An artiste needs negative feedback; it helps you grow, says Trilok Gurtu

Mumbai-born percussion legend Trilok Gurtu, who has built a reputation for fusing Indian music with European jazz, says faith has been his constant companion through decades of performance. “Be true, have faith, and let your music speak. Don’t let the world dictate your art,” he says. The award-winning percussionist is in Bengaluru with The Trilok Effect, a project that brings together an European ensemble for the first time on the Indian stages. In a chat with us, he talks about the joy of collaboration, the state of Indian music on the global stage, and why technology and hu mility are just as vital to an artiste as talent. Excerpts:

‘COLLABORATION BETWEEN GLOBAL ARTISTES SHOULD FEEL LIKE JOY, NOT A JOB’
The 73-year-old tells us that playing with global artistes is never a performance. “I don’t see it as work. It’s not a job. When you approach the collaboration as a joy, the music flows naturally,” he says. Reflecting on his early experiences and collaborations, he shares, “When we used to play together, we were like one body. Everyone merged into a single rhythm, a single spirit. When a group achieves that unity, everyone feels it, which is the true essence of collaboration.”
‘OUR COUNTRY’S MUSIC HAS A LONG WAY TO GO ON THE GLOBAL STAGE’
According to Trilok, Indian music still hasn’t tapped the true potential on the global stage.“The last per son who truly carried Indian percussion to international audiences was Zakir Hussain. After that, we haven’t seen many artistes take that leap beyond the diaspora. I’ve al ways played for Western listeners, not just Indian communities abroad — because I believe our music (Indian music) deserves to be heard everywhere, not just at home,” he asserts.

‘TECHNOLOGY IS WONDERFUL, BUT IT SHOULDN’T OVERPOWER AN ARTISTE’
For someone so deeply rooted in classical Indian music, Trilok’s curiosity for technology is his way to explore music in a new way. “I love electronics and effects; they help me stay young,” he smiles. “Technology can open new dimensions in sound if you use it with care. I try to make good use of technology; it should serve the music, not rule it,” explains Trilok.

‘FOR TODAY’S GENERATION, SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE GURU; MINE WAS MY MOTHER’
In a world of social media, Trilok accepts that young musicians treat it (social media) as their guru. “People learn raga, tala, meditation and everything from there. But I had a real guru – my mother, Shobha Gurtu. She was my first teacher, my biggest influence. I learnt just by watching her sing, by observing her connect with music. The personal connection gets lost when the guru becomes a video,” he says. However, he doesn’t judge today’s social-media-obsessed generation and says, “I wouldn’t discourage anyone. Young people need social media; it’s hard for them otherwise, as it helps them get concerts and recognition. But while they move forward with technology, they shouldn’t forget their roots. That’s all I’ll say,” he says.

‘IF EVERYONE SAYS YOU’RE GREAT, SOMETHING’S WRONG ’
For Trilok, criticism isn’t something to fear; it’s a spiritual practice. “Negative feedback is good,” he says. “It helps you learn and lose your ego. If you only surround yourself with people who praise you, you’ll never grow.” He recalls lessons from the saints he often quotes in conversa tion. “Our saint, Sant Tukaram, said that your neighbour who criticises you is your greatest teacher, that’s because they show you what you don’t want to see. We need that mirror. If everyone says you’re great, some thing’s wrong because truth doesn’t always make people comfortable,” says Trilok.