Carrying the Torch: A Tribute to Pt. Ravi Shankar
My music is a constant conversation with my Guru, the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. Through these ragas, I share the same spiritual journey he guided me through.
An emotional concert, paying tribute to my Guru. Sometimes the music is so overwhelming that tears stream down, and I feel as if he is playing through me.
Celebrating the beautiful and meaningful Guru Poornima. It is a humbling day to remember and express gratitude for the knowledge passed down from a Guru.
Playing a beautiful song in Raga Yaman Manj, "Sapaney mein," written and composed by my Guru. I have vivid memories of him teaching this piece in the late 1970s.
Morning practice with Raga Bairagi Todi, a beautiful pentatonic raga composed by my Guru. Under his watchful eye, I continue my daily practice and exploration.
I often remember watching my Guru's fingers dance on the strings. It was magical. Here is a short excerpt from my practice of Raga Gangeshwari, one of his beautiful compositions.
A poster for a tribute concert celebrating the 105th birth anniversary of my Guru. It is an honor and a blessing to carry his legacy forward.
A beautiful testimonial from Smt. Sukanya Ravishankar, my Guru's wife, sending her best wishes for a festival organized in my father's name. Her support means the world to me.
A historic photo of Kannada icon Dr. Rajkumar with my Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar, and my father, N. R. Rama Rao. A true meeting of great minds.
A precious memory of my Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar, with my father, N. R. Rama Rao. This photo is accompanied by a note from my Guru, sending his love and blessings.
A review in the Indian Express of a concert celebrating my Guru’s 104th birth anniversary. I am grateful for every opportunity to share his music.
About Carrying the Torch: A Tribute to My Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar
When I perform these compositions, I am not just playing notes; I am sharing the history of the Maihar Gharana. Whether I am playing a morning Raga Bairagi Todi or an evening piece, my goal is to recreate that specific atmosphere of spiritual introspection that Guruji taught me, ensuring his legacy lives on through every string resonance.
The Guru-Shishya parampara is not just a method of learning; it is a way of life. When I step onto the stage for these tribute recitals, I carry the weight and the joy of the training I received from Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar. These performances are distinct from a standard concert. They are deeply meditative, rooted in the strict Hindustani classical tradition that he defined.
I focus on the selection of Ragas based on the time of day, or 'Prahar', following the compositions that Guruji himself created or cherished. Whether it is the pentatonic beauty of Raga Bairagi Todi or the delicate nuances of Raga Yaman Manj, the intent is to offer the audience a window into his world.
This is a journey into the depth of each note, the 'Alaap', and the rhythmic complexity of the 'Jod' and 'Jhala'. These tribute recitals are designed for listeners who want to sit with the music, to understand the history behind the compositions, and to experience the same artistic rigor that defined his decades of work. It is my way of giving back, keeping the music alive through shared experience.
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