Exclusive: Rudra Veena Player Jyoti Hegde Says It Was ‘Love At First Sound’ That Made Her Learn The Instrument

People sometimes fall in love at first sight — but Jyoti Hegde fell in love at first sound. The renowned Rudra Veena player, who performed at a recent music festival at NCPA in Mumbai before taking to the stage of the Habitat Cente in New Delhi on Thursday, spoke to the Free Press Journal sharing her love for the ancient instrument’s deep, meditative tone that won her heart when she was 16. 

In an exclusive interview, Hegde shared how her journey started with the sitar and embraced the deep soulful notes of the Rudra Veena.

Please tell us more about Rudra Veena and what sets it apart from other instruments.  

Veena, in its technical sense, covers all chordophones native to the Indian subcontinent.

Among these instruments, Rudra Veena holds a special significance. Regarded as the ancestor of all Indian chordophones, it carries a special title. 

The Rudra Veena possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from other instruments. Held on the shoulder as if embraced, it forms a deep connection with the player's breath. As a result, those who play the Rudra Veena must have controlled breathing, making it akin to Naad Yoga. The traditional style of Rudra Veena playing is closely related to the human body.

What fascinated you to learn Rudra Veena? 

My connection with the Rudra Veena began with a love at first sound. At the age of 16, its deep resonance resonated with my soul, even before I fully understood it. 

I initially picked up the Sitar as a university subject. However, when I witnessed a Rudra Veena recital by my guru, I was captivated by the instrument's tone and decided to learn it. Though I was never meant to pursue vocal music, my journey began with the Sitar and eventually led me to the Rudra Veena.

'Rudra' veena: So, are there only specific ragas which are played on this? Any particular raga that you love playing?

There are no specific raagas exclusively for the Rudra Veena; any classical raga can be played on it. However, certain ragas beautifully complement the instrument, such as deep ragas like Bhairav, Darbari Kanada, Malkauns, Marwa, Puriya, etc. 

Among many other beloved ragas, one of my personal favourites is Chandrakauns, a night raga.

You were the only female student of late Ustad Asad Ali Khan to learn Rudra Veena, do you see women taking up this instrument?

I'm really glad to see more women taking up this instrument; it's definitely a positive sign. While there are many young female sitarists, there are fewer in the case of the Rudra Veena. However, I believe the future of the Rudra Veena looks bright overall.

A Guru-Shishya memory that you would like to share with us...

I have countless cherished memories with my gurus!

One of the most special ones is accompanying them to their concerts and various Akashvani tours.

I was fortunate to spend my initial years of training surrounded by legends like Vid Gangubai Hangal, Pt Mallikarjun Mansoor, and many others. My guru would guide me to observe the finest nuances, the art of presentation, and many other aspects of music. It felt much like a mother teaching her child to walk.

Each of my three gurus had a unique temperament, yet all were geniuses in their own distinct way. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to understand their personalities and their perspectives on music.

Their key teaching that you cherish for life and would like to pass on

All of my gurus have always emphasised, "Seek fulfilment in the pure love of music, not in material desires." The more you love your instrument without condition, the more it will reward you. I carry this wisdom with me and pass it down to the next generation of my music to my students.

What advice would you give aspiring musicians?

1) Be dedicated to what you learn, stay true to your music, and always honour the path you choose to follow. Embrace the teachings of your guru. 

2) Upholding tradition doesn't mean rejecting creativity. Always strive to enrich your own traditions without compromising their core.

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