LearnQuest Academy of Music presents acclaimed Hindustani vocalist Smt. Rachna Bodas, accompanied by Shri Nitin Mitta on Tabla and Shri Ramchandra Joshi on the Harmonium in a Hindustani vocal recital on Sunday, November 18 at 4pm. The concert is to be held at the Thoreau Elementary School, 29 Prairie St, Concord, MA. Tickets may be purchased at http://baithak.learnquest.org/ticketing.html 

In an interview after a music performance in the Boston area in 2016, Smt. Bodas gave an account of her rigorous musical training under her Gurus, the late Pandit Kashinath Bodas and his sister, the late Vidushi Smt. Veena Sahasrabuddhe and said that her ambition in life was to carry forward the musical legacy given to her by her Gurus. 

Were you born in a musical family? Were your parents or grandparents musicians?

I was born in a family where music was always around. I grew up listening to all the well-known, renowned maestros of music. My grandfather used to play sitar. My father, Shri. Ravi Shukla is himself an accomplished tabla player and has accompanied distinguished musicians. Though he did not take to playing tabla as a profession, it has been more than just a hobby for him. 

At what age did you start singing? Could you name your music teachers and mentors?

I don’t exactly remember what age I started singing. My father saw music in me and he started teaching me bhajans and old Lataji’s songs. He made me participate in various competitions. At the age of 12, I participated in All India light music competition and stood first in that for my age group. It was then that my father thought of me getting formal training. I was very fortunate that Pt. Kashinath Bodas ji agreed to teach me and classical training started from there in1992. I learned for 3 years from him. After Guru ji's sad, unexpected demise, I started my training under his sister Smt. Veena Sahasrabuddhe ji.

Can you describe what you learned under your Guru and father-in-law, Pandit Kashinath Bodasji?

I was introduced to the basics of Hindustani classical music and raagdaari in a very loving manner by Pandit Kashinath Bodasji. I learned sargam-geet, khayal and tarana in ragas such as Yaman, Bhimpalasi, Des and Tilak Kamod. He also taught me bhajans and instilled reverence for music in me.

Tell us more about what you know about Kanpur’s well-known Bodas family. Did you ever meet your grand father-in-law, the influential musician-cum-teacher, the late Pandit S.S. Bodasji?

Since my childhood I was familiar with the Bodas family. Being from Kanpur, I had heard about their contribution and awareness for music. Dadaji, (Pandit S.S Bodasji) invited all the renowned maestros in music who not only performed but also stayed with Bodas family in Kanpur. The same practice was continued by my Guru Pt. Kashinath Bodasji.  Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to see or meet my grandfather-in-law as he passed away way before I started learning from my father-in-law. I wish I at-least met him once. I must say that I feel very happy and blessed to have become a part of the Bodas family.  What do you like about your aunt-in-law, the late Vidushi Smt. Veena Sahasrabuddheji’s music? 

Would you say that you sing primarily in the style of Gwalior gharana or do you also incorporate features of other gharanas in your music? What would you say are the main characteristics of your khayal gaayaki?

Did you make a personal choice to be a full-time professional vocalist?

I received Sangeet Visharad degree from Gandharva Mahavidyalay, Kanpur. Later, I took admission in Centre for performing arts Pune for my masters degree just to be able to get regular music lessons from Veena Tai as she lived in Pune.  I think being a full time professional vocalist gradually happened and yes, it was my personal choice. 

What are the challenges of staying devoted to performing only classical music? Have you felt the need to explore new avenues such as singing for Kathak dance, doing play-back singing or collaborating with musicians who specialize in musical genres other than Hindustani music?

I would not say that it is a challenge staying devoted to performing only classical music. It is one’s own choice. I feel that all musical genres are branches of classical music.  Every music is developed with the same seven notes which we use in classical music. I don’t mind exploring something new if I can give justice to it and it suits me.

How would you describe the word “riyaaz”? What is your method of daily riyaaz?

I think riyaaz can be described as â€˜sadhana’.  It is the most important and integral part of any musician’s life.  I follow the method that my Gurus taught me which is the riyaaz of shuddha swaras (regular notes) in mandra (lower), Madhya(middle) and taar(upper) saptak followed by the swaras (notes) of the specific raga that needs to be practiced.

Other than music, what are your interests?

I love to cook. I would say that cooking is a stress-reliever for me. I like to explore cuisines other than Indian such as Mexican and Italian cuisines.

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