They were school-time chums bonded together by the common love for music. The musicians Irfan and Bilal learnt the tricks of music simply by imitating others. Exuding the melody of music to all seekers and would be learners, the duo of Irfan and Bilal say that their doors are open to anyone who wants to learn music. A huge gathering of music enthusiasts throng their music school in the heart of the city to learn music. In a conversation with
Nadeem Shah and Is’haq Bhat of The Kashmir Scenario
The musician duo in their twenties talks about the problems they had to face while they ventured in to the musical field.
Music they say is melody to ears. When did your melodious brushes with music start?
It started 15 years ago when the situation in Kashmir was volatile. We started a band in which just the two of us played the musical instruments as well as the vocals. We played folk music, initially. The passion for music was rising with time and we began to participate in music competitions outside the state. Our first show was in Hyderabad where we mesmerised the audiences. We came back with a new passion and zeal to pursue music in our homeland.
In a society like Kashmir riddled with violence, music is normally a no-go area. What hurdles did you face while pursuing your career in music?
We faced a lot of impediments in our path. There were financial problems and besides our families did not approve of whatever we were doing because we started music when we were still studying. There was pressure from the family to focus more on studies. No doubt, we did concentrate on our studies but music had become our living without it was inconceivable.
Many things were going on around you in Kashmir. How you were able to remain single-mindedly focussed towards music? Did the events that played out on streets affect you or your music in any way?
Believe us; we did not know what was happening outside because we were too engrossed in our work to think about anything else. Music was what mesmerised us. We were not disturbed by the noise around.
Every field needs guidance from people. Did anyone in Kashmir help you in your endeavours?
Thankfully when we came back to Kashmir from Hyderabad we met Naseer Sahab (Naseer Ganai- Zee News Kashmir Bureau Chief) and he left no stone unturned in helping us. He provided us a music studio and has never asked for anything in return. We are indebted and highly grateful to him.
Music they say is passed on from a doyen to a novice. Who was your mentor? How did you learn to play musical instruments?
You would not believe that we have learnt music by watching others. In a sense you can say we are self-taught. We used to keenly watch music Gurus play different instruments and then discuss it among ourselves and then try to emulate it. We have worked very hard. Music is such a field wherein you do not necessarily have to be a literate person in order to master it. You don’t learn music through books. You learn it by practice.
Which instruments do you play? Does love for guitar override the knack for percussion instruments?
We play at least 40 instruments; Guitar, Piano, Cello, Mandolin, Lute-an instrument of Turkish origin among others. We love to play all the instruments. We love guitar as much as we love any other instrument.
From a student of music to a teacher, you have had quite a journey. How many students have you trained so far?
We have trained more than 400 students that include 40 Bands. Our doors are open for everyone; anyone who wishes to learn music can come to us and we are available at their service all days of the week.
You believe in the fusion of Kashmiri music with the western music. What prompted you towards such a prospect?
See, the new generation has a different taste. They would never listen to Kashmiri music unless it has a western flavour. You hear western music everywhere, in buses, homes, shops which begs a question: why don’t people listen Kashmiri music? The answer is simple: Because we have not worked on it; because we have not given it a modern touch. Music around the world is evolving but our Kashmiri music is still the same. So our motive was to westernise our local music and add new music instruments to it so that people enjoy it. And now we are seeing that people do relish Kashmiri music (with a tinge of western music in it).
There seems to be a pleasant bonding between the two of you.How has been the experience of working together all these years?
We are together since 4th standard and we have studied together, played together all these years. The experience has been amazing. We compliment and complete each other and we have become so used to each other that living without one another is unthinkable now. Playing music together has been a sublime experience.
You have achieved a lot but still there is a long future ahead of you. What are your future plans?
We want Kashmiri music to play in every nook and corner of the world and to realise that dream we are working hard. We have a lot of kids who are working on Kashmiri music to give it a new direction. And Insha Allah in the next 5-6 years you will see more than 5o Bands in Kashmir and everyone will play Kashmiri Sufi.