Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia- An innovator and traditionalist

PT. HARIPRASAD CHAURASIA, a legendary bansuri (north Indian bamboo flute) player was born on July 1,1938. Chaurasia is a classicist who has made a conscious effort to reach out and expand the audience of classical music.

Chaurasia was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. His father was a wrestler. His mother died when he was four. His father wanted him to become a wrestler like him. He started going to the akhada to practise the art of wrestling. He also learnt music at the same time at his friend’s place. He often credits his immense stamina and lung power which are required for playing the flute to wrestling. He says “I was not good at wrestling. I went there to please my father. But, maybe due to the strength and stamina I built up then, I am able to play the bansuri even to this day.”

Hariprasad Chaurasia started learning vocal music from his neighbour, Pandit Rajaram, at the age of 15. Later, he switched to playing the flute under the tutelage of Pt.Bholanath Prasanna of Varanasi. He later joined All India Radio (AIR) and received guidance from Annapurna Devi.

Chaurasia is considered a rare combination of innovator and traditionalist. He has expanded the expressive possibilities of the bansuri with his masterful blowing technique. He has been a part of the fusion band called Shakti. He has done numerous collaborations with international artistes.

Chaurasia has composed music for Hindi films along with Pt. Shivkumar Sharma. Their pair is called Shiv Hari. They have composed music for several hit movies like Chandni, Darr, Lamhe and others. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2000. He has also been awarded several doctorates by universities around the world for his contribution to Indian classical music. Recently, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the North Orissa University for his valuable contribution to Indian classical music.

 Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia is a true trendsetter and his innovations and immense contributions to Indian classical and popular music are par excellence