Well known in the world of Indo-fusion music, tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh has performed with some of the greatest names in Indian classical music, especially Pandit Ravi Shankar. Another feather in his cap is playing in four albums that were nominated for the coveted Grammies, including George Harrison’s “Brainwashed”. Bickram also has a his hugely successful band Rhythmscape.
Excerpts from an interview:
What has been your most memorable concert?
It is too difficult to choose one among the thousands that I have played.
What advice would you give the next generation of tabla players?
Please learn and practice. There is no short cut.
Can you recall a humorous incident as a tabla player?
I was so awestruck in my first concert with Pandit Ravi Shankar that I went to the concert in my denims and a kurta. I had to borrow a pair of pyjamas from Pandit Ronu Majumdar.
Who has been your role model as a percussionist?
My father as he himself articulated his music amazingly well and was able to convey it wonderfully, both to his audience and his student. He made it very easy to want to be like him.
Are you in awe of him?
I have been so for a long time, but over time I have become more relaxed with him. Especially after we started performing together around 1997.
He was more a guru than a father in the early years. It was much later when I was into my thirties that he became more of a father.
What edge do you have over those in your line, who, most of the time are not academically as qualified as you are?
I am able to articulate my music because of my education.
It allows me to comprehend, analyse and communicate many aspects of music which would otherwise be much less realised.
How do you foresee yourself 10 years hence?
More intense and more creative with hopefully technical skills to match my current form.
