Performance and placemaking

Abstract

The east, especially India has seen a revival as a nucleus of culture, art and lifestyle. India is basking in the global recognition in all facets of the industry, be it fashion - the Dior fashion show at the iconic Gateway of India, art - the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre gala, or the film industry - winning Oscars. For years now, India’s identity has been revolving around its vibrant food, colourful festivals, and the rich heritage. But, this is fast changing now. The nation is making a mark for one of the most beautiful forms of Indian culture - its unique music. After all it is for music that India won the Oscar this year. Indian music, with its deep-rooted traditions and unique style, has become a way of life for millions of people, transcending cultural boundaries. Its classical forms, such as Hindustani and Carnatic music, have captivated audiences worldwide. The soulful renditions in Indian classical music have found resonance across a multitude of civilisations. Indian musicians, both classical and contemporary, have collaborated with international artists, blending genres and creating music that goes beyond any borders. What is one thing unique to the Indian music industry, is a style of music popularly known as playback singing. This hallmark tradition has shaped Bollywood for decades. The heart of Bollywood, often, the city of dreamers, is where it all started. Bollywood songs are adored not just in India, but also around the world, owing to their catchy melodies and emotional storytelling. The most iconic personality to come up in this vast universe was the late Lata Mangeshkar. Rightly referred to as the Nightingale of India, she made a niche for herself through her ability to mold traditional Hindustani music to modern styles and weave together stories. Her legacy remains a guiding light for numerous artists. She had a dream to build a school in memory of her father, the late Deenanath Mangeshkar. This reflects her commitment to preserving and promoting Indian music. This school would provide a platform for young artists to learn, hone their skills, and carry forward the rich musical traditions of India. Unfortunately, before she could see her vision come to life, the world mourned the loss of Lata Mangeshkar in 2022. This blow was felt deeply by people all around the world. In remembrance of this legendary icon, the University of Mumbai has proposed a centre for music in the form of a music school. To be situated in the Kalina campus of the University, this school is to be a place of learning, exploring and mastering different aspects of music for young aspirants. Earlier to be named after Lataji’s father and mentor, Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, a committee comprising of Hridaynath Mangeshkar (Lata Mangeshkar’s brother) as the chairman, and Usha Mangeshkar (her sister), 7 Adinath Mangeshkar, Zakir Hussain, A R Rahman, Suresh Wadkar and several other personalities as its members was formed, and surveys were conducted. However, after her demise, the state government decided to name the school in her honour. In 2022, in the memory of her birth anniversary, the international music college thus inaugurated, began six certificate courses - (i) Hindustani classical music, (ii) flute, (iii) tabla, (iv) sitar, (v) harmonium and keyboard and (vi) music production and sound engineering. The courses will be for one-year and around 150 students can be enrolled. Currently, these courses are being held in the temporary space allocated on the second and third floors at the P.L. Deshpande Academy in midtown Prabhadevi. Once the 7000 sq.ft. premises, which also includes a museum, is developed as part of the Kalina campus, longer three or four year courses will be set up for std. XII students. As of now, the certificate courses will be for those who have passed std. X (school). According to Prof. Vishwanath Sabale, Dean, J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai, “the idea is to train musicians in Indian classical music at an international level and above all at affordable costs.” This thesis aims towards designing a music school for this campus - a space that redefines music education to an international standard, creating spaces that foster collaboration and growth of its students and making music a way of life.