Amol Marik
Tabla player

How far has the tabla come in Ranchi?

There are several good tabla players like Pandit Awadh Kishore Tripathi (disciple of Ahmad Jaan Thirakwa), Shyamanand Jha (disciple of Godai Maharaj), Ram Sumer Mishra and Sandeep Chatterjee here. There is, however, not much scope as concerts are seldom organised. Although I am a B high grade artist of All India Radio, I have to conduct tutorials for livelihood.

Do you think solo tabla has taken a backseat these days?

I believe a solo is the soul and identity of tabla. Music is incomplete without taal (rhythm). I am not undermining the importance of sangat tabla, but the solo is its soul. There are many gharanas (schools) of tabla, each with a separate style which could only be identified by a solo.

How would you convince young people to take up tabla or any other form of classical music? How would it benefit them in their day-to-day life?

Classical music is linked to spiritualism and is not merely entertainment. It removes darkness — physical, mental and spiritual and makes one pure from within. Everyone should learn classical music- vocal, instrumental or dance as it sharpens concentration and memory and lends patience to the individual, which helps one in academics. Also, there are financial benefits.

What is your opinion about young tabla players?

There is no dearth of talent in Ranchi and young musicians have the ability to grasp the intricacies of tabla, but there is no encouragement or exposure. Programmes should be organised to give young talents a chance.

Has the state government been sincere in promoting of classical music?

No. I think the government does not care about music. Maybe it has plans, but nothing comes to the ground level. It must take care of artistes or people would go to other countries to learn music.

Navtan Kumar