I am on the verge of floating my own company to promote music: Vinay Deshmukh
Vinay Deshmukh, renowned patron of Hindustani Classical Music, is a multi talented person. He also holds degrees in engineering and management from the MIT School of Engineering and the Sloan School of Management , Boston, USA and Indian Institute of Technology , Roorkee (erstwhile University of Roorkee). He is presently Vice President , Oracle Application Labs , Oracle India Pvt Ltd and hold two international patents. IBNS spoke to him on different aspects of Indian classical music.Exceprts:
What and who inspired you to promote Indian Classical Music?
My father was a connoisseur of Indian classical music. He took me to several concerts in my childhood and initiated me into Tabla . I continue to learn Tabla under Srinivas Rao in Hyderabad. I have always felt that classical musicians needed financial and organizational support in order to prosper and grow. I was fortunate to get in touch with Pandit Tarun Bhattachharya through my classical vocal guru Smt Bina Sen. Having met a musician of the stature of Tarunda , I realized a lot could be done to promote music through his Santoor Ashram .
Why do Corporate houses not promote Indian Classical Music as much they promote light music?
It is often a matter of demand and supply.Classical music has fewer lovers but they are generally the ardent ones. Light music attracts a large audience and is therefore appealing to corporates. That said my experience is corporate houses are quite open to promoting classical music or giving their employees the platform to perform . As more and more employees come forward and render quality performances, the interest will grow. Bina Sen Mam and her entourage had recorded a fusion version of raag Megh which is still played at various events in my organization.
Have you ever explored using techniques of Indian Ragas for stressed relief of employees?
It has been a thought for long that needs to be put in action.
Who is your favourite musician and why?
Hard to say - I have been influenced by many including Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt Hariprasad Chourasia, Pt Tarun Bhattacharya , Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. the late Pt Bhimsen Joshi, the late Amir Khan Sahab to name a few. Each of them have their unique style and creative elements that lend a touch of divinity to their renditions. For example, Amir Khan Sahab's "sapat" is the first thing my Guru Bina Mam asked me to observe - such precise measurement of every note , apparently so simple yet so difficult to reproduce.
What are your future plans for popularizing Indian classical music?
I am on the verge of floating my own company to promote music especially among the under privileged sections of society. My partnership with legends like Tarunda will continue.
( Views expressed are Mr Vinay Deshmukh's own and do not reflect those of his employer)
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