What and who inspired you to promote Indian Classical Music?

My father was a  connoisseur  of Indian classical music. He took me to several concerts in my childhood and initiated me into Tabla . I continue to learn Tabla under Srinivas  Rao  in Hyderabad. I  have  always felt that  classical musicians needed financial and organizational  support in order to prosper and grow. I was fortunate to get in touch with Pandit Tarun Bhattachharya through my classical vocal guru Smt Bina Sen. Having met a musician of the stature of  Tarunda , I realized a lot could be done to promote music through his  Santoor Ashram .

Why do Corporate houses not promote Indian Classical Music as much they promote light music?

It is often a matter of demand and supply.Classical music has fewer lovers but they are generally the ardent ones. Light music attracts  a large audience and is therefore appealing to corporates. That said  my experience is   corporate houses are quite open  to promoting classical music or giving their employees the platform to perform . As more and more employees come forward and render quality performances, the interest will grow. Bina Sen  Mam and her entourage had recorded a fusion version of raag Megh which is still played at  various events in my organization.

Have you ever explored using techniques of Indian Ragas for stressed relief of employees?

It has been a thought for  long that needs to be put in action.

Who is your favourite musician and why?

Hard to say - I have been influenced by many including Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt Hariprasad Chourasia, Pt Tarun Bhattacharya , Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.  the late Pt Bhimsen Joshi, the late  Amir Khan Sahab  to name a few. Each of them have their unique style and creative elements  that lend a touch of divinity to their renditions. For example, Amir Khan Sahab's "sapat" is the first thing my Guru Bina Mam asked me to observe - such precise measurement of every note , apparently  so simple yet so difficult to reproduce.

What are your future plans for popularizing Indian classical music?

I am on the verge of floating my own company to promote music especially among the under privileged sections of society. My partnership with legends like Tarunda will continue.

( Views expressed are Mr Vinay Deshmukh's own and do not reflect those of his employer)