Classical music does not chase numbers, it builds depth, says Abhijeet Ghoshal

“Every generation of musicians feels it is racing against time,” says Abhijeet. “Today, with reels, streaming numbers, and instant validation, success looks closer than ever, and patience feels like punishment.” But music, musician Abhijeet Ghoshal believes, has never agreed with speed. “Classical music teaches this best. Even in the time of Tansen ji or Tyagaraja ji, it demanded devotion and discipline. Classical music does not chase numbers; it builds depth,” he says.

For mainstream musicians, that depth is invaluable. “If we can honestly touch even a small percentage of classical training, it strengthens our music. Classical music was never about arriving early, it was about arriving prepared,” Abhijeet reflects. He recalls watching artists grow quietly over the years. “Purbayan Chatterjee and Pandit Niladri Kumar trusted riyaz, not recognition. Many classical musicians say real recognition begins after forty, and that is often true,” he says, naming Pt. Gaurav Majumdar, Bhagirath Bhatt, Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia, and Paras Nath among those who uphold tradition with dignity.

Abhijeet has seen this discipline up close. “Parth Shankar practised eight to ten hours daily, repeating the same phrases. Today, he is among the finest young flautists. There were no shortcuts, only consistency. Riyaz is not glamorous,” he adds. “Singing for half an hour a day does not make someone a classical artist. Classical music demands physical, mental, and emotional commitment.”

Yet, he remains hopeful. “Today’s youth is immensely talented. Artists like Ankita Nandy, Antara Nandy, Addy, Aishwarya Majumdar, and Anwesha Dutta Gupta balance classical training with contemporary performance beautifully,” Abhijeet says, concluding, “Patience is not the absence of success. It is the foundation of it.”