MUMBAI: Sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar's contribution to the world of music has been phenomenal to say the least. As the prolific musician turns 90 on April 7, Chicago Cultural Center in Illinois will celebrate the life and works of the celebrated musician
Pt. Ravi Shankar will also be officially launching his record label East Meets West Music which was announced in February this year Apart from the launch of his new music label, a documentary film 'Ravi Shankar: Between Two Worlds' shot by Mark Kidel will be screened
The documentary 'Ravi Shankar: Between Two Worlds' gives a definitive account of India's most celebrated musician against the backdrop of seven decades of innovative collaboration with western musicians - Shankar became an international superstar- the godfather of world music..., as said by his friend George Harrison. This documentary contains archival and family photos, interviews, and of course - music. The documentary travels from the master's early days to his on-going master classes
As a part of the celebration, Indian sitar player Purbayan Chatterjee along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia will be giving a tribute to the iconic musician.
For any musician, performing for Pt. Ravi Shankar means great honor, and its no different for young sitar player Purubayan Chaterjee However, he insists, "Let me tell you about the ground reality first- Pt. Ravi Shankar is the reason why musicians like us can earn a livelihood. I feel it all has to do with the way he promoted the sitar all over the globe, and took sitar to such an iconic level."
Both Chaurasia, and Chaterjee have studied in the Maiher Gharana – the same style or school of playing as that of Pt. Ravi Shankar. The duo will be accompanied by Yogesh Samsi, who studied with Shankar's longtime musical partner, Ustad Alla Rakha.
Even though Pt. Ravi Shankar is a global face, on being asked shouldn't such a tribute be in India too? Chaterjee says, "That's the ironical part – classical music is celebrated more in west, while in India fusion is gaining more popularity."
This event is supported by the Ravi Shankar Foundation and the India Classical Music Society.
Send in your comments to: chirag.sutar@indiantelevision.co.in