Music is the soul of all energies as it sustains the whole world in itself,” said eminent classical guitarist Kamla Shankar.
Kamla Shankar staged a performance here on Tuesday at Shaheed Bhawan leaving the audience mesmerized. In a rendezvous with The Pioneer, Kamla shared her musical journey and deep relationship with the City of lakes.
While describing the art of playing guitar in classical music, Kamala said, “It is one of the most innovative ideas that was created in the early sixties in India. Tempering the strings of Hawaiian guitar with the ragas of Hindustani classical music is a great creativity and I am happy that I am a part of this creativity.”
The evening began with her splendid performance. The classical music lovers were enthralled to watch her live on stage. She began playing Raga Yaman and played various rhythms of this raga. “The western Hawaiian guitar is known as Shankar guitar after the name of lord Shankar. Comprising of 18 strings this instrument holds immense significance in my life,” she added. Made out of single block of wood this instrument does not have a sound hole between its thicker walls, she explained.
Kamala is the first woman to receive a doctorate degree in guitar playing. She is the first female guitarist to have enthralled the world through her immaculate and melodious rendition of Indian classical music.
While sharing her enthusiasm about performing at Bhopal, Kamala said, “I have given various performances in the city of lakes and every time it is a new experience for me. The Bhopalites are so close to classical music and they always welcome the artists with warm hearts. I feel really contended every time I perform in Bhopal,” she added laughingly.
Her performance at Shaheed Bhawan was a mixture of divine classical music blend with perfect timing. She was accompanied by Pandit Vinod laile on Tabla.