Driven by passion classical instrument makers struggle to continue legacy

Tablas (a form of Indian percussion) kept outside for drying in the sun at Rhythm, a famous musical instrument shop & workshop in Tollygunge, Kolkata. Ustad Zakir Hussain to Pt. Krishan Maharaj trusted this shop for its quality. Kolkata is known for hosting some of the most famous classical music festivals in the country. But with time, the city’s cultural scenario is slowing losing its sheen. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

Updated on: Mar 29, 2017 1:41 PM IST

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Tablas (a form of Indian percussion) kept outside for drying in the sun at Rhythm, a famous musical instrument shop & workshop in Tollygunge, Kolkata. Ustad Zakir Hussain to Pt. Krishan Maharaj trusted this shop for its quality. Kolkata is known for hosting some of the most famous classical music festivals in the country. But with time, the city’s cultural scenario is slowing losing its sheen. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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Located at Rashbehari Triangular park 42-year-old iconic shop & workshop, Hemen & Co. once produced unique Sarod (stringed musical instrument) for masters like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan to Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. These manufacturers of classical instruments form the backbone of the classical music scenario. Their instruments have regaled music connoisseurs across the world. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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Different musical instruments hang from the ceiling at Hemen & Co. The world of digitization and popularity of Bangla rock bands have changed the way their business used to be. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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53-year-old Sarod maker Tapan Sen seen with pictures of classical musicians like Ustad Allauddin Khan, Ali Akbar Khan, Ravi Shankar, Amjad Ali Khan in the backdrop, at Hemen & Co. Sons of renowned sarod maker Hemen Sen (the owner of Hemen & Co) - Ratan Sen and Tapan Sen look after the business now. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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Tapan Sen learned sarod from Dhyanesh Khan (son of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan) for more than 13 years. From Amaan Ali Khan, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Basant Kabra, Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, Suresh Vyas, Pradeep Barot to Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, all leading international sarood players, trust Hemen & Co when it comes to quality instruments. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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In fact, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his two sons, Ayan and Amaan, own nearly 28 sarods made by Hemen & Co. But unfortunately, it seems the legacy once started by Hemen Sen would soon bite the dust. With a heavy heart, Tapan and Ratan Sen inform HT that their children have no interest in the business of classical instruments. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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78-year-old Gobinda Rith is an ex-employee of Dwarkin & Sons, founded in 1875, it is world famous for its hand-held harmonium. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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Gobinda worked there from 1958-1970, now owns a shop, tucked in a by-lane of crowded Manicktala. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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According to Gobinda, 15 days are required to make a harmonium. Though the demand of harmonium has dwindled over the years, Gobinda makes them with honesty and determination. He has three daughters, and none showed any interest in taking his legacy forward. Yet, unlike the other melody makers, he sounds optimistic. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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An employee of Rhythm, a famous shop & workshop, works on a tabla. Owned by 42-year-old Mukta Das, his shop produces nearly 1500 instruments in a year. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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Tabla maestros such as Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Shankar Ghosh, Bickram Ghosh to Zakir Hussain, all of them are more than pleased with Mukta’s creation. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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Mukta Das, 42, still remembers his meeting with maestro Zakir Hussain at Pandit Ajay Chakraborty’s house in 1995. Since then, the bond has only strengthened. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

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The makers of these classical instruments are trying hard to fit in and stay afloat in the business. Most of them are aware that their next generation wouldn’t continue with this business. The thought saddens them but their passion for music pushes them to remain in the business. And they promise to do so till their last breath. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)