KOZHIKODE: When Durga Jasraj was invited to be a part of Colgate Antakshari hosted by Zee TV in the early 90s, she had no clue she would be making history. Though she was part of the Antakshari show only for a year, it set a trend that is being followed to this day.
Durga who was in Kozhikode for the show Idea Jalsa, produced by her company Art and Artists, speaks about how music has been an integral part in shaping her life and about her association with nearly 10,000 artists from across the country and abroad.
Speaking about being part of iconic shows such as ‘Antakshari’ and ‘Chandrakanta’ she says, “All I can say is that I was very fortunate to have been part of these shows. When I was contacted to be a part of Antakshari and when I listened to the script,I knew the show would be a hit but I never knew that it would be historic. I was at the right place and the right time.”
She believes originality flowed onscreen as no script was followed, one of reasons why the show turned a hit. “Unlike today’s anchors Annu Kapoor (actor) and I did not follow any script. Everything was spontaneous. We were both alert and enjoyed presenting the show and I believe people related to it because it was real.”
She admits that though she has a rich legacy things were not easy for her. Durga Jasraj, daughter of Pandit Jasraj, basked in the glory of having such a talented father, but she never took advantage of his position as an Indian musical maestro. “I wanted to start a production unit for the growth of Indian classical music. For years people thought I was not serious. But by 1998 my full-fledged production unit was launched and the very next year ‘Art and Artist’ was launched.” It was difficult for people to accept that classical music could have a production unit, when ‘Art and Artist’ came into being. Idea Jalsa, the brainchild of Durga has completed eight years. The programme aims at bringing together legends, maestros, upcoming artists and young artists of Indian music. “It is being broadcast in 165 countries and brings together some amazing talents both from India and even abroad.”
Sharing her experience Durga says “I have enjoyed working with all the artists. But if I am asked to pick out few names, the first choice is definitely my father Pandit Jasraj, who is also my guru. I was very blessed to have worked with him. I have also absolutely loved working with Sonu Nigam. The way he works, the amount of hard work he puts into it is exemplary and that is what I love about him. I have also enjoyed working with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.”
When asked if she feels she has lived up to the name of her father and grandfather, the filmmaker legend V Shantharam, she says, “I had to work my way towards what I have achieved. I took inspiration from them, as they were self-made men. I honestly don’t know if I have lived up to their name. There is so much more to do.”