Classical singing is a difficult art. Kankana Banerjee knows that best. But the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist is of the view that rigorous practice can overcome even the worst of handicaps a budding singer would face in the age of conveyor-belt oriented silicon-chip music. The easiest way of mastering the art is to tread the proper path the toughest way. "One has to be prepared to face all difficulties." she told The Gulf Today on Sunday, minutes after rising from her morning practice. "There is no easy way out in learning. Having learnt the basics, maintaining it is even more difficult."
Dedication and a sincere approach are ways to master the art of Hindustani classical singing. "These days youngsters choose the other option of using classical music as a stepping stone to film playback singing." Having performed around the world for over 40 years now, Kankana however feels that money is not the only criterion attracting people to film music. "There is money even in classical music." Instant fame via TV channels and the stardom accorded are factors forcing talented youngsters to the popular stream. The end result has nothing to beam about. "Look at the Hindi film music now. The days of melodious music are gone," she said bemoaning the state of Bollywood's music industry. With several albums to her credit, Kankana trains her thirty odd students in Mumbai - where she is settled - "I always tell them to earn their rightful place by working hard. There are no short cuts."
After an extensive tour of the US, Canada and Europe, Kankana recently performed at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai. Known for her lecture-demonstrations, Kankana performed at the universities of Birmingham and New York during her just concluded trip. "In the west we need to educate the listeners about Indian music. But then they are patient listeners and they must be appreciated for that."
Pupil of the late Ustad Amir Khan of Indore, Kankana is familiar with the Kirana gharana style of Dharwad. She was under the tutelage of Pandit Pratap Narain, elder brother of the legendary Pandit Jasraj. Under Pandit Narain, she familiarised the Mewati gharana. "But I am most comfortable in the Kirana gharana style though Mewati has an infusion of a distinct flow like one find." It is important for all learners to be familiar with more than one gharana. "Such exposure broadens their vision." But switching between classical and film music could be counter- productive. "That is the reason why I stuck to classical renditions in Ram Teri Ganga Maili." The film had Kankana singing in the background tunes composed in bhairavi and darbari raag.
In Id Mubarak, a Chetan Anand film, she sang another classical tune. "But I stick to this condition as film music is not my cup of tea."
Even when she lent her voice for a number in the 7th Centenary memorial album of the great Urdu poet Amir Khusro, Kankana sang a classical number. Others including Mukesh and Vani Jayaram, sang light music compositions.
As a singer who sang her first notes at four, Kankana was accepted by Ustad Amir Khan as his disciple three years later.
"That was a real big moment for me as training under a titan like Ustadji was a great honour for me." The fine-tuning by Pandit Pratap Narain made Kankana more confident about the world ahead.