Abhay Rustum Sopori, a Santoor player, music composer and conductor has appreciated the efforts of the Directorate of Information and Public Relation for initiating the Gen-Z program, which has bridged the gap between established musicians and aspiring artists.
In an interview with a student volunteer at the Department of Information & Public Relations for Gen Z program, Abhay recalled his school life and said that because of his parents, teachers always kept an eye on him and he used to sit on the front bench, “But there were times, where I would sit at back. I have been an all-rounder. I used to spend more time on the ground than in class.”
“I used to play sports. At one point of time in my career, I thought I should focus my career on sports. I have played hockey at the national level but life had other plans”, he said.
“I have always said this and I will say it again that youth should do what they have interest in their lives. The situation in the country has changed. Students have beyond engineering and doctors. There are other opportunities at the national and international levels,” Abhay said.
“There are basically three things that made a professional musician. First was the sense of responsibility towards my legacy. We have a legacy of 300 hundred years, my father and my grandfather had a major contribution. We are the sole family carrying the legacy of Santoor”.
He further said: “Secondly the expectations of people. Even as a school-going kid in 90’s, the musicians and people from across the country or Jammu and Kashmir were expecting me to deliver what they have seen my father doing. So, it was really a proud moment”.
“A third important aspect was the interest in music which was extreme. Our family lives for society and for the county. Thankfully, god gave me the thought and I continued the legacy of my family,” Abhay said.
Asked about the future of music in Kashmir, especially with Santoor, Abhay said: “Future is good. Fortunately, in recent years, few things have taken place; for instance, this Gen Z program. This programme provides an opportunity for youth to engage in the same age group. Through this programme, people listen to each other, and understand struggle”.
“There are definitely challenges. Unfortunately, we have crossed an era during which the culture was extremely hit and art and artist had to suffer. Cultural policy has to be strong. With regard to Santoor, Abhay said more is to be done but fortunately, my father has done so many efforts,” he said.
“For example, he worked hard and ensured that the Santoor subject was introduced at Delhi University. There is an undergraduate course, post graduate course and it is the first time in the history of music that students with P.HD in Santoor will complete the course”.
“But, there needs to be awareness among people that there is a Santoor subject for students and that too in Kashmir. However, there is a lot to be done in the zone as well,” Abhay said.