What was your first ever gig?
My first ever gig was at the age of nine. It was one of my
dad’s shows actually, called Keep Music Alive, which he
had organized in Kolkata. The whole event was all about
celebrating good music and good musicians, and uniting
them together to talk about music and life. I just held my
dad’s hand, walked up to the stage and started playing. I still
remember, I was wearing a red skirt and a backless red top.
I had curly hair, I was chubby, and I was just sitting there on
stage with a huge bass in front of me, playing by myself, no
band. My dad joined me later and then we played something
together, which was really fun. However, I don’t consider that
as my first ever gig, as it was my dad’s thing. But after that,
my first proper gig was with Shreya Goshal in Powai, for a
Durga Puja event. My dad was supposed to play that show, but
he couldn’t make it because of health issues. So he asked me
to go instead, and Shreya had no idea that I was playing. She
loved it though, she was very happy and flattered post the gig.
Everyone repeatedly emphasises on how young
you are. Does that bother you? Or are you proud to
have achieved so much in such a short time?
It doesn’t bother me but it makes me think why a number
is more emphasized on rather than the talent. People pass
statements like she’s so young and she’s so good, but I started
early and also worked really hard. I spent many sleepless
and hungry nights to strengthen my power and work on my
negative aspects. Hence, in my head this was bound to happen.
Age has nothing to do with talent, it really is just a number.
I’ve been working professionally with much older musicians
since a very young age. I was hanging about with Zakhir Ji and
Ranjit uncle at the age of 13. Even today, I’ve worked with so
many international artists such as Steve Vai, Jordan Rudess,
Guthrie Govan andvmany more. So when I think about it,
I feel like this is quite a natural thing to happen for me.
What impact does working with so many
great musicians have on you?
I feel absolutely driven, inspired and encouraged. There’s
always something to learn from every person that we work
with, whether it’s about life in general or about music. I re-
collect all the good things that I like about the people that I
get to work with - be it a famous musician or an upcoming
one or even someone that people don’t know about, and
I try toinfuse it with my playing or my personality.
After having performed with so many icons, does it reduce the
sense of awe or thrill when you get to perform with them?
There is no reduction because there was no star struck
moment, ever. However, every time I meet my idols such
as Victor Wooten or Gary Willis or anyone else that I
looked up to as a kid, it’s always very overwhelming and
I get very emotional. They say things to me like ‘We’re
big fans of yours’ and I’m always like ‘no way, I grew
up listening to you guys, ‘I’m a big fan of yours!’
Did you have to give up a lot in order to be who you are
today? Do you miss being a normal twenty-one-year-old?
I did have to give up a lot of things growing up, such as
hanging out with friends, going to the movies or going
shopping with them. I always had the urge to do that because
all the kids in school and college would ask me to go with
them, but I always had to refuse since I had rehearsals or
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Photo Courtesy: Dipit Raz, Dipit Photography