say that music in our family is in safe hands’.”
She admits that back then, she was too young to understand what had happened. “Now, when I remember that day I feel it was the best day of my life because you don’t get such compliments — not as great as Panditji. He wouldn’t say it unless he meant it.”
Shweta says she learnt all about guru shishya parampara and Hindustani classical heritage from her elders. “The lockdown gave me a very beautiful connect with him as he was in his house and not busy at all. He was relaxed and would call me often to talk to me and see my daughter. We spoke a lot about his life and achievements. He taught me many ragas over video calls. I thank the pandemic as I got the chance to know him better,” she concludes.