Niladri Kumar played his first public strums at the age of six and has not looked back ever since. To date, he’s garnered 16 studio albums to his credit, each one resonant of his individual tuneful flavours, which he will be sharing at Hyderabad Arts Festival.
Niladri shares, “Indian classical music and jazz performed by an artiste is always different each time since its soul lies in the improvisation. I probably have the best improvisers in this idiom in the form of some talented artists on tabla, drums and keys for Saturday's concert in Hyderabad. I am looking forward to a great audience for us to feel inspired and give something special on Saturday.”
Zest for the arts
With Hyderabad Arts Festival in its fifth season, Niladri commends Telangana’s move to place more value on such activities, explaining, “Music and arts are the key to imagination and inspiration which form the fabric for any emerging society to be called great. Telangana is already an example to be followed by many states in India and with this motive I am sure it's destined for greater heights. This long-term celebration is a unique initiative and I not only just congratulate the people behind this but as an artiste, I thank them for taking this initiative which sets a unique example for others to emulate.”
Credited with the invention of the five-stringed, bright red electric sitar— cleverly termed Zitar, Niladri shares it is, “A symbol and torch bearer of hope, of exploring a path less-travelled.”
He is not about forking over Indian clichés or stereotypes to the West. His website elaborates, “It’s about a small attempt to turn attention towards the sitar, which in turn will draw people towards India and feel the need to explore her proud and profound legacy, heritage and the never-ending musical mystery that she has to offer.”
Niladri adds, “Contemporary is an ever-emerging word for me and its meaning changes quicker than ever before in this digital age. What seems contemporary to some becomes a thing of the past sooner than expected. Sitar and its music have stood the test of time over centuries and generations and evolved with each generation and I hope it continues to do so.”
Next for Niladri
Niladri’s evolution as an artiste continues. He elaborates on his next move: “As of now a compositional project is taking a major part of my time which I hope will release towards the end of the year. I am also hoping to finally start on a plan which I have had for years now and I hope to announce it as soon as I am ready with it.”
Niladri Kumar will be performing on June 24 at Shilpakala Vedika, Madhapur from 7pm till 10pm. Registration is advised through Hyderabad Arts Festival’s website.
