MUMBAI: Varad Kathapurkar, a prominent musician with 24 years of musical mastery, embodies an inspiring journey from child prodigy to renowned flutist. His versatility has made him a sought-after figure in the music world. Guided by mentors like Shri Ramakant Patil, Pt. Malharrao Kulkarni, and Pt. Rupak Kulkarni, Varad’s love for the flute blossomed at the age of 4, leading him to grace stages at just 6.
Recognized for his dedication, Varad received the National Scholarship and holds the title of Graded Artist of AIR. His triumph at the “National Flute Competition” in Lucknow (2004) further solidified his talents.Collaborating with renowned artists like Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, and Asha Bhosle, Varad’s music transcends boundaries. His captivating performances have captivated audiences worldwide, from Bangkok to the West Indies. Varad’s impact extends to television, where he’s left an indelible mark on music reality shows like “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” and “Indian Idol.” His exceptional talents shine on these platforms.
In cinema, Varad’s enchanting flute melodies have graced Marathi and Hindi films, including “Sairat,” “Tanhaji,” and “Zero,” enhancing the cinematic experience with his soulful tunes. In a recent interaction with him he said:
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1. Experience working on recent hit webseries Ghoomer and The Trial?
Initially, I thought I could wrap up the entire background score in just a couple of hours, but it ended up taking the entire day to bring it to fruition. This particular project was an exciting one for me as it allowed me to delve into my creativity by incorporating not one but two additional instruments – the RECORDER FLUTE and BASS RECORDER – alongside the bamboo flute. The experience of working on this web series, especially with the talented Kajol on board, was incredibly exhilarating. She truly is the best, and her presence added a special spark to the music.
2. Please share you experience on traveling for concerts to different countries and representing our culture. How has the audience reacted to it
My experiences with travel have been nothing short of enriching. I’ve always believed that travel offers endless opportunities for learning. It’s not just about visiting new places; it’s about immersing oneself in different cultures and languages, meeting diverse people, savoring a variety of cuisines, and, of course, discovering the beauty of music in its myriad forms. What makes these journeys even more extraordinary is the warm welcome we receive from people in foreign lands. Their genuine and heartwarming greetings are overwhelming and remind us of the blessings that come with connecting through music. It’s a truly humbling experience, and we are deeply appreciative of their love and support.
3. If you can share guidance for aspiring youth who would want to learn flute or take this up as a profession
In today’s world, music has emerged as one of the most promising career options. To be precise, those who aspire to pursue the flute as a profession have a bright future ahead. However, it’s vital to underscore the importance of practice. The more one dedicates themselves to practice, the more refined their skills become. Learning any musical instrument is not a mechanical task, but it’s also not an insurmountable challenge. With perseverance and dedication, mastering the flute, or any instrument for that matter, becomes achievable.
4. Which is more challenging playing for films or performing live for the audience?
In my view, both performing for film and playing live on stage present equally demanding challenges. When performing live, there’s room for spontaneity and improvisation, allowing us to create impromptu musical moments based on the skills we’ve honed over the years. On the flip side, recording music for films in a controlled studio environment demands precision and perfection. Every note every nuance has to be executed flawlessly, as recordings require a level of perfection that’s consistent throughout. Both aspects of my career require unwavering dedication, and each comes with its own set of unique challenges.
Any of your experiences in past while performing which has been a learning for you? and how has it helped you as an artists?
For me, every single performance is a voyage of discovery. Time dictates the phrases I’m going to play at that moment, and each performance unfolds organically. Collaborating with different artists, like Shankarji, Sonuji, or Ajay Atul, always leads to fresh learning experiences. One of the remarkable aspects of music is that it can’t be taken for granted; it’s not like a keyboard or artificial intelligence. This is why recreating the same performance or learning experience is impossible. Each moment on stage is unique, and that’s why I find it difficult to single out one particular performance or learning experience, as each contributes to my growth as a musician in its own unique way.
