Trained initially in Carnatic music, Vidya Shah later received guidance in Khayal from Shubha Mudgal and thumri, dadra and ghazal gayaki from Shanti Hiranand. A popular performer, Vidya has also composed and recorded for several projects. She has to her credit many releases with international and Indian labels. Her latest, Mere Paas Raho, celebrates the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz .
Besides performing nationally at several music fests and gatherings, she has also performed at international fora including the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC, Humbolt Forum in Berlin, at the Kala Utsav in Singapore. But Vidya more than just a singer. Besides being an active blogger she is also an activist and is the director of the project Women on Record, celebrating Music of women in the Gramophone era.(www.womenon record.com). A prolific writer on music, she is also a member of the cultural committee of the South Asia Foundation. She is also the Director of Programs at The Centre For Media and Alternative Communication
A recipient of the Pro Helvetia residency, and the Charles Wallace Award from the British Council, The Fellowship from Ministry of Culture.
Blending melodies
Classical music and folk are two different distinct genres. What prompted you to collaborate?
They are different genres. But Indian music has a beautiful ability to borrow, adapt and evolve. And folk and semi-classical forms have always existed in this state of osmosis. Thematically, there is a lot of common ground in the kind of Bhakti music I sing and that of the Manganiyars. They are wonderful, energetic performers, so coming together was not difficult — in fact it’s sheer fun. It’s wonderful that the November Fest creates a platform for these kinds of new efforts.
Are you a supporter of music platforms like Coke Studio which promotes music among wider section of the society
Totally! I think Coke Studio — especially in Pakistan — has been such a visionary effort in mainstreaming the rich culture of music and poetry- particularly Sufiana Kalam in a superb way. There is a lot to be said about the way it has been re-arranged and packaged for a new, younger audience. This is clearly evident in the success of the effort. I think presentation in today’s time is crucial and that’s where they score!
As a creative person, what do you think are your limits when it comes to music? Or do you think there is no limit at all?
I feel fortunate to be able to pursue different kinds of music. My training is in Carnatic music, khayal - but I also ‘indulge’ in other forms, like Bhakti, jazz, electronica and so on. The core has to be strong. Singing rests on two important pillars – taleem and riyaz (training and practice), if that core is strong then one can sculpt one’s music according to one’s own aesthetic sensibilities. But at a real, everyday level sometimes one can feel pushed or pressed to have to deliver to suit the patron’s requirements, but after all music is linked to the social fabric of the society, so why complain!
How do you relax?
I listen to instrumental music.
As an artiste who do you admire the most?
Could be so many names. But right now I am literally obsessing with the Ghazal Diva- Begum Akhtar. It’s her centenary year and I have put together a tribute to her. This is a performance I have been travelling with, to a superb response. But importantly it blows me away to see that 40 years after she left us, people still love her, feel connected to her and are devoted to her music- what a Diva!
( Vidya and the Manganiyars will perform on November 22 , 7.30 p.m. at Ravindra Bharati )
Web: >www.thehindu.com/novemberfest
Tickets: >http://thne.ws/novfest-tkts
Facebook: >Friday Review November Fest 2014
Twitter: >@frnovfest
