" I try to familiarise the contestants with voice control techniques," -- Sujit
Excerpts from a brief conversation with Sujit:
What method do you apply when training the contestants of Closeup 1?
A number of things make a performance memorable. Merely a good voice and ability to carry a tune don't make for a superior rendition. When composing a song, a writer and music composer articulately present a thought or feeling in a few lines. To present that, an artiste must completely comprehend the song, its poetry and drama. I try to explain new ideas to the contestants, besides going over voice culture, breathing control and other techniques.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. What is the most common misconception about music in our country?
Classical music is the base of all songs. Subcontinental music, in general, is based on different Ragas. So, knowing and practicing the Ragas only familiarises one with the styles and tunes of subcontinental music but it doesn't necessarily imply that one would be able to sing anything if he/she has training in classical music.
Is rewaz necessary for a singer?
Yes and no. Yes, if one is doing rewaz(practice) correctly, but as I often tell people, "It is better to do nothing than do rewaz incorrectly as that might have damaging effects on the voice". Some people are gifted with a natural singing voice. If they're not sure about how to do rewaaj, they should just practice singing songs of their choice.
Who are your favourite artistes?
This is definitely not a short list. In classical music: Ustad Aamir Khan, Ustad Rashid Khan. Among the instrumentalists, Ustad Bismillah Khan. In light classical, Mehdi Hasan. Manobendra, when it comes to Nazrul Sangeet. Debobrata Bishwas and Sagar Sen among Tagore artistes. Manna De and Subir Nandi in adhunik Bangla songs.
Any memorable compliments?
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan admiring my vocal skills, getting rave reviews from one of India's most renowned critics Pandit Raghav Menon in 1991 and the one incident I'll always cherish: On Ravi Shankar's 70th birthday I performed and Ustad Allah Rakha Khan came up to me and gave me a hug. Funny thing is, when he was coming my way I figured I must have goofed up somewhere during my performance and he would point out my errors.
Your obsession?
Books. I always go to bed with a book. But unlike some, I don't use books to put myself to sleep. Sometimes I become so immersed in reading that I don't even realise I've stayed up all night.