He’s a star piano player and she’s the person who organises his professional life. Pianist Brian Silas and Ravinder Kaur have been married for seven years and he insists it’s all a, “golden platter he got from God”. They met when he was playing at a five-star hotel in the early ‘90s and never dreamt that the relationship would blossom as it has.

Ravinder has three daughters from an earlier marriage, but they turn to Brian whenever they have an argument with their mother.

Brian’s first brush with music was as a choir boy in a Lucknow church where his father played the organ. He took to the piano early in life and he has given Hindi melodies a new twist by rendering them on his grand piano with a tabla accompaniment.

Brian:

It is because of my faith in God that I was gifted my family. When I look back, I realise how I have been blessed with whatever a man could desire. And I got it all on a golden platter. Ravinder has been the biggest blessing in my life.

I also have to admit that she is my driving force. She takes care of my musical shows, handles the domestic front and thereby enables me to concentrate fully on my music. Sometimes I don’t even know the dates of my performances. All I have to do is go there and play. What’s kept us going is our faith in each other and faith in God.

Also, in any relationship, trust and understanding is very essential, and this we have in plenty. Over the years, our children have also kept us going. They have given me no reason to think that they are not mine. They are my own children and I have always felt that they are a part of my gift from God.

The best thing about Ravinder is that I can depend on her. I know that she will take care of every single detail, big or small. Another thing that binds us together is the fact that we spend a lot of time with each other.

For some, too much of togetherness may bring about a sense of boredom, but in our case, it only brings us closer. I would say, out of the 24 hours in a day, we spend 23 hours together. Ravinder has brought a sense of order to our house and yes, even to my piano room. She arranges all my albums on one shelf and has given a new twist to my room. It’s a wonderful feeling having her by my side, and all I can say is that Ienjoy it immensely.

Ravinder:

He has his own ways of making me feel special. On many occasions during a performance, he will play one of my favorite numbers. Even in the middle of a crowd of people, he somehow conveys that he cares through his music. It is this that I find extremely touching and beautiful.

Brian’s sense of humour is one of his greatest qualities. He is also very caring and understands even my unspoken needs. Another admirable quality of his is that even when he loses his temper, he cools down pretty fast.

Besides all that, there are those little things he does for me on special occasions like my birthday. Brian knows that I am very fond of flowers. So he always makes it a point to get flowers for me — starting the day before my birthday.

What’s beautiful in this relationship is that Brian and I are true companions and tend to do everything together. We don’t have separate lives that we follow individually. But there is no boredom because we share a very good understanding. Also, if we have any misunderstanding, we talk it out and thereby restore the harmony between us. For any relationship to work, it is essential for both partners to give and make an effort.

Also, it means doing something for the other person. I may not cook, but I know that Brian loves good food. So, I ensure that his favourite dishes are prepared and that the kitchen is running smoothly.

I also accompany him for all his shows wherever they may be. His music somehow rejuvenates us. No matter how often I might have heard him, no composition of his ever sounds the same to me. With each song, I hear a new sound and always feel as if I’m listening to him playing for the very first time. Brian is so passionate about his music. And he translates that passion and compassion in real life too. I can never get tired of his music.

Photograph by Rupinder Sharma