MUMBAI: “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression,” said renowned psychologist Haim Ginott. A few of them step into the world with a gargantuan of talent and are already a prodigy; the other few work tirelessly to become the best. On the occasion of Children’s Day, Radioandmusic.com spoke to both types of musicians, who have paved their way to stardom at a very early age.
A very few children are privileged to step into the recording studio and showcase their talent in front of audiences before they even finish school. The same is the case with the Dey sisters. Mohini and Ishani Dey fell in love with music at the tender age of three. Inheriting their interest in music from their parents, both sisters never thought they would grow up to become musicians. The elder of the two- Mohini was recently featured in the latest season of MTV Coke Studio with AR Rahman. Mohini who is a bass guitarist said “I started getting calls for playing with different music composers after a few people heard me playing. People would often think how would an eight year old kid play? But when they heard me, they would often get impressed.” It is pretty much the same with her sister- Ishani who is three years her junior, and has been training in Carnatic music.
“I like playing the guitar, but I have kept my avenues open. I have played at a few gigs including International Jazz Day. My first performance on stage was at the age of eight.”
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The Dey sisters are planning to release an album together soon, and they both feel that the field of music is such that nothing can be done without the support of parents. “I would say if you have a liking for music, put in hours of hard work and whatever you do, put your best foot forward,” said the younger Dey.
Another child artiste who made it big during his early years was Aditya Narayan, son of the famous Udit Narayan. In one of his previous interviews with Radioandmusic.com, the 27 year old mentioned, “My talent of singing was spotted by Kalyanji at the age of four and very soon I was a part of ‘Little Wonders’ a show where only kids showcased their talent in various forms of art.” He crooned his first song in Bollywood at the age of seven for ‘Akele Hum Akele Tum’ along with his father. His first hit, ‘Chota Bacha Jan Ke Hum’ from the film ‘Masoom’ came in the year 1996, when he was eight. “I was always brought up in an atmosphere where music was a vital part of our lives as my parents are singers,” he explained. Last year, he sung ‘Tatad Tatad’ and ‘Ishqyaun Dhishqyaun’ for ‘Ram-Leela’.
Like Aditya Narayan, Palak Muchhal’s journey with music commenced when she became a member of Kalyanji-Anandji’s ‘Little Star’ at the age of four. At eight, she released an album ‘Child for Children’ to raise funds for children suffering from heart diseases. “The money that we got was all used to help kids suffering from heart ailments.” She continued singing and organising shows for charity, and as a result was invited by the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, where she performed one of her songs from the album. “No one from my family was even remotely associated to music, but I am thankful to my parents who supported me so much and allowed me to pursue my passion,” she stated.
Reality shows are another medium through which children can showcase their talents. Aishwarya Majumdar found fame after participating in ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ at the age of 10. “Then the format of the show was different. It was an episode by episode format. I won the show and started getting many offers in the Gujarati music industry. I had already recorded a few songs by the time I participated in ‘Amul Star Voice of India’, “said the 22 year old. The singer has recorded a few songs for Bollywood, of which some have been released and others will in due course.
Speaking of reality shows, one name in particular stands out; especially because of how big a star she is today- Shreya Ghoshal. She started her musical journey when she was eleven in the year 1995, when she won the All India Light Vocal Music Competition, New Delhi, which was organised by Sangam Kala Group, in Light Vocal group in sub-junior level. Her first TV performance was for EL TV’s show called ‘Awaz Nayi Andaz Wohi’. In 1996, she was selected for the 75th Children’s Special Episode of ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’, which she won. Later on she won various other episodes of ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’.
The list of child artistes is endless and will continue to grow, each bringing something different and more wonderful to the world of music. Radioandmusic.com would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Children’s Day.
