MUMBAI: 41-year-old Sitar maverick maestro Niladri Kumar, who is additionally celebrated as the inventor of the Zitar, has launched a brand new single ‘Head to the Heart’. Kumar’s last release was ‘Taj’s E-Baithak’ in 2014, which came six years after the 2008 music video ‘Priority’. In ‘Head to the Heart’ the musician has collaborated with Bollywood playback singer and one of the finest guitarists Rashid Ali.
Talking about the single Kumar said, “As the title suggests you can take it both ways – head and heart. Either you run or walk towards the heart, or you can use the head to understand your heart’s calling. We convey the same in the only way we can, and it is the instrument.”
‘Head to the Heart, however, will not take shape of an album at present. “It took us quite a bit of work to complete the single. It is difficult to do this kind of music in a scenario like this. To do more work requires more time and a bigger budget. If we can fund the project, we will be delighted to do it, but that is not on the agenda. The video for this single was created as people need to have some visuals to connect to the sound. It is also a medium that reaches a wider audience. So, hopefully if everything goes well, we will have an album in place,” confirmed Kumar.
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The Zitar creator is also launching his new brand ‘Stay Up Rooted’. “I loved these two words –Up Rooted– that Samira (Stanford University certified entrepreneur Samira Kelkar) came up with in context to what I want to do with my life. I come from a very traditional classical background. I represent five generations of Sitar playing in my family. But at the same time I have been influenced by a lot of music and lot of people that have been doing other music. The training I received was very traditional in the concept of music, which is very pure and traditional. At the same time I was intrigued with other forms of music, so I wanted to look up and go with that. So this tag line is a dilemma of trying to look ‘up’, yet be ‘rooted’ in the tradition.”
A concert under the brand ‘Stay Up Rooted’ will take place in Mumbai on 30 October, 2015. However before that happens Kumar will be seen performing at this year’s NH7 Weekender, but he did not reveal the kind of music he will be playing at the festival. “I do not plan in advance. I don’t know what I am going to play there, but it is a great crowd of enthusiasts. I will consider the audience’s vibe and play accordingly. I am really looking forward to it, especially Pune,” stated the performer.
Music is not the only thing that is keeping him busy though. Kumar is currently working on a non-music project that is really close to him. It is an all day diner- ‘Zitar’ at Oshiwara Andheri, which is slated to open towards the end of the year, and will be a hub for music and musicians. “Good music, decor and food create a great atmosphere and that is what we are working on. If we manage to create an atmosphere for musicians to play at the diner, it will be even better,” said Kumar.
When asked if he sees the younger generation being associated with classical music, despite the inclination to western music, Kumar said, “This generation is super talented and that is something no one can disagree with. They are used to getting things done in a jiffy. What you take four hours to grasp, they take 25 minutes. But they do not devote much time to practice; though with right guides they will reach that path. I am extremely hopeful that this music is going to survive with this generation too.”
However, while he wants classical music to grow, the musician revealed that he has no time to teach the younger generation. “There are many people who want to learn the art form, but I do not have a teaching schedule. I believe one needs to have regularity in teaching. I am not sure if I can stay in one place. I would like to teach, but with no money or strings attached,” stated Kumar.
