You are the first Indian drummer to be a part of John McLaughlin’s group following a long lineage of great drummers — Tony Williams, Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Vinnie Colaiuta.... How did it happen and how has it been?
I met Johnji about 10 years ago and then had an opportunity to ‘jam’ with him at a concert that Zakirbhai (Zakir Hussain) does in tribute to his father, Ustad Alla Rakha. This happens every February 3. We connected then and he asked me to record with him on an album titled Floating Point. As far as experiences go, it is the single most important development in my musical and spiritual life.

What did you talk about at the first meeting?

How he found my playing exciting and didn’t know that there was a drum player like me. Tablas and Indian percussion he was familiar with, but I suppose he found my particular approach to drums appealing.

Were you always into John McLaughlin’s music?

Yes, all of Johnji’s musical enterprises were a big part of my musical education.

When was your first gig with John?

At the Blue Frog club (in Mumbai) to launch Floating Point in 2008. It was fantastic. 

What’s the best part about John’s new album Black Light?

The synergy and complicity between the musicians. 

How much of the Indian rhythm system is integrated in the 4th Dimension group?

There is a strong presence of the Indian rhythm system within Johnji’s compositional and improvisational approach, as it is in mine too. He has been a student of Indian music for many years now so it is only natural for that system to creep into the consciousness and impact the process.

You have been an integral part of Indian jazz and the progressive scene for decades. How do you think it has evolved?

Well, I’d say jazz has regressed in India as far as the quality of visiting bands go and the expectations of the audiences as well. There are some fine musicians emerging from the younger generation of players, but the kind of forward-thinking approach they have will make it hard for them to find a mainstream jazz platform in India. Most organisations and jazz societies don’t have a clue about what jazz is.

Not only are you a part of 4th Dimension, you are also the drummer and MD for A.R. Rahman. How is the role with AR different from John McLaughlin and 4th Dimension?

As part of AR’s band my role is one of MD, so that comes with another set of responsibilities outside of my obvious role as a drummer. Both are highly enjoyable and satisfying situations for me.

Your mother Sitara Devi was instrumental in introducing you to the world of Indian musical icons like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Alla Rakha.... 

This was the biggest blessing in my life. To be born in a house where I was exposed to the greatest of Indian musicians was an extremely important part of my mental growth towards being a musician. You couldn’t pay enough to any institution in the planet to get such an education, and I got it for free!

The fact that you are such an important member of John McLaughlin’s group spells encouragement for so many young musicians in India. What would you say to them?

I think there are some fine drummers in India, really hard-working and extremely competent. I’d urge them to spend some time abroad, where this instrument was born, and for them to work with other musicians there. Work with people who are better than you. Then you dig deep and find yourself.

Calcutta is brimming with anticipation for the November 3 concert. What can we expect?

It’s great that we are playing in Cal. I haven’t been there for several years now and I’m really looking forward. I think Calcutta audiences are great listeners and I know there will be a highly charged atmosphere. I’ve made some wonderful friends though and that friendship still exists. I’d like to eat some great food in Calcutta, meet old friends and play music for the people.

What next?

I’m working on a project to bring together musicians from the east and west in an ensemble that will tour the States some time next year.

John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension perform at Dalhousie Institute on November 3 (with t2)

• Tickets available online at www.jmkolkata.com

And at the following outlets: 

• Tejas (Mayfair Road) 
• Mocha (AJC Bose Road), Caravan (Theatre Road) 
• M3 stores at South City Mall, City Centre Salt Lake, City Centre New Town, Dakshinapan and Park Street 
• Ticket price: Rs 1,000