4 Outstanding Indian Musicians Lifting Gender Barriers in Music
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“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” Jimi Hendrix
Each one of us relates to music in our own way. We have our preferences, choices, styles. Unfortunately, even in the mesmerizing world of Music, society has imposed its long-held stereotypes.For example, we associate a “gender” to some particular musical instruments. Here are 4 amazing Indian Musicians who have smashed those gender barriers with their talent, and are winning the world and our hearts:
Sisterhood of the Krishna Legacy: Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee
In India, the flute is more than just a musical instrument. The instrument of choice of our beloved Lord Krishna, it is, in fact, the symbol of love. The music of the flute has the magic that can mend hearts, unite lovers. Also from the fact that Krishna owned the instrument, probably, comes the patriarchal assumption that the flute is an instrument for men.
Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee, thankfully, are the Williams sisters of Hindusthani Classical music. They were born to musician parents and trained in both Indian and Western classical music. Their talent was recognized by none other than Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, and under his tutelage, they are now renowned flutists in the world stage. Debopriya has been felicitated with the Sangeet Natak Academy award in 2008. The sisters have been featured in notable classical music conferences in India, and the world. Debopriya is also the lead flutist in the female music band, Sakhi.
The princess of Tabla: Rimpa Siva
pic credit: https://www.facebook.com/rimpa.siva
Rampa Siva is a suave millennial, and daughter of the famous tabla player, Swapan Siva. She got introduced to rhythm at an early age.When she was all of three years ,she showed her love for the tabla. Her father initially thought it was a phase, and that she would eventually take up a more “feminine” musical art. But, Rimpa’s love for the tabla was a matter of legends. Eventually, her father gave in and became her Guru. She became a child prodigy in the music world, performing in many notable music concerts from a tender age. In 1998, a documentary film, called the Princess of Tabla, featured her story.
Here is a video of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Smt Debopriya chatterjee and Rimpa Siva in one stage!
Rocking the bass guitar: Mohini Dey
This girl has picked up the guitar from the age of three, following her father Sujoy Dey’s footsteps. All of 21, she has already shared a stage with legends, like AR Rahman, Ranjit Barot, Zakir Hussain, U Rajesh, Selva Ganesh, Nitin Sawhney for Coke Studio, Louiz Banks, Gino Banks, Karl Peters, Floyd Fernandes and many more. She left academics after completing school, and has made music her number one priority. She is not much of a talker, and lets her music spew fireworks for her. Her youtube videos show her taking up Bass Guitar challenges. At this age, she comes across as a strong woman who knows what she is capable of! We all have to wait for all the wonders this girl will create!
Are there any other legendary Indian musicians who are breaking gender barriers? Comment below or write to us at editor@blankslatechronicles.com
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