Shubha Mudgal is a renowned Indian singer known for her versatility in Hindustani classical music. She has also used her voice to bring attention to socio-cultural issues, including women’s rights and legal problems faced by musicians. Mudgal will be performing at Romancing Tagore, a concert focusing on the works of Indian Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Mudgal discusses the lasting appeal of Tagore’s music and her experiences in the music industry.
Mudgal reflects on her journey in learning music from great masters and how she approached them to become her gurus. She acknowledges the significance of her mentors accepting her despite their busy schedules. With an album like Ab Ke Sawan still gaining popularity after 25 years, Mudgal discusses the challenges of earning royalties and streaming revenues in the music industry.
When asked about introducing music and performing arts in schools, Mudgal expresses her support for a robust arts education program for children. She highlights her involvement in recommending arts education to authorities in India and emphasizes the benefits of including arts in school curricula.
Mudgal shares her perspective on the treatment of women in Indian classical music, noting the complexities and challenges that female musicians face. She discusses the lack of concern for the safety and welfare of women musicians in the classical music ecosystem and addresses the culture of silence and hypocrisy prevalent in Indian society.
Regarding social media’s role in amplifying musicians and music, Mudgal acknowledges the shift to online platforms during the pandemic. While some artists have adapted to digital formats, she points out the limitations and challenges faced by many musicians in accessing these platforms.
When asked about her relevance as an artist, Mudgal emphasizes her dedication to creating music that resonates with her artistic vision. She believes that staying true to her artistic instincts is the key to remaining relevant in the music industry.
At the Romancing Tagore concert produced by Malhaar, Mudgal will be performing Tagore’s compositions alongside the Malhaar choir. She plans to present khayal, thumri or raag-based compositions in Brajbhasha, Awadhi, and Hindi, accompanied by experienced musicians on tabla and harmonium. The concert promises to be a blend of traditional and modern musical expressions, showcasing the timeless appeal of Tagore’s music.
