MUMBAI: India is known for its cultural diversity and people across the globe are intrigued by the panoramic range. However, little is done to preserve or chronicle it. Considering this, the mantle is taken up by two brothers of Indian origin but are currently based out of United Kingdom.
“We got the inspiration from our parents. Despite we moved to a different country, both our parents kept us rooted in the culture. Also, being Bengalis, music and art is a large part of our upbringing. We realized that even in India people are not very connected with the music and culture here.Some are and know the value of it. That’s why we decided to explore the cultural music of India and present the guardians of cultural legacies,” says Soumik Datta, a young master of Sarod.
So, they set on a journey to explore six different regions in India and go village to village.
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Souvid, a photojournalist, shares the journey, “It was a genuine discovery. We used to have this really long rides in the car, traveling from one village to village. We had local producers along too, who helped us through every challenge or implications.”
After having travelled the length and breadth, the brothers discovered some real gems, “We experienced some unheard instruments in the state of Nagaland and a drumming dance form in Karnataka, where the musicians play the drums and dance at the same time.”
Despite having a rich heritage, somewhere India has become glamour driven in past few years, that’s why Soumik, “Decided to go beyond the mainstream. Everyone knows of music in Rajasthan, but there is more that stays untouched and unknown.” Shot in Kolkata, Varanasi, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Goa and Karnataka, Tuning 2 You: Lost Musicians of India is an adventurous travel and music show taking you through the unbeaten paths of India.
The project was supported by Bagri Foundation and their home production Soumik Datta Arts. Soumik says, “We shared common agenda to bring to light hidden cultural aspects of India.”
About the fact grass-root level music being waning in the background, “It was increasing sidelined. But with the emergence of social media, things have changed I think social media has really championed the grass-root level music and brought it to the forefront. With the penetration of handheld devices and ability to share and make things go viral. Initially, this kind of music was marginalised,” says Soumik, who has been performing and been part of projects by stalwarts like Beyonce and Jay-Z.
Post these six episodes series, they have the loose framework of next step, “We would like to explore more of South Asia. Pakistan, Bangladesh and beyond too. But that’s for later nothing is concrete yet.”
This series will bring Non-Indians and even Indians close to musicians of extraordinary skill and sensitivity, musicians known in their local communities but who are possibly obscured by the rapid modernization.
For now, let’s catch the show Tuning 2 you: Lost Musicians of India on Sony BBC Earth starting this Monday, 30 April 2018, 9 pm onwards till Wednesday, 2 May 2018.
