Classical singer Barnali Chattopadhyay is all set to embark on Bollwyood after an impressive Hindi debut in Heeramandi

Usually, everyone thinks classical music is something serious. The process of learning it and rehearsing for hours actually requires unwavering dedication but other than that, it is not that serious. It depends on the presentation and after learning many gharanas, I have developed my own style. For the new generation to feel one with the music, it is important to understand the meaning of the song. That is why I introduce a song before singing it as the language may not be understandable.

I’m very blessed in a way that I never had to make a living from music and was able to pursue it with a lot of love and passion. But you have to know how to be patient and move forward in life.

It was a pleasantly strange experience and I never thought something like this would happen. Someone I knew referred me to Sanjay Leela Bhansali when he heard me at a soiree. I went to a studio and recorded 5 or 6 songs and forgot everything. But after a year, I got a call directly from Bhansali and the rest, as they say, is history. He is so loving, good, creative and patient. I really don’t have the words to describe him.

I work with many top directors and have just wrapped up a project with filmmaker Subhash Ghai. There are more in the pipeline which you will hear more about as things take shape.

Music is in my blood. Every day I devote at least 16 hours to music, be it as a riyaaz, a teacher or a listener. What inspires me as a singer is my feeling – there is so much more to discover and learn about music. It is a universe in itself. So many musicians and singers have touched me, from Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Md Rafi, Begam Akhtar to Naina Devi, Gauhar Jaan, Kumar Gandharv and many others.

And as an admirer of this art, on World Music Day I hope that this culture continues to flourish around the world.

It’s grown over the years because there’s content everywhere these days and there’s so much to see and hear. It helps sharpen my musical senses.

Girija Devi was a fascinatingly strong woman. She instilled in me the essence of my gharana and all that life, love and music bring. She taught me to embrace my true self through my singing and to always remain rooted in it. She was always determined to be who she was and that is a mantra to embrace.

Within three days of me coming to her to learn music, she took me to Delhi to sing with her and test my skills. She kept a seat for me in front of the audience and I got a lot of appreciation and learned what I was lacking. She taught us that music requires not only art but also honesty which can be achieved through restraint alone.

I look forward to collaborating as musicians on a more global level.

The volume is definitely increasing and as more work is done in terms of content, artists have better opportunities to work. Competition no longer has to be complicated. There is always a healthy attitude to life and music heals.

CREDITS

Pictures: Debarshi Sarkar / Hair and makeup: Surojit Sarkar / Styling: Abhisek Roy / Sari: Mitan Ghosh / Blouse: Bohurupi Santiniketan / Jewellery: Jalsaghar Calcutta