A true devotee of Indian music and an institution in herself, ace singer Shubha Mudgal is a name to reckon with in Indian music. From Hindustani classical, Khayal, Thumri, Dadra to Indian Pop the genius has diversified and experimented with various forms of music, undoubtedly giving justice to each. On entering into the fourth year of her music fest �Baajaa Gaajaa', the versatile singer opens up on the challenges faced in promoting an Indian music festival, in a conversation with Poonam Ahuja.

Excerpts:

What was the idea behind starting up Baajaa Gaajaa?

The basic idea behind organizing Baajaa Gaajaa was to create a space where the diversity of Indian music could be enjoyed and celebrated in all its magnificence and variety. A lot of wonderful festivals in the country concentrate on one specific genre of music (eg. blues, classical or folk music festival) or on performances alone, but a festival that presents a panoramic view of Indian music bringing together artistes performing in different styles and genres, and also showcasing the work of people who contribute to the world of music both onstage and offstage, is what we envisioned for Baajaa Gaajaa. It would of course require several festivals to really showcase the Indian music, but Baajaa Gaajaa does its best to highlight Indian music in all its diversity.

How difficult was it to bring up Baajaa Gaajaa for three consecutive years in terms of resources, sponsors etc?

It has been a huge challenge to find funding for the festival, but a steady decline in funding for the arts is a global issue and not just a problem that we face. On the other hand, we have received a lot of support from artistes, partners, independent music labels, individual friends and supporters.

Any international tie-ups?

Baajaa Gaajaa has been widely supported and sponsored by various international organizations and institutes including : British Council , Pro Helvetia (Swiss Arts Council) , Japan Foundation, Australian Arts Council, Macquarie University, (Sydney, Australia), Ithaca College, (New York) and Stanford. The festival will also have collaborative performances by Ben Walsh and Bobby Singh from Australia. We greatly value their support and contribution.

Tell us about Baajaa Gaajaa 2012.

I would begin by inviting music lovers to spend three days at Baajaa Gaajaa and enjoy Indian music, performed by both seasoned and acclaimed artistes as well as by new and upcoming artistes. All the performances at the fest are open to the public and are not ticketed.

The day long performances will take place on two stages simultaneously, and we have surprises lined up for visitors on both the stages. People can listen to exponents of rare instruments like the sundri (a wind instrument somewhat similar to the shehnai), jaltarang (a set of ceramic bowls filled with water and used as musical instruments)and also witness special musical games revolving around composing and improvising.

Every evening visitors can witness special performances featuring eminent performers and collaborators. The voices of three fantastic women singers - Vasundhara, Jayshree Singh and Tipriti Kharbangar will be heard with their respective bands namely Adil and Vasundhara, Pink Noise and Soulmate. Stories in a Song -2 , a theater-music collaboration directed by Sunil Shanbag will also be staged at the festival which will conclude with a drum ensemble featuring approximately fifty drummers.

Baajaa Gaajaa 2012 will be inaugurated on 10 February 2012 by renowned poet Javed Akhtar (recipient of the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India), who has also been a crusader for artiste's rights.

Baajaa Gaajaa also encourages and provides a platform for indie artistes and labels to showcase their talent. Elaborate.

Internet technology has empowered musicians to distribute their work independently on their own terms and some of the most exciting recorded music in the country is now being produced and distributed independently by individual artistes and labels. Our own label Underscore Records Pvt Ltd (www.UnderscoreRecords.com) distributes some wonderful music recorded by leading as well as upcoming artistes. At Baajaa Gaajaa, we attempt to bring together these artistes and labels, providing them a platform to showcase  their work.

The fest has introduced Music Conclave this year. What would be the main focus of the conclave?

Some of the discussions at the Baajaa Gaajaa Music Conclave would be on the challenges of making mainstream feature films focusing on Indian music and musicians, writing about Indian Music, bringing diverse musical forms into the mainstream along with their challenges and possibilities. An esteemed panel including Imtiaz Ali, Sujoy Ghosh, Shantanu Moitra, Devjyoti Mishra, Kiran Nagarkar will share their expertise and discuss on these topics.

How has your journey been in propagating Indian music nationally and internationally?

I must submit with all humility that it is I who have benefited from my association with and the study of Indian music. If I am recognized today nationall, internationally or even in my own neighborhood, it is because of the music that I am associated with. Not vice-versa.

Don't you think music labels are not doing much to unearth more of non-film singers?

I don't think they are doing much to unearth music of any kind. Besides which, there is too much good music in the country and no one has to go digging for it or unearthing it. But by and large, the mainstream music industry in India has decided to neglect most genres of Indian music.

Today digital has become a prominent promotional tool, any plans of foraying into the web world with three days of  streaming â€?Baajaa Gaajaa' live?

We would be happy to consider live streaming of events, provided the participating artistes and experts are comfortable with the idea and their rights are protected.

How successful has Baajaa Gaajaa been in the last three years?

I think it has been successful in creating the kind of collaborative and interactive space we always wanted. The performances have been wonderful and well received, and so have some of the workshops and seminars. But, I believe there is always a scope for immense improvement and we hope more music lovers will join us not merely as an audience but as collaborators and volunteers who will help us develop the festival to its fullest potential.

What has been the major strength and driving force behind the success of the fest?

Our partners Ishanya and Radio One have been very generous and we have also received huge support from experts and friends in various fields - Sudhir Nayak (acclaimed harmonium player), Tanay Gajjar (our audio consultant), Rahul Vohra (eminent actor and presenter) and Himanshu Verma (art curator). But above all, it is the musicians and music lovers who join hands and gear us up for the next Baajaa Gaajaa, even when we despair.

Which are your other upcoming ventures?

An online encyclopedia of Indian music, which is at a very initial stage at www.sangeetkosh.net. It is a long term project and one for which we need a lot of good wishes, support and contributions.