No avenues for Dhrupad artistes to perform

[Guest guest]

No avenues for Dhrupad artistes to perform

Published: Friday, March 10, 2006

New Delhi, March 10: Once patronised by the royal courts for its

exquisite style, Dhrupad singing today is finding very few takers.

The number of listeners is growing, but because of lack of

sponsorships the artistes are not finding many avenues to perform.

 

 

"The style has been appreciated no doubt. Our audiences too have

increased. But we are hardly getting sponsors to promote Dhrupad

gayan", says Ustad F Wasifuddin Dagar.

 

 

Wasifuddin represents the 20th generation of Dhrupad singers in the

Dagar family in an unbroken tradition.

 

 

"The Dagar family is dedicated to it. We revere the swara, raga and

laya. And that is our identity", he says. "Dhrupad as a unique style

of Indian Classical music will remain immortal", he adds.

 

 

One of the oldest and most exotic forms of vocal music, Dhrupad

finds its roots in the old Vedic traditions, having a special place

in the 'Sama Veda'. In the context of Indian classical music, the

Dhrupad way of singing has carved a niche for itself.

 

 

Today, there are only three major schools of Dhrupad singing: the

Mishras of Bettiah, the Mallicks of Darbhanga and the Dagars. Ustad

Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, both

representing the 19th generation, and Baha'ud'din Mohiuddin Dagar of

the 20th generation have earned repute for their style of Dhrupad

gayan.

 

 

"India as a nation is well-known in the world for its culture and

tradition. Today, while there is so much corporatisation for every

other thing, it is ironic that Dhrupad, as a part of that culture,

lacks the proper financial back up", laments Wasifuddin. (Agencies)

 

http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%

7B88AB8688-F7EE-4230-9920-4706BAEB4CF0%7D&CATEGORYNAME=National