I love taking in music's beauty, and then sharing it with others. It fills my heart and spreads happiness everywhere I go.
I love taking in music's beauty, and then sharing it with others. It fills my heart and spreads happiness everywhere I go.
Indrani Mukherjee is a Hindustani classical vocalist from Asansol, West Bengal. She comes from a music loving family, with her father being an architect and her mother being a singer. Her life was deeply influenced by her mother, and she considers her family to be the reason behind her opting for music as a career.
Indrani says that during her childhood, she had no other option but to pursue music. Instead of toys, her home was filled with musical instruments like the Tanpura and the Tabla. This environment immersed her in music from a young age and sparked her passion for it. Throughout her schooling and college years, she had the privilege of receiving music lessons alongside her regular studies, as her entire family taught her music.
Indrani says that when she was in class seven or eight, her grandfather, Pandit Sanjiv Banerjee, who was her first guru, asked her about her future aspirations. Initially, she hadn't considered music as a profession, but after contemplating for a while, she expressed her desire to dedicate her life to music. This decision marked a turning point in her training and practice.
Indrani says that after completing college, she moved to Kolkata, where she received a scholarship from the Sangeet Research Academy. Under the guidance of Pandit Arun Bhaduri, she continued her musical education in Kolkata. Later, she delved into the intricacies of the Thumri in Benaras under the guidance of Vidushi Purnima Chaudhary and also learned from Late Pandit Ramashray Jha of Allahabad. Currently, she is learning under the tutelage of Manju Sundaram. She attributes her current position and success to her parents and her family, acknowledging their role in shaping her musical path.
Indrani acknowledges that making mistakes during performances can be a source of worry, but she has learned that constantly obsessing over avoiding mistakes is the biggest mistake itself. She says that her guru, Manju Sundaram, once reassured her that making mistakes is natural, but it is important not to repeat them. Recognizing and correcting mistakes is an integral part of the learning process and personal growth.
Indrani’s success mantra revolves around finding happiness and having self-confidence in everything she does. Indrani believes in the progression of learning, evaluation, and presentation in her musical journey. She remains grateful for the opportunities to perform both in India and abroad, recognizing that each performance is a chance to connect with the audience and express her emotions. She says that she never underestimates the importance of continuous learning and refuses to think that she has learned enough.
Indrani shares that the COVID-19 lockdown provided her with a period of introspection, allowing her to focus on practice without the pressure of upcoming performances. She now takes lessons both online and offline to further enhance her skills.
Indrani advises the younger generation aspiring to enter the music field to hold onto their self-confidence. Despite the challenges and potential failures that may arise, self-belief is crucial in navigating this journey.
In conclusion, Indrani says her musical journey is deeply intertwined with her family and upbringing. Her childhood exposure to music, coupled with the guidance of her gurus and her own determination, has shaped her into the accomplished musician she is today. She strives to continue expressing emotions through her music and hopes to inspire others to follow their passions with confidence.