For Hindustani classical vocalist Akanksha Grover, music is a global language
She spoke to Bazaar India about what music means to her and more
‘Human, traveller, and Hindustani music enthusiast’ is what her bio reads on Instagram. Inspired by her mother, Akanksha Grover was inclined towards the field of music ever since she was a child. She went on to pursue a degree in Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal) from the University of Delhi. She believes that even an entire lifetime is not enough to learn everything there is to know about the various forms of music. And today, she not only continues to enhance her knowledge in the field, but also teaches classical vocals to many eager learners. Our conversation with her reflected Grover’s relentless passion and pursuit of knowledge, with a larger purpose.
Harper’s Bazaar (HB): Describe what is music to you in three words?
Akanksha Grover (AG): Two words: my life.
HB: What is on your playlist currently?
AG: My playlist is mostly filled with songs by Lata (Mangeshkar) ji, Asha Bhosle ji and Begum Akhtar.
HB: What is a stereotype about Hindustani classical music that you’d like to shatter?
AG: That we are a bunch of very rigid people, but honestly, not everybody is. Of course the music is traditional, but it does not mean we are not open-minded or we don’t know what is happening in society. Yes, we do riyaaz (systematic practice), we give everything to music, but we also have a life outside of it.
HB: What advice would you give to beginners in classical music?
AG: I would suggest, first of all, have a guru, have a teacher—a personal teacher, not online on YouTube or any social media, and follow the method and processes of riyaaz from your guru.
HB: What is your aim and vision with your music?
AG: I personally think music is a global language, be it classical, Indian classical, live music, semi-classical—it is all one. I personally don’t like to differentiate between genres; it is all the same to me, as it should be.
HB: If you could dine with any singer dead or alive, who would it be and why?
AG: There are too many to name!
