MUMBAI: NCPA Umang, which is slated to be galore of some mesmerising khayal performances, will have a peshkash by Deborshee Bhattacharya. A khayal singer, Deborshee began his training under the guidance of his mother Bhattacharya at the age of six-seven. With a vision to promote khayal and make it mainstream, this talented singer has some striking performances, in store, which he will be presenting at NCPA Umang, today at 6.30 pm.

In an exclusive interview with Radioandmusic, Deborshee talks about his upcoming performance at NCPA Umang and his association with them. He also elaborates about khayal, a traditional form of music, which needs to be heard. In his exclusive chat, the artist has also revealed the importance of khayal in Hindustani classical music. Excerpts. 

Can you tell us about your upcoming performance at NCPA Umang? 

I will be singing raag khayal, mainly contemporary thumris or dadras because these are rainy season songs. Also, since, the current season is monsoon, which is the apt period for us to perform raags like those belonging to the malhar group, which cannot be sung at any other time of the year.

Tell us about your association with NCPA? 

I have performed earlier at NCPA. They usually arrange a few classical concerts and are doing a beautiful job for a long time now. I have not only performed here solo but also with my Guru. It is, thus, an ongoing process.

Can you tell us about khayal, which is a traditional song form?

In Hindustani classical music, the first genre is drupad while khayal is the second form. Khayal actually means imagination, which is a friend of our North Indian music. The essence of khayal is that we can take a raag and describe it in our own way as well as compose it on the stage. No other form of music has evolved in such a way that it allows an artist to compose according to their imagination on the stage.

When did you start your training in khayal?

I commenced my training under my mother Reena Bhattacharya when I was six or seven. Post it, I have been taking training from my guru, Pandit Ajay Chakravartyji for the last 20-23 years. Even, today, I am learning under him as a senior scholar.

Why did you choose this specific genre?

My first subject is khayal, but I do perform all other genres because, for me, music is just music. But, I think, to develop the base of any song, you need to learn khayal so that you can apply it in any other form of music.

Not much is known about khayal. Do you think it has a future in India?

This form of music has never died, though it is not popular among the masses. But, yes it can be promoted if both organisations and media take the responsibility, this form will not vanish. Yes, it has a future in India because, today, I see more Indian youth coming to learn khayal.

How as a khayal singer, do you want to contribute to the promotion of this genre of singing?

I think to reach people and to spread it; generations like us shall take more responsibility. I want to promote khayal among masses. But, I will have to change my ways and design my presentations in such a way that masses can be attracted to the mainstream. I am also teaching for the past 12 years and spreading my knowledge, which I have learnt from my guru to my students. I not only teach at my home but also, represent my guru and teach at his institution called Shruti Nandan. It is one of the biggest institutions for students.

Event Details:

NCPA Umang

When: 20 July 2018.

Where: Little Theatre

Time: 6:30 pm.