Dr. Kamala Shankar,the first woman to be awarded a Doctorate in Instrumental Guitar by Benaras Hindu University,is known for her superb control over the instrument.Dr Kamala,who has also been awarded the'Rashtriya Kumar Gandharva Samman,'by the Madhya Pradesh government,was in Kozhikode recently for a two-day workshop in Baburaj Music School. Excerpts from a chat with Manorama Online.
What made you choose such a career?
I was born in Thanjavur and brought up in Varanasi. My mother, a musician, initiated me into vocal music at the age of four. After that I was under the guidance of Guru Pt. Amarnath Mishra of Varanasi. There, I learnt vocal for 8 years and completed 'Sangeet Prabhakar’. Later I picked up Hawaiian Guitar at the age of 12. The training I received for vocal music helped me learn the instrument with ease. My initial training of guitar started with Dr. Shivnath Bhattacharya of Varanasi. I also got valuable guidance from Guru Padmabhushan Pt.Chhannulal Mishra.
Besides music you have a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. What was the inspiration to opt for a science degree other than music?
My father was a doctor. That was the main reason to select a science subject. I was keen to take academics along with music. Music is in my blood.
What are the peculiarities of the ‘Shankar Guitar’ you developed?
I had developed this guitar in 2001. This was made by late Bishan Das Sharma of Rikhiram & Sons, New Delhi. Actually it has four main strings and three ‘Chikari’ strings with eleven ‘sympathetic’ strings with no sound hole. The name is derived from the deity of Varanasi Lord shankar.
Can you share your experience as a guitar teacher?
I am teaching students from India and abroad. I have given priority to Guru Shishya Parampara style in my own foundation named ‘Shankara Arts Foundation’ based in Varanasi. I have visited Kerala for the last seven years to conduct workshops and for various stage performances. I have just conducted a two-day workshop here in Baburaj Music School,Kozhikode. I am getting good responses from students and they are easily grasping new things. The basic problem is most of the students come to study music only for stage performances. We can’t see dedication among new generation students. They must learn classical music, which is the base of all kinds of musical performances. You will gain tremendous control and versatility only after putting in long years.
You have performed all over India and abroad. Which is your favourite place to perform?
I have performed in various countries like Singapore, Hungary, Austria, France, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Switzerland, the US and U.K. I personally feel better in European countries as they have a real classical approach towards music. In Kerala, people like to enjoy Hindustani music more.
Based on your experience, how much does the traditional style differ from new generation music?
Today we have many institutions to teach music. But the students won’t get an opportunity to learn from the heart. Students should go to a Guru for constant interaction. Gurukula model is the effective teaching method. When we make a stage performance here, we can see the same audience who were here for past 20 years watching it. The audience remains the same even after 20 years. This trend should change and music must reach out to youngsters also.
As a lady guitarist, what will be your message to women artistes and their parents?
Today, parents won’t support girls to opt for a career in music. The biggest concern is the lack of support from family. They must encourage their children to study classical music and guitar. I have to mention my disciples who are good in classical music -- Nirmal Saini (Jaipur), Swami Subhadranandji (Coimbatore), Pallavi Kumari (Bihar) and Anjali (Kozhikode). Like Anjali, more girls should opt to be a guitarist.