As you surrender your thoughts to the gruesome reality of existence, you may realise one day that life is a journey of self-discovery. And, the obstacles and challenges we encounter are invariably a part of this journey. However, sometimes with fear lurking in the shadows of your heart, you may be faced with the moral dilemma of escaping from it all. So the real question is — what would you do when life comes crashing down on you?
Suffering from severe asthma in his early childhood, musician and globetrotter, Dr Benny Prasad was not off to a promising start. The cortisone steroids he had to take as a part of his medication soon led to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, a failing immune system and lung damage. Devastated by his failing health and unable to live up to his parents’ expectations, the artiste contemplated committing suicide at the age of sixteen.
Today, he has earned the reputation of being one of the most travelled musicians of India (Limca Book of Records).
In conversation with City Express, Dr Benny Prasad shared his remarkable experience travelling all over the world and his love for music.
With syncopated strumming and strong finger-picking patterns, Benny Prasad is known for creating innovative sounds and texture in his music.
And, experimenting with diverse styles, his albums are in fact, a celebration of musical diversity and versatility.
Moreover, his show venues range from giant football stadiums, old age homes, prisons and war zones to even military bases. Having travelled to 245 countries and seven continents in all, he has managed to draw inspiration from the diversity of life on earth.
“Travelling gives me the opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure. I enjoy meeting different people and connecting with them through music. My dream was to go to one country and I have been to every country now. Some of my most memorable performances were held in remote places of the world. I particularly cherish my trip to King George Island in Antarctica. It took me 69 hours to reach the destination. It was a fabulous experience playing in a tent, bonding with the geologists and sharing my music with them at freezing temperatures (-60 degrees). I also had the privilege of playing on a tiny island called Pitcairn which has a population of 66 people and is situated on the tip of French Polynesia.
We sailed for two days on rough seas to get to the remote island. My concert was the first to be held there in 200 years,” said Benny who is also the creator of the world’s first bongo guitar and the ‘Bentar’ (a combination of a 14-string harp, bongo drums and a guitar).
So, when did his tryst with music begin? At the age of 19, Benny picked up his first guitar and fell in love with it.
“It was an old broken guitar. I would often collect broken strings and tie them together. I was completely fascinated by the instrument. And, I believe that was the start of my musical journey. I never had a teacher and pretty much figured out how to play it on my own. In 2004, I designed my first guitar.The whole purpose of inventing my own guitar was to share my music and the story of my life with the world. As an artiste, I am just trying to make a difference to another dying soul. And, music enables me to do so. It is a beautiful gift to mankind. Being an instrumentalist, I have the complete freedom to express myself without restraint as it eliminates all barriers with respect to language, culture, religion and even economic background,” said the musician who was in the city as a part of Scullers’ This is Life series.
Showcasing the oneness of all beings through music, Benny Prasad has constantly experimented with unusual sounds and acoustics throughout his life. So, what does the future have in store for this musician?
“The journey has been good so far. And, I believe no matter what we have gone through in life today, tomorrow will be a brand new day and I look forward to a better tomorrow,” he signed off.
