One should learn basics first, films can happen by and by, says flautist Rakesh Chaurasia

The flautist behind film Dor’s hit song ‘Yeh hosala’ and nephew of legendary Hariprasad Chaurasia has lots of hope in young musicians

The flautist behind the hit song of Bollywood movie Dor hit song ‘Yeh hosala’ and nephew of legendary Hariprasad Chaurasia, Rakesh Chaurasia has lots of hope in the young lot. “Today’s youth is so talented that if guided properly they can learn in half the time we have spent,” he tells HT City during his recent Lucknow visit.

Rakesh Chaurasia says he got hooked to the flute listening to maestro Hariprasad Chaurasia. (Dheeraj Dhawan/HT Photo)

Here he talks about his musical journey, tips for youngsters, films and his uncle.

Rakesh says he got hooked to the flute listening to his babuji (Hariprasad Chaurasia). “I am blessed to be brought up in such a musical environment. I was 4 plus when I got my baby flute which was a toy for me. And, my first lesson that I remember was that I must learn sargam and sur first. Playing film songs can come later, was the gurumantra,” he recalls.

Based on his experience, the flutist says, “This is one mistake beginners make. By playing a few songs they think that they have become a master. Instead, thrust should be on the fundamentals and riyaaz. We have learnt in manual era while today with modern technology you can control pitch, sur, laye and taal but when it comes to live performance one gets exposed. So, my advice to the youngsters is to stick to the basics.”

Explaining further, he says, “Any talented person can sing old melodies after practice but what will happen when they are given new song and composition. This is the reason, we see such good singers in reality shows but most of them get lost. Being original is the key.”

The musician is of the opinion that film songs are equally tough. “I have worked in the industry for a long time and definitely it’s not easy. It’s not a joke to deliver a 5 second or 10 second piece which makes a difference. What Hariji played in blockbuster movie Hero is history. Suno Sajna and Chingari Koi Bhadke too have small pieces by him and no one can replicate them.”

Talking about his legendary uncle, he says, “He practices flute literally whole day. He always has a bansuri in his hand even if he is not playing. That probably is the secret of this health. Babuji will turn 80 in July. And, the simplicity with which he says, ‘Abhi bahut seekhna baki hai’.”

Rakesh says that music acts as a stress buster for him. “Not just me, it can be a stress buster for one and everyone. Listen to any music you like — classical, film, jazz, rock…all music is in seven swars. No music is loud or fast! If you don’t understand it does not means it’s bad, that’s what I think and have been taught,” he says.

He was born in Allahabad but has lived mostly in Mumbai. “I feel very proud that I am born in the Sangam-city which has given stalwarts like Bhatkhandeji, Amitabh Bachchan and babuji. In Mumbai or elsewhere, I take lot of pride in saying that I belong to Uttar Pradesh. Whenever I come anywhere near Allahabad, hazri lagane zaroor chale jaate hai…I miss its rabri-malai aur kachauri!”

The musician craves for coming to Uttar Pradesh for concerts. “Whenever I get dates to perform here I feel a special happiness. The state is rich in music, literature and culture; so it’s an honour performing here, but there is a pressure also as ‘yahan ka log sunkaar hai’ (listeners are very knowledgeable here) which keeps me on my toes,” says Chaurasia and adds that there were good listeners in Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata too.