Fights, action, music, romance, secret trysts-renowned classical musician Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia's life reads like almost a film script. Wrestler in the mornings, student in the daytime and flute player in secret, he lived more than a double life through his early years, till he broke away from his wrestler father's watchful eye to join All India Radio as a flautist.
His marriage, shift to Bombay and his foray into films were events rich in drama. As were his meetings with other musical greats, including Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, his dearest friend and musical partner, with whom he composed the music for films like Silsila, Lamhe and Chandini. His reminiscences about his journey as a student of the reclusive Annapurna Devi, daughter of the famed Allauddin Khan of Maihar, give deep insights into his nature as well as that of his Guruma. Hariprasad Chaurasia has also been a guru to innumerable students in his Mumbai and Bhuwaneshwar gurukuls and at the World Music Department, Rotterdam Music Conservatory, Netherlands, where he is artistic director. His mesmerizing flute can be heard in some of Hindi cinema's most popular songs; in a composition by the former Beatle, George Harrison, as well as in recordings with renowned musicians from across the world. A plethora of awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, sits lightly on the man, who has taken the humble flute to international renown as an instrument that can hold its own centre stage. Hariprasad Chaurasia and his Breath of Gold will inspire and amaze everyone who reads the life story of this much-loved flautist.
About the Author
Best known for her long association with Femina, which she edited for twelve years, Sathya Saran is also the author of a diverse variety of books. The Dark Side reflects her love of the short story, while the critically acclaimed biographies, Years with Guru Dutt: Abrar Alvi's Journey, Sun Mere Bandhu Re: The Musical World of S.D. Burman and Baat Niklegi toh Phir: The Life and Music of Jagjit Singh bear testimony to her love of cinema and music. How to Look Like Miss India, Angoor: Insights into the Film are her more recent books. Sathya teaches fashion journalism at NIFT Mumbai and Kangra. She has also been a stage actor with Veenapani Chawla. Passionate about writing she recently held the first of its kind Writers Conclave titled 'The Spaces between Words: the Unfestival' sponsored by JSW at Kaladham near Hampi in partnership with The Hindu. Sathya has also written a TV serial titled Kashmakash on marital problems. Her columns in Femina and Me magazines continue to gain new fans as does her guest column in Dainik Jagran. Sathya is a consulting editor with Penguin Random House India.
