Suvendu Banerjee, who gives the pump organ global exposure, says an instrument’s potential is tested by the player, ahead of his concert
Suvendu Banerjee also teaches the instrument online to people from around the world
When one is raised in Kolkata — a city concerned with doctrines and traditions — it is never smooth to make a point as an instrumentalist, save the sarod or sitar. But Suvendu Banerjee’s lineage helped him buck the trend. The 30-year-old chose harmonium to express his music, completing the fifth generation in his family serving the apparatus. He is also one of the few musicians from India to teach the craft online.
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Suvendu Banerjee with tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain
“My grandfather, Pandit Deb Kumar Banerjee, is my guru. He was initially not willing to teach, for he believed that if somebody isn’t gifted enough, the person cannot learn the subtle art of playing the harmonium,” says Banerjee, who had to learn vocal music and prove his dedication and ardour towards Classical music first. “He finally accepted me as his disciple when I was seven years old,” he adds.
A young Banerjee with the late legendary singer Mannaâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Dey
Unconventional route
Banerjee’s family knew the worth of harmonium but not all households are identical. The mentality towards the instrument is that it is used as an accompaniment. “I still face this situation. Earlier, it irritated me but now I find it amusing. I end up explaining to people that my magical black box possesses all the attributes of a solo instrument. But people still continue to say that it is a simple instrument and there is no credit for the harmonium player. It reaffirmed my belief that what I am doing is special,” says Banerjee, who mainly performs Indian Classical and Semi-Classical genres. Soon, he turned the taunts into compliments. “When I got the chance to perform, their attitude towards my instrument changed. The potential of an instrument is tested by the musician,” he says.
Role models and going online
Banerjee’s pedigree let him rub shoulders with legends like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Manna Dey. “Their dedication and contribution towards music have inspired many generations, and I am lucky to be one of them. They taught me that music is all about giving without asking any return,” he adds. But his grandfather stood tall above all.
“He taught me to love music. He wasn’t a professional musician but people like Zakir ji and many luminaries from the Classical music circuit used to visit him for his knowledge and expertise. Zakir ji used to call me Chhote Ustad.
Every time I met him after a long gap, he would ask, ‘Aap beech beech me kahan kho jaatey ho?’ (Where do you disapnow and then?),” he shares.
Having completed higher studies from Manchester (UK), his music reached international students easily. “Three years ago, outstation students started requesting me to teach them. I thought teaching online wouldn’t do justice to people who knew nothing about Indian Classical music. But I could not ignore them for long,” he says. Banerjee started workshop courses and he now, has students from Canada, Georgia (USA), Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Muscat.
“I have students of all ages, nine to 50. Most of them don’t speak English properly, but the language of music counts,” adds Banerjee, who is ecstatic to spread the love of harmonium across the globe.
Banerjee’s last album, Keys 2 Magic, released internationally. He had teamed up with Pandit Subhankar Banerjee for the album Magic Black Box. He also has an online album, Unique Melody, where he played duet with sarod player Dr Avijit Ghosh. Moving beyond music, he also featured in two documentary films made on the harmonium, one of which was about his family with generations of harmonium players.
Wherever he goes, he carries the 22kg box with him. “The weight is worth it,” he smiles.
On: November 11, 6.30 pm
At: NGMA, Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, MG Road, Fort.
Call: 24912267
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