“Music is not only the subject of entertainment, rather it is the divine tune of harmony capable of any disharmony in this universe”- Sangeet ratna Dr. Sinchan Das.
Son of a music lover family, young maestro of Indian Classical Music Dr. Sinchan Das sports no rock star image. The soft-spoken, bespectacled artist still wins crowds over with his solid knowledge, talent and commitment to the art of performing vocal classical mudic. Dr. Sinchan is one of those ‘Dark horses’ who won the picks of different next to impossible picks.
Starting his journey at the tender age of three with the loving guidance of Pt. Kaushik Bhattacharya Dr. Sinchan went on to become a disciple of the eminent vocal maestro of ‘Rampur Senia Gharana’ Pt. Samaresh Chawdhury. Having spent a long time under his guidance, the talented and soft spoken young maestro carries forward the precious legacy handed to him—with quiet determination, dedication and purity. Dr. Das is further nourished by the doyen of ‘Maihar gharana’ Pt. Kamal Mallick. Exploration is a very basic need for India’s youngest gem; as a result of which he is struggling to regain the pride of Indisn classical music by re- introducing rare gems of Indian treasury to the common mass.
Accidentally we met him at Goa on this occassion of ‘Bhimsen Utsav’; he is here as a judge at Mohan’s carnival.
He aggreed to spoke with us and wondered us like always.
You grew up in a non-performing music lover family devoid of any musical background. When and how did you decide to become a vocalist?
My father, Mr. Harendra nath Das pushed me into music with his own will, specifically into Indian classical music. At that time in that young age I observed classical music is strangled within the boundary of a group of people, for that purpose this glorious art is continuously loosing its gorgeousness. Further, people accepting instruments specially the jhala portion but ignoring vocal classical abruptly. From that time I have decided that I have to be a performer of Vocal classical and I will perform this art in all kind of occasions.
For over several centuries, tabla players have been expected to play a somewhat subdued role when it comes to accompanying main performers. Would you say that this holds true even in the present times?
Traditional classical music has not changed much over the years. However different performers have different musical temperaments. A standard style of accompaniment does not work with every performing musician. A tabla player needs to observe the strengths of the vocalist/instrumentalist, gauge his/her temperament and adapt to his/her style. Sensitivity is all about understanding the music that you are accompanying and trying to be a supportive partner rather than projecting yourself as a soloist at every available opportunity. But tabla is the basic backbone of music, so it is important to free a tabla player from any burdens during a performance, which can enhance the quality of a performance.
How would you describe your personality?
I am most definitely not a party type of person. I like the social life but prefer being left alone, thinking about my science, music, writing, teaching and practising for the majority of the time. I enjoy engaging with my family and teaching. When I see my students perform, delivering lectures, serves for the humanity; I observe the reflection of my interest, my ideologies being carried forward and that makes me proud and happy.
As a performer, there may be ample times when you get high praise and accolades for your success at concerts. At other times, there may be a complete lull in activity or a quiet period. How do you balance the ups and downs of a life as a performer?
My philosophy is that as long as you are fully immersed in the study of any subject, it does not matter whether you get to perform or don’t. When I am not performing, I prefer to sit back and work on the finer aspects of my subject form by just thinking deeply about the subject. I am working towards three important goals. One is to revive the glory of Indian classical vocal among the mass. The other desire is to harmonize the disharmony of this modern time with this divine form of art. Final one is to establish a firm template of healthy living without any drugs.
Finally, What will be the qualities of an artist according to you?
Art is most divine culture of this earth. An artist must be guided by a strict ideology, discipline and honesty towards their art form. An artist mudt be devoid of any lucritive impulse. They must live a life like ‘sadhak’.