THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:When Rimpa Siva was just five-years-old, she saw her father Pandit Swapan Siva, the famous tabla player in Kolkata, play the percussion instrument. She was instantly enamoured and wanted to try it. But, her father persuaded her to try vocals or sitar instead. Nevertheless, Rimpa stood firm on her choice. And, in the process, she also proved that tabla is not essentially the domain of men.
“My father saw that I was interested in tabla but did not take it seriously thinking that I will end up playing instruments like the sitar. But, when I began to show an improvement, he started giving me lessons,” says Rimpa Siva, who was in the city for Nishagandhi Monsoon Music Festival.Rimpa’s musical journey started from then under the tutelage of her father. Soon, she was hailed as a child prodigy and began to take part in concerts.
“My first stage performance was at the age of eight,” says the tabla artist. She soon started giving performances at Kolkata and other states in music festivals and concerts. By 11, she flew to the US, UK and Netherlands too.“If I am anything, its because of my father’s blessing. A musician is only made with the support and blessing of a guru. For me, my father is my guru.”
The accolades and accomplishments she won over the years was portrayed in a French documentary titled ‘Rimpa Siva Princess of Tabla’ made in 1998. Rimpa recalls, “ The crew came to Kolkata and shot the documentary. They showed my school, training sessions with my father and how I spend my day. It was a good experience as I felt that I was being recognised.”
The tabla artist says she does not follow a fixed time to practice. “When I play the tabla, I lose myself in it. I think it is the same as in any other field, be it in dance or athletics. If you are passionate about something, you can surely do it despite all difficulties,” she said.
Playing continuously for two hours can be strenuous, but Rimpa is not one to complain about physical discomfort. “Every concert I take part is a practice towards a better future. My days ultimately start and end with tabla.” Her all-woman band ‘Nari Shakti’ is another feather in her cap. She says, “In the band, I play fusion tabla. There are around five women who play other instruments like Pakhawaj and Sitar. I wanted to encourage more women to come forward and embrace music so I started the band.” She and her father run tabla classes for people from 6 to 60 years. She thinks to learn music, age doesn’t matter.
Rimpa says the audience is very appreciative of her tabla concerts. She adds, “A women playing the tabla is now being appreciated by the audience. Gender is not an issue, it is concentration and focus that matters.” This is the first time that Rimpa is performing in Thiruvananthapuram. “Kerala is a place where music is much appreciated. I would always love to come back and perform here.”