Intriguing! The path one's life takes, after one has allowed passion to take over one's life!
My journey with the world of music has been sprinkled with joys and surprises, not to forget the occasional pain.....
From being seated in a Rs 20/- spot, I, over time made it to the stage, 'an untrained musician'! As an accompanying artiste....a Tanpura player to the likes of Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pt Jasraj, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Dr Balamurali Krishna, Kala Ramnath, Rakesh Chaurasia, Rupak Kulkarni.....
For posterity, many music albums have my name in the credits as Tanpura accompanist...
I have also had the privilege of being the MC for many concerts, those of Smt Kishori Amonkar, Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma, Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia.....
Then began a journey very close to my heart.... I was given an opportunity to combine 2 of my passions - music and writing! What began as an inspiration, having been invited to hear his partly-recorded semi-classical album, Sonu Niigaam believed in me and asked me to do the sleevenotes for 'Classically Mild'! Having impressed Saregama, the record company, I was offered many more albums...over 35 to date! And in each of these, I have been given the credit, 'Sleevenotes by Geetha Balsaara'!
Over the last weekend, yet another gauntlet was thrown my way. Sonu Niigaam, having visited Michael Jackson's home soon after the legend passed away, was inspired to dedicate a song to MJ. Sonuji invited all on his fan page on facebook, to contribute to the lyrics. I was curious to test my skills and penned a few lines. Sonuji's response was 'Awesome Geethaji...nice poem..but am looking for a song'
The next 2 hours were spent on the net studying 'how to pen lyrics for a song'. Great learning there... I found myself writing afresh, now with a song structure in mind... Sonuji was thrilled and applauded me for the effort...but yet the task master wasn't satisfied! I went back to the drawing board and finally emerged as one of the 4 'lyricists' that have been shortlisted. I don't know what lies ahead...but for Sonuji to've even brought me to this point, makes it a proud moment for me!
And as most of you already know, today 'music' is my profession, albeit as an event & artiste manager!
Challenges in life ready you for immortality!
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hmmm. interesting. i'd like to see the poem the next time we meet. and i know i was supposed to call you after reading this, but its midnight! shall talk tomorrow. :)
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