New Delhi: A musical initiative-Life Is Music- brings together musicians to rejuvenate your souls. Master percussionist Taufiq Qureshi along with Louiz Banks and Purbayan Chatterjee launched the musical extravaganza on Monday 15th June 2015. This musically-rich initiative is a platform for artists from across all age groups to come and explore their creativity and share their music with patrons of this melodious art form.
In an exclusive interview, Yoshita Sengupta speaks with Anmol Lomjel as he hangs around the sets, quiet, shadowing the other contestants on the shoot floor, flashing an infectious smile each time an eye meets his. On other occasions, he appears from nowhere, walking briskly past you and disappearing not to be seen for hours, at times till the next day’s shoot begins. Anmol Lomjel, the 35-year-old Guitarist from Darjeeling, has turned Bassist for the show. An awkward interviewee, his answers end abruptly; at times they’re in monosyllables. But, he more than makes up for it in style, posture and performance while on stage. Excerpts from an interview:
When did you start playing the Guitar?
I started playing the Guitar when I was about 14-years-old.
Do you have musicians in your family?
Yes. My mother is a folk singer and my dad plays the Keyboard and Harmonium and is also a composer-arranger. They’re back home; in Darjeeling.
What’s the music scene like in the North East?
It is different from here. Bombay (Mumbai) is dominated by Bollywood music. Musicians are doing well here. In the North East, there’s a lot of talent, lots of good musicians but not enough opportunities and platforms. Despite that though, there are a lot of good musicians in the region. Music is part of all occasions, all festivals. It’s always there.
Do they encourage students to take up music in schools?
Yes. We would perform often in school. They are happy with children doing music. A lot of the schools also teach music, offer Guitar classes etc.
What about the government? Does the local government support music and musicians?
I don’t think it does. There are no scholarship programs on offer. The government is not linked to music or musicians. We do what we do on our own. Music is supported by people everywhere, by communities, by locals.
With not too many opportunities in the region, how do musicians survive?
It is very difficult to get by. It can be just your passion, not your profession.
So, what does one do if they have to make music their career?
I decided to make it my career and I had to move to Mumbai and start freelancing for bands. You have to make that sacrifice and leave home.
How and when did you decide to make music your profession and when did you decide to move to Mumbai?
I love music and I had decided that this is what I wanted to do from the time I started to play the Guitar. Yes, there was some pressure from the family, but I just wanted to play music every day for the rest of my life. I don’t think I can do a regular job, get dressed in the morning, go to an office, be back tired in the evening and then follow the same routine again. I came to Mumbai a year ago. I had a few musician friends, who were doing well here. They called and said, ‘There are two gigs here and we need someone to play. Can you come?’ I agreed. I liked the music scene here, so I stayed back.
How different is Mumbai? How different is the life here?
It is totally different. Back home everything was very relaxed and laid-back. I had my home and my friends and we could do whatever we liked. I would jam with friends, go for gigs, play Rock n Roll and Metal. Here, it’s not that. The city is so fast and competitive. Here the music scenario is different, it is very professional. You have to have discipline, you have to have the right approach, you have to be serious.
