RENDITIONS OF GAYAKI
In the times, when the old traditional style of Ghazal is fading away slowly with each passing evening, this woman from the city is not only trying her best to keep it alive but actually pumping in the crucial air to ignite the fire of passion for it, all over again. ‘We The Women’ has brought to you a very special woman from the state, predominantly featuring as a rare performer, who in today’s time of fusion and new age music dominated Indian music scenario, continue to excel and please the connoisseur with her traditional puritan ‘Raga’ based ‘Gayaki’.
Dr. Radhika Chopra, an extremely talented and a versatile artiste, who is not only a holder of a Doctorate degree in Indian Classical Music but a much sought after composer and singer across India, Pakistan and as far as the United Kingdom, the Near East and East Africa where loyal audiences have been charmed and enthralled by her melodious and soul stirring renditions, and fabulous personality. Her accomplishments have been recognized by the highest authorities in the field of Indian music, having been empanelled by the ICCR to perform in foreign countries to promote classical Indian music and commissioned by the Indian Ministry of Culture to commemorate legendary figures such as Ghalib, Kundan Lal Saigal, et al. Radhika Chopra has also performed at the ‘Jahan-E-Khusrau’ Sufi festival, Jashn-e-Rekhta, Durgiana festival Amritsar, Jashn-e-Begum akhtar , Faiz Mela London, Ghazal Bahaar Mumbai, Jaipur Literature festival, Saaz-o-Awaz Karachi, Qutub festival Delhi and many more prestigious platforms all over the world. So, who is Dr. Radhika Chopra and how did she amass all of such success? Let’s find out.
Radhika was first introduced to music by her parents. They were one of those people who were immensely passionate about music but unfortunately never got the opportunity to learn. Perhaps they wanted to live their dream through their daughter and hence began Journey of eight years old Radhika as a musician in a music academy. Radhika initially trained under the tutelage of Pandit J. R. Sharma. Who knew that one day this little girl would be an accomplished artiste who would render the most intricate and sophisticated ‘Ghazal’, ‘Dadra’ and ‘Thumri’ compositions with the utmost ease and brilliance. Radhika’s versatility is further reflected in her varied repertoire of Bhajans, film & Punjabi Folk songs and Sufiana kalams.
“Growing up in a small town had both advantages and disadvantages. One plus point was being away from the glam and glitters of the outside world which created a protected environment to grow up with values and focus,” shares Radhika.
Radhika believes whatever she has accomplished today is because of all the experiences as well as elements of environment she was open to during her childhood. According to her it had lasting effect on her. Despite the fact that she did not grow up amongst luxuries, she had luxury of immense love, respect, understanding, peace and harmony, bestowed upon her by her parents.
“I believe that it is essential for each and every parents to create a loving and caring atmosphere at home if they want to their child to grow up into a strong, happy and peaceful person, who could grow even in adverse situations.” expresses Radhika.
“As far as my interest in the genre of Ghazal is concerned, I credit my father for it, who was well versed with Urdu language; we would often hear him reciting Ghalib and Mir to himself. He imbibed the love for Urdu poetry in my mind at a tender age and I cannot thank him enough for that,” adds Radhika. Radhika grew up listening to eminent singers- the likes of Begum Akhtar, K L Saigal and Mehdi Hasan-all of whom, as per Radhika left a deep impact on her mind. But the grip of the influence did not fade away and so when she decided to take up Ghazal Singing as profession, their influence was inevitable and could be easily felt in her ‘Gayaki’. Radhika admits that at a later stage, she was completely mesmerized by Jagjit Singh's ‘Gayaki’ and it too had an enduring impression on her.
After her graduation Radhika decided to move out of Jammu as the city had limited opportunities back in the day. She feels blessed that her parents supported her decision and allowed her to spread her wings and take the flight to touch the new horizons. “Parents can be the biggest support system; pillars to your strength. I believe I wouldn’t have been able to realize my dreams without them at my back,” says Radhika. There is no shortcut to success so Radhika worked incalculably hard in Delhi and topped the university making her parents proud.
“Delhi was like a huge ocean and I had to make my presence felt. With sheer determination and focus I was able to carve a niche for myself” explains Radhika. Even today, Radhika is based in Delhi.
The uphill journey of Radhika came to a halt after a while but you would not find any remorse in her about that. Why?
“When my parents shared that they want me to settle down, I decided to get married and have a family. It sure wasn't a bed of roses. I had to keep my dreams aside for some time and give full attention to my daughters. It was a difficult time as the artist inside me was restless but the motherly instincts and responsibilities over-powered. I took a sabbatical of ten years and gave my 100 percent to my girls,” clarifies Radhika.
Even being aware that she lost the most crucial ten years of her professional life she shares that it was all worth the while. “When I look at my beautifully groomed and brought up daughters I feel that the small sacrifice is valued,” says Rahika.
“Life is all about challenges and balancing. Especially for women it is slightly more difficult as she has to play many roles and is expected to play each role with perfection,” feels Radhika.
And thus after ten years of gap, Radhika took up the challenge of learning again, result of which was that she joined her guru Shanti Hiranand (of the Begum Akhtar Gharana), worked hard, day in and out, polished her Urdu with help of an Ustad and was ready to face the audience, once again.
“I wasn't too sure if people will accept me and my traditional Ghazal Gayaki or not but I had to give it a try. By god's grace and the blessings of my parents and guru, today I have no looking back,” says the comeback singer.
And truly she is not only accepted but admired and respected all over the world for her talent. Blessed with the divine gift of music and years of relentless effort to achieve perfection, Dr. Chopra’s excellence & finesse, her crisp and clear voice coupled with her impeccable diction of both the Hindi and Urdu languages have won her accolades of the discerning listener right across the globe.
According to Radhika she has always been a people's person. “I love meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life, share with them my thoughts, nuances of Ghazal ‘Gayaki’, experiences and interesting anecdotes, especially my listeners. I always wanted to be a stage artist and the almighty was kind enough to make me one,” states Radhika.
Her message to the girls, “My only request to every girl of my state is to be positive, be focused, be patient, be determined, be disciplined and to follow your passion. Nothing on this earth can stop you from achieving your goals and dreams. Learn to manage your time well and play each role with equal passion.”