French drummer Emmanuel Simon ( 30) had always wanted to learn Indian music. During childhood days he used to hear the records of Pandit Ravishankar and Aryabhatta. Interestingly, it was the first time he heard Indian music. Taking the passion seriously, he is presently pursuing PhD in Bengali Folklore under Pandit Shankar Ghosh at Rabindra Bharati University. The young drummer performed at the ‘Akhil Bharatiya Shashtriya Sangeet Samaroh-2015’ at Aryabhatta Auditorium on Saturday. Prior to the concert, he expressed his emotions for Indian and Bengali music to The Pioneer. Excerpts:
What made you visit IndiaIJ
As child, I had been hearing the records of Pandit Ravishankar and Aryabhatta. Even now, I hear some of them. But, in my town, there were no instrumental facilities for music. It was my childhood dream to learn Indian music. So, I worked as intern with my Guru Pandit Shankar Ghosh and singers like Amit Chatterjee. After a gap of around four years, I decided to pursue my Doctorate in Bengali Folk. It has been almost three years of my research at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata.
Do you think India treats foreigners as ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’IJ
Yes, of course. I cannot say about other parts of India as I have been only in Kolkata. People are cordial. Infact, I can now speak Bengali fluently. I have made many friends in Kolkata. Hope to make some at Ranchi.
Who are your favourite singersIJ
My favourite singers are Kishore Kumar, RD Barman and Rabindranath Tagore. In fact, I have learned little bit of Rabindra Sangeet. I want to learn more.
What is your opinion about RanchiIJ
I have heard there are many talented musicians here. Hope to hear them.
When did you chose to be a drummerIJ
I am performing in concerts since the age of 15 or 16 years. But for last seven years, I am performing professionally.
Plans to return your native placeIJ
As of now, there is no such plan. There is a lot to learn about music in India.