Whether it's music or food, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia believes in experimenting. And even at 71, it is this desire to keep exploring that keeps this flautist young at heart.

At a recent Press Club meet to support the music fraternity, he talks to CS about his love for the flute, film music and food:

Work is worship

I feel that the flute is made by God himself. The kind of enjoyment people derive from listening to the music produced by the flute is unparalleled.

For me, my practice is like puja. So whenever I am recording or teaching or playing before an audience, it is no less than worship.
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The sargam and the scales are my mantra. Whatever strength I have is all meant for playing the flute. I can't live without it.

Reality check

The state of classical musicians across India is a matter of national shame.

People should consider that the older generation of musicians devoted their entire lives to music. Unlike today's musicians, we didn't have the know how to promote or market our music.

Today, I feel that reality shows are doing quite a bit to promote Indian music, but the future of the contestants is a matter of concern. Many of them neglect their education to succeed in music.

They get temporary fame and money through these shows and then disappear into oblivion. The channels must take some kind of responsibility of these children.

Filmy musings

My partner Shivkumar Sharma and I have composed music for films like Silsila, Darr and Chandni in the 80s and 90s. Today, the sensibilities of film directors and audiences have changed.
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The songs hardly have any relation to the film. However, there are quite a few talented people in the industry. I like entertaining but meaningful films. I would have loved to compose for a film like Black, 3 Idiots or Paa.
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Away from music

Besides music, I like to explore different cuisines.

I am a complete foodie, who loves to eat. Though Indian food is the best, I also like Japanese, Korean, Thai and Chinese cuisine.