The Goan: Is it pressuring in any way, knowing that you areone of very few artists promoting a dying art like Jaltarang?
Pandit Milind Tulankar: It feels great that I could bring backthe glory to this fantastic instrument and do justice to Indian classicalmusic. It was really difficult until a few years ago to get the requiredexposure, to tell people that such an instrument still exists!
Now I am sought after and people specifically ask for theJaltarang to be played at concerts. I am glad that the instrument is seeingglory again and I’m happy to be a part of it.
TG: You have performed in abroad as well. What has theresponse been like?
PMT: During my performances abroad I noticed that there aremany people who are not familiar with Indian classical music, but still comespecifically to listen to this rare instrument. I had an overwhelming responsein the United States and Canada last year. The shows were sold out. It feelsgreat.
TG: How is playing Jaltarang diff erent from playing othermusical instruments?
PMT: It is very different as the Jaltarang is the onlyinstrument which gets tuned with water - specifically soft water. Secondly, theinstrument (porcelain bowl) is fragile and can break in transit. The tuning hasto be done at the actual place where I am going to sit and perform and becauseof its character, it cannot create long notes, known as ‘Meend’ in Indianclassical music. Also, the sound system is a challenge because Jaltarang needsfour to five microphones to capture the exact sound.
TG: Is it challenging to perform jugalbandi with othermusicians, because of the different characteristics of this particularinstrument?
PMT: It is easier to play in Jugalbandi. In a soloperformance, one has to be careful as the idea of a complete performance influences the kind of notes one is going to play. While in Jugalbandi, theaccompanying artist contributes his input which gives me time to think of mynext move. A solo performance is like meditation - you do it alone to reachNirvana, while Jugalbandi is like opening a magic box along with friends andenjoying the pleasant surprises.
TG: How do you keep a rare musical form like the Jaltarangrelevant and exciting for audiences today?
PMT: People tend to wear the clothes that they find quick towear, comfortable, fashionable and may be cheaper too, but during special occasionsand during the festival season, they go back to their traditional dresses, andthey love doing it! So even though people seem to be listening to pop musicmore than the classical music, they have their special affinity towards classicalmusic.
I have experienced this so many times, especially in foreigncountries where the Western music dominates other forms of music. Yet I findthe native people outnumbering the Indian audiences at my performances.
