The multi-faceted Durga Jasraj, daughter of Pandit Jasraj and granddaughter of the legendary V.Shantaram, lives for music

Having formed Art & Artistes, Durga Jasraj has later launched the Indian Music Academy with the precise aim of nourishing, nurturing and popularising Indian music.

It was on February 17, 2006 in Mumbai, in the presence of the then-President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, that Durga and her comrade-in-musical arms Vikram Chandra launched the Indian Music Academy. The aims included doing ground events in Indian music of all genres and origins and honouring the legends like Pt.Kishan Maharaj, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Gangubai Hangal, Ilayaraja, Vidwan Dr Balamurali Krishnan and many more.

In the first two years, Durga’s unique initiative saw 36 widely successful events in 36 cities and towns, and the concept was to combine an upcoming talent with a legend, not necessarily from the same discipline.

A greater dimension was added with “Music Can Cure”, a medical aid for musicians initiative that has tie-ups with top-line medical names and organisations. And now in its fourth year, IMA has achieved a rare triumph: while their ground events will continue, they have begun a 26-episode show on DD National titled Idea Jalsa, a half-hour Sunday morning music show that is hosted by Durga herself with Annu Kapoor. “We anchoring the show in three different languages - Hindi, Marathi and Malayalam - shot in separate versions!” says Durga. Now over six episodes old, Durga says that “It has been rated the No.1 show according to TAM in that slot, shattering the myth that Indians do not like our own music outside the film and popular genres.” She has noted how good music has transcended even regions and the two great schools of Indian classical music. “We had to turn away 2000 people from a Pandit Jasraj concert in Kochi, Kerala. Pankaj Udhas has one of his biggest fan bases in Thiruvananthapuram and Dr L.Subramaniam was a rage in Shimla!” she points out and quips, “They are our real national leaders!” “Kalamsaab said that the mission should be to penetrate the entire country,” adds the lady. “The TAM ratings prove that content and word-of-mouth are paramount, for I have begun the media campaigns after so many episodes!”

She adds, “Indian music is surviving thanks only to the burgeoning listeners, though it is neglected by music channels, FM radio and the media. The cheapest live music show needs a budget of Rs 50,000. And 5000-plus shows are held every year. What does that prove?” she demands. What Indian music is lacking, she feels, is projection in a sensible, classy, non-frivolous and sincere way. “We have to make things happen! I am now planning to launch true-tones and mono-tones of Indian music.”

Despite music being in her genes and her being groomed in it (“I am a part of 40 albums!”), Durga prefers to crusade for music. “I doubt if anyone has heard as much and as diverse Indian music as I have!” she concludes.