An iconic career

From humble beginnings in Allahabad to iconic global flautist, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s career represents a colorful kaleidoscope of talent, grit, and versatility. The recipient of national and international awards, including the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, the Konark Samman, the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Award, among others, the maestro has charmed the world with his mellifluous music.  

The 86-year-old has performed for Presidents, PMs, and heads of state earning accolades for his skillful rendition of the most complex musical notes. Interestingly, the inclusive artist’s expertise extends beyond the North Indian Classical music genre to Indian folk and popular music. 

Movies & Music

Panditji’s successful foray into Bollywood films resulted in chart-busting music in many of director Yash Chopra’s films such as Silsila (1981), Chandni (1989), Lamhe (1991), and Darr (1993). Along with Santoor player Shivkumar Sharma, he formed the formidable team of Bollywood music directors ‘Shiv-Hari,’ producing unforgettable melodies like Chingari Koyi Bhadke (Amar Prem), Morni Bagaa Maa (Lamhe), Jadu Teri Nazar (Darr), and more. 

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia at the Kerala Literature in Kozhikode,
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia at the Kerala Literature in Kozhikode, 2025 (image courtesy: Neeta Lal)

Panditji’s work has been celebrated in books and films. Uma Vasudev’s `Romance of the Bamboo Reed’ and Sathya Saran’s `Breath of Gold’ as well as the 2013 documentary `Bansuri Guru’ (directed by his son Rajeev Chaurasia), document Chaurasia’s life and unparalleled contribution to music. Even in his late eighties, he travels worldwide to perform at concerts. This year, he mesmerized audiences at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode and the highly anticipated Classical Music Conference in Kolkata.

In a chat with New Delhi-based senior journalist and editor Neeta Lal, the musical legend spoke at length about his relationship with the flute and why he has stayed away from composing Bollywood music. He also shared his thoughts on why Indian youth need to be sensitized about India’s precious musical heritage and how he intends to pass on his legacy to the next generation of musicians through his Vrindaban Gurukul schools in Mumbai and Bhubaneswar.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

What is your biggest inspiration at this age?
Music, of course, is my biggest inspiration. I’m nothing without music. My flute has always been my constant companion throughout my life. Even today, it’s the first thing I pick up in the morning and the last before I retire for the day. Apart from music, my entire ecosystem keeps me vibrant and fresh – the people who work with me, take care of me, and the love of my students, family, and listeners.

What are the qualities required in a good flute player?

Patience, perseverance, and passion are the three keys to being a good musician. The passion to learn, the patience to perfect the craft, and the perseverance to do daily riyaz are vital. Never stop learning, as it is a lifelong process that keeps an artist relevant. I learn every day, even at this age. It keeps my craft fresh. I’d also advise students not to be in a hurry to use their music for commercial gains early on. Money and fame must never be the sole guiding factors leading you to becoming a musician. Acquiring knowledge and personal and spiritual fulfillment should be the motives.    

What is the importance of music in society?  

Apart from entertainment, music plays an instrumental role in healing and developing one’s consciousness. Studies have proven that listening to music helps improve concentration too. I think music should be made compulsory in schools as a part of the curriculum. Children will benefit enormously and their personalities will be more well-rounded by learning any genre of music – instrumental or vocal- in their formative years. 

You achieved phenomenal success as a Bollywood music composer. Why did you stop working on films? 

I am not involved with film music now. I left it long back when my good friend and co-director, Late Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma decided to amicably retire from film music and concentrate on our classical music scene. But these days, there is a new show that is being showcased in Mumbai which tells the story of a journey in the Hindi Film Industry. The play, which is a musical, is called Bansuri Jab Gaane Lage. We had the premiere show in January earlier this year, which was very well received by all. It took me back to those days when my world was surrounded by all the famous and senior music directors. When I was involved in the Hindi film music world, I enjoyed myself. I learned a lot…working with various musicians from Madan Mohan, Roshan, Jaidev, and Laxmikant Pyarelal, (to) Kalyanji Anandji, SD Burman and so many others. 

However, both Shivji and I were getting very busy with our classical music concerts, and we had to choose. As classical musicians, our priority was our concerts in India and abroad. Also, the narrative in films was changing from romance to action where music didn’t play a key role in story development. So our inspiration to continue with films dwindled. 

Delhi-based journalist and editor Neeta Lal has worked with India's leading publications in her three-decade career. She writes for over 20 publications