Courtesy of Joy Dutta Kailash Kher.The acclaimed Indian singer Kailash Kher has carved a special niche for himself in the music world by specializing in the classical Sufi tradition. With his soulful, high-pitched voice, he has captured the imagination of music lovers across India and Pakistan, as well as other parts of the world where Indians and Pakistanis have settled down.
Mr. Kher and his band, Kailasa, are always in much demand, and his more than 300 concerts in the United States alone are a testimony to Mr. Kher’s increasing global popularity.
India Ink spoke with him in Rajkot, in the westernmost Indian state of Gujarat, where he performed with his band on the eve of the Republic Day of India. He discussed the state of Indian classical music and his thoughts on the young singers of today.
Like many artists, you had to struggle a lot to establish yourself and get recognized in the highly competitive world of Hindi music. Did you ever lose heart Did you really imagine that you would be such a huge star and enjoy immense popularity
No, I never lost heart or felt frustrated simply because I had full confidence in my talent. God has always been very kind to me. I had a passion for music since childhood. And it’s the passion that eventually helps you realize your ambition, your dream, whatever your chosen field. I knew I would get the opportunity at the right time. And when it came, I grabbed it with both hands.
I’ve sung more than 500 songs in 21 different languages and held 800-odd concerts across the globe, including more than 300 in the U.S. alone. I represent India’s culture abroad. Seven American states have offered me honorary citizenship.
Where does your inspiration come from Who have been major influences on your singing
Music itself is an inspiration for me. As I said, I’ve a passion for music. I always sing from the heart and try to be as natural as possible. I’ve been greatly influenced by my father, who was an amateur traditional folk singer, and Pandit Kumar Gandharva, a great classical singer. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has also influenced me.
What do you think of the current state of Hindustani classical music in India
Hindustani classical music has a special, even sacred, place in the psyche of Indians. It enjoys an honorable status, not just in India but in the world. Unfortunately, today’s television-crazy youngsters are more interested in “seeing†the music than in listening. They need to be told that music should be enjoyed and learned by listening, not by “seeing.†All I want to tell the aspiring singers is start listening to music. I think radio can play an important role in this regard.
And how do you rate the new, young singers who keep sprouting thanks to satellite television channels
I think they are good. Some of them are talented, too. But many of them seem to become stars, not true artists. If you watch them on television, you’ll notice that they’re more concerned about their looks, clothes, dance and style than how they sing or how good they sing. This is also one of the reasons why they aren’t interested in pursuing classical music, which calls for a lot of hard work and dedication.
But I don’t blame them. They are only following the trend. After all, you tend to like and learn what you see and get.
Are you against an element of a bit of glamour in music
No, I’m not. I accept that people’s lifestyle has changed. And so has their taste in music. An element of glamour has been added to the Sufi and other traditions of music. Fair enough. It’s the demand of the times we live in.
Many people find me, too, different from other singers because I tend to experiment and add variety to my singing. I think glamour is required if you want to create a mass appeal. Simplicity doesn’t work or appeal. Hence our classical music doesn’t reach far.
Let’s live with the present time. After all, we’ve to connect to the present generation, too. But I must say that Hindustani classical music is the foundation of even pop and rock music.
If invited, would you go to perform in Pakistan again, especially after the of beheading of the two Indian soldiers, which has created a tense situation between the two neighboring nations
Whatever has happened is very unfortunate. But I must say music bridges the gap, not widens it. I had a most memorable experience of my life when I was in Pakistan last year. I was welcomed with so much warmth wherever I went. I was simply overwhelmed by the Pakistanis’ love and enthusiasm. It was quite a sight, and sheer joy, to see them cheer and dance with excitement when I was singing my hit number “Bum Lahiri†about Lord Shiva.
(The interview has been condensed and lightly edited.)
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