L’enfant terrible, a wacky sense of humour and an ironic simplicity moulded in a single frame is what defines the veteran worshipper who sees life’s endless lessons as an enriching roller coaster ride best enjoyed with an element of hope.

Lou Majaw, the well-respected soulful musician, who celebrated his 66th birthday on April 14, has been the grand figure of inspiration, spreading the spirit of music and celebrating the beauty of life.

The Telegraph caught up with this veteran in his favourite spot, Café Shillong, sipping on special Lou Majaw tea. A long, intriguing discussion was in store, where memories were relived, thoughts shared and ideas, raised, with him reminding, “No trumpet blowing. The write-up is to be a source of inspiration…that’s it!”

“I am selfish to be honest. The quest to learn more never dies out and I get to know something new every time I perform with my fellow musicians,” said Majaw, who considers himself to be a performing artiste and yet distinctly different from being a solo artiste. “My fellow musicians consider me to be a singer/songwriter. I don’t stake claim to that. I simply love to sing,” are words of conviction he shoots.

Born to late Raphael Thangkhiew and late Philisita Majaw in 1947 in Mawlai, Shillong, Lou attended the Sacred Heart Boys’ High School, Mawlai and Don Bosco Technical School, Laitumkhrah, Shillong where he first took up the guitar and played in the school band. As it turned out, Majaw never got around to completing his academic education; instead, he was soon travelling and playing music wherever the music takes him and earning his keep along the way.

He started his professional career as a performing artiste in music and he recalled his first professional performance in association with Oracle Bones at Moulin Rouge (Calcutta) in 1965, after he moved on with the Fentones, Blood and Thunder, Supersound Factory and many others.

“That’s 48 years of music right there,”winks Majaw as he points the finger gun towards the camera. “Gentlemen, let’s attack first before interrogation,” said Majaw pointing at the hot, steamy momos ordered to ease the boredom of answering the long list of queries that follow.

TT: Let’s start with the lyrical content of your songs.

LM: I sing just about anything. I enjoy the beauty in everything and compose it to form a song. My lyrics reflect what I believe.

TT: You are referred to as the Dylan of India. Your reaction to that?

LM: Big joke! Lou Majaw is a tiny drop of lyrical writing where Dylan is a megaton (chuckles).

TT: Electric, acoustic…what is Lou Majaw’s pick?

LM: Both, with an equal emphasis. A lot depends on what situation I find myself in. A small gathering in a closed room can be answered with an acoustic and a bigger audience needs to be given an electrifying act which only comes by cranking up the volume on an electric guitar. Depends on the mood and mindset too!

TT: Tell us something about your association with Bhupen Hazarika.

LM: Bhupen, I remember him for his commendable contribution in the field of music, who left Assam a sad man. I enjoyed working with him for he shared a nature similar to mine…happy go lucky. I remember performing with him in the song We are in the same boat brother a couple of years back at Saru- sajai…probably his last stage performance.

TT: You never sing for money. How do you get by?

LM: I love strumming the guitar and singing along, for my love of music is all too strong. More than the monetary benefits of performing, I am happy to be alive. I live on what I receive but never demand. I was offered Rs 1,000 per hour to teach music, but I refused, for I believe music should be free.

TT: Have our governments been able to address the issues of musicians? Why it is that even with your stature, you still had to fight for space to hold a show?

LM: It’s only futile talks that do the rounds among the 60 powerful people in the House. We have ample talent but lack the right platform to showcase it. Would you believe that here, we have to shell out cash to perform for a few hours! They charge Rs 10,000 for booking the U Soso Tham auditorium, Rs 10,000 for security, Rs 15,000 for the inverter and another Rs 20,000 as additional charges, besides a whole lot more. The arts and culture department is practically doing nothing. This is the sad state of affairs and to make matters worse, the fan base does not support. Local support can be negated. Free concert and a thousand horns go up, hundred bucks a ticket and we find an empty hall!

TT: From your own compositions, which is your favourite?

LM: Hey little man, Oh most beautiful and Across the sea of sorrow would be at the top. I love it when people come up to me and say that they can relate to the songs.

TT: Who would be your favourite artists?

LM: A whole lot. Music is something so diverse that you can't limit to one. I admire Elvis as performer, which adds to his great voice and good looks. Chuck Berry, John Lennon and, of course, Bob Dylan would be on my list.

TT: You’ve been invited to collaborate on a song for an Assamese film. How is it going?

LM: I felt I could have done better if I had more time to go in-depth and live the song.

TT: Name a song that defines Lou Majaw best.

LM: Across the sea of sorrow. The feeling associated with this song is personal. I have learnt a lot…and yet there is more…with every knocking at my door.

TT: Lots of new gears and attitude. Do you think we are losing out on serious musicians?

LM: There is nothing wrong with being tech-savvy though some time it teaches you less. In the end it boils down to what you want? Synthetic or pure sound. Moreover you have to see what sells more, if at the end of the day, you need the dime. Teaching yourself the intricacies of art can be rewarding. I chose to learn. You have to live with an open mind to acquire knowledge and be humble at the same time.

TT: Do you feel that music can be used to bring about harmony in a ravaged society?

LM: Music heals an individual and society but that comes from meaningful songs, not hate songs. Hatred is the cancer of the mind and cripples the entire system. Some metal bands are really good but hate bands portray a negative vibe. The song of a hate band is a form of expression but the lyrical content can't be negated. Why not conquer the world with love. There is no point swearing back at a corrupt system but pick up the beat, stand on your feet and show the world that nothing will hold you back. Your heart is your temple.

A FEW LINES FROM LOU’S FAMOUS SONG

Hey Little Man

You got no time to smile

At the people you meet

You got no time to look to the sky

When you're busy looking down at your feet

You got no race to run

No battle to fight

You cower to your little corner

And shy away from the light

Hey little man

Take a look around you

Hey little man

The world needs everyone

The world needs me and the world needs you

Come and walk with me awhile

I'm gonna share your load

You've been many a mile

Through that hard and dusty road