Rupak Kulkarni on Music, Guru Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia and the Legacy of Indian Classical Flute

Saurabh Tankha

Noted flautist Rupak Kulkarni will be performing with his guru, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, at the eighth edition of the Citi-NCPA Aadi Anant: From Here to Eternity Music Festival beginning November 18. Spread across Pune, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, the three-month-long festival is among India’s most anticipated celebrations of Indian classical music and culture.

In an exclusive interaction, Rupak Kulkarni spoke about his musical journey, his guru-shishya bond with Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, his family’s support, and the growing global acceptance of Indian classical music.

Growing Up in a Musical Family

“You come from a musical background. Please share more about your family, especially your father, late Pt Malharrao Kulkarni.”

I was very fortunate that my first guru was my father, late Pt Malharrao Kulkarni. He first taught me tabla and later introduced me to the flute. I don’t know exactly when I started playing tabla because my first tabla solo concert happened when I was only 18 months old. I performed for almost 10 to 15 minutes, which I later came to know from my parents. So understanding the nuances of rhythm came naturally to me, and I continued learning tabla till the age of nine.

My father had nearly 200 students and taught music from early morning till late evening. Naturally, music became an inseparable part of my life. In 1977, my father organised a concert of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia in Borivali, and I was mesmerised by the sound of his flute. That moment inspired me to pursue flute seriously.

My father had several flutes at home for his students. I picked up one and surprisingly managed to blow into it properly on my very first attempt. I immediately felt connected to the instrument and decided to pursue flute instead of tabla since my elder brother was already learning tabla.

Initially, I was scared to tell my father because I thought he might not approve. So I secretly practised on the terrace. One day, one of my father’s close friends heard me playing and encouraged me to learn properly from my father. When my father finally heard me play, he had tears in his eyes and agreed to teach me. That marked the beginning of my formal taalim.

Support From Family and Guru

“How supportive has your family been regarding your decision to pursue flute?”

My family always supported me in taking up flute professionally, and it became easier because my father himself was a flautist. The biggest blessing was that my father shared a close bond with Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, who later accepted me as his disciple.

I would especially like to mention my father’s generosity here. It takes a very large heart for a father and guru to send his own son to another guru for advanced learning. My father was older than Guruji, yet he had no hesitation in encouraging me to learn from him.

My wife Rupali has also been extremely supportive. She is a professional singer and worked as Station Director at Vividh Bharati, All India Radio, Mumbai. She sacrificed her career to manage our home and ensure I could focus entirely on my music and riyaaz. She also makes sure our son Rananjay, who is a budding singer, remains disciplined with his practice.

Sharing Stage With Music Legends

“You must have performed with several maestros. Could you share a memorable onstage experience?”

I have had the privilege of sharing the stage with legendary musicians like Ustad Rashid Khan, U Shrinivas, Louis Banks, Trilok Gurtu, Sivamani, Taufiq Qureshi, Henri Tournier and many others. Performing alongside such maestros is always a huge learning experience.

One memorable concert happened at NCPA Mumbai where I performed fusion music with Pt Rajan-Sajan Mishra and Trilok Gurtu. Some portions involved improvisations in complex rhythmic cycles like 17-and-a-half bars. It was extremely challenging, but with God’s grace and my guru’s blessings, the performance went beautifully and the audience thoroughly enjoyed it.

Performing at Citi-NCPA Aadi Anant Festival

“Will this be your first performance at the Citi-NCPA Aadi Anant festival?”

Yes, this will be my first Citi-NCPA Aadi Anant concert and I am very excited about it.

Importance of Guru-Shishya Tradition

“Do such festivals help audiences connect with India’s oldest forms of music?”

Definitely. It is a wonderful initiative because it preserves and showcases the integrity of the guru-shishya tradition. Audiences get an opportunity to experience this beautiful bond firsthand.

In my case, I have been performing for nearly 39 years while Guruji has been performing for around 65 years. We share a unique musical chemistry and deep mutual respect that audiences can experience during our performances.

Sharing the Stage With His Guru

“How does it feel to perform alongside your guru?”

I first shared the stage with Guruji when I was only 13 years old. At that age, I was fearless because I was still a child. But as you mature as a musician, you become more aware, more experienced and more confident.

Initially, students try to imitate their gurus, but eventually they discover their own style and individuality. I think both guru and shishya feel proud in such moments. A guru feels fulfilled when his student becomes a capable performer, while a student feels honoured when the guru confidently passes on the torch to the next generation.

Cities That Understand Indian Classical Music Best

“If you had to rank cities based on their understanding of Indian classical music, which would be your top three?”

For Indian classical music, my top three cities would be Pune, Kolkata and Varanasi. Audiences in these cities possess tremendous musical understanding, and children are exposed to classical music from a very young age.

Global Acceptance of Indian Classical Music

“How is Indian music being accepted internationally?”

Indian music is receiving tremendous appreciation abroad, especially in Europe and North America. More concerts are being organised throughout the year, and we are also witnessing talented performers emerging from these countries.

Meaning of Success

“Success is…”

Maintaining the purity of the raag, no matter how complex the performance becomes.

Biggest Inspiration in Life

“Who has inspired you the most?”

Obviously, my guru Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia. He has never scolded me. I always receive positive energy from him. He constantly motivates me in all my endeavours and has always been my pillar of strength.

A Day in the Life of Rupak Kulkarni

“A day in your life…”

Riyaaz before riyaaz, riyaaz after riyaaz, and continuous contemplation about music throughout the day. But apart from music, I also fulfil my responsibilities towards my family. I enjoy shopping and spending quality time with them. I also stay connected with my students regularly, either personally or through social media.

Beyond Music

“What do you enjoy when you are not playing the flute?”

Cricket is my biggest passion after music. I love watching cricket irrespective of which team is playing. I am also a foodie and enjoy watching comedy films.

Message for Readers

“I strongly believe in maintaining the purity of the raag because only then can its impact remain long-lasting. Music should stay in your thoughts 24 hours a day — even in your sleep.”