Pandit Ronu Majumdar, recently honoured with the Padma Shri, has spent over four decades redefining Indian classical music while staying deeply rooted in its traditions. His journey began in the spiritual city of Varanasi, where music was an inseparable part of life. Over the years, his dedication and innovative approach have taken him to global stages, earning him collaborations with legendary musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain. His ability to blend tradition with experimentation has made him one of the most revered flautists of his generation.
Music has always been more than just an art form for Majumdar; it has been a lifelong pursuit of joy, discipline, and creative exploration. His journey, however, was not devoid of struggles. He often faced financial hardships in the initial years, a reality that many classical musicians encounter. But an encounter with the legendary singer Kishore Kumar transformed his perspective on both music and life. Recalling their conversation, Majumdar shared how Kumar’s effortless wit and deep understanding of music taught him an invaluable lesson. Kumar once told him, “A miser like me is playing for free, and you’re saying you can’t play?” Those words stayed with Majumdar, reminding him that true passion for music surpasses material concerns.
Kishore Kumar’s spontaneous humour and ability to find joy in every situation left a lasting impression on Majumdar. He realized that classical music, often perceived as serious and meditative, also carried an inherent playfulness that musicians could explore. This insight shaped his approach to performance, where he infused lightness and joy into his concerts, making them more accessible to diverse audiences. His flute became more than just an instrument; it became a storyteller capable of conveying a spectrum of emotions.
Beyond his deep association with Indian classical music, Majumdar has constantly sought to innovate and expand the scope of the bansuri. His compositions have merged classical ragas with contemporary sounds, earning him recognition as a musician who respects tradition while embracing change. His Guinness World Record for leading the largest Hindustani classical band is a reflection of his vision to make classical music more inclusive and far-reaching.
His latest venture, a ‘Flute Symphony Tribute to Mozart’ at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), is another example of his relentless pursuit of blending Eastern and Western classical traditions. This project, which marries the delicacy of the bansuri with the grandeur of Western symphonies, highlights his ability to navigate diverse musical worlds with ease. His tribute to Mozart is not just a musical experiment but a statement that classical music, regardless of its origin, speaks a universal language.
Majumdar’s collaborations with musical greats like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain have further shaped his artistic journey. Working with these masters gave him a deeper understanding of improvisation and the infinite possibilities within Hindustani classical music. Their shared passion for music pushed him to explore new dimensions, keeping his art alive and evolving.
Despite his global acclaim, Majumdar remains deeply connected to the essence of Indian classical music. His approach to the bansuri retains the depth and spirituality that define the genre while making it more approachable for younger audiences. He believes that classical music should not be confined to a select few but should reach every music lover. His teaching philosophy reflects this belief, as he continues to mentor aspiring musicians, ensuring that the bansuri finds new voices in future generations.
His journey is a testament to the fact that music, at its core, is about joy, resilience, and the willingness to experiment. His ability to find humour in the challenges of a musician’s life, much like Kishore Kumar did, has allowed him to navigate the unpredictable nature of an artistic career. Through his performances, collaborations, and teachings, he has ensured that the bansuri remains a vibrant and evolving instrument in the global music landscape.
As he continues to explore new musical avenues, Majumdar remains a bridge between the old and the new, the traditional and the experimental. His story is not just about mastering an instrument but about embracing the spirit of music itself—fluid, boundless, and deeply human.
Majumdar’s journey has been shaped by an unwavering dedication to his craft, but he has never allowed the weight of tradition to stifle his creativity. He has always believed that music should evolve with time while preserving its soul. His ability to adapt and innovate has kept his performances fresh, drawing listeners from different generations. He often recalls how audiences once hesitated to embrace fusion elements in classical music, but over time, they began to appreciate the nuances he introduced. His ability to balance authenticity with innovation has ensured that his music remains timeless.
For Majumdar, the bansuri is not just an instrument; it is a medium of spiritual expression. He often speaks of how the flute’s sound mirrors the human breath, making it one of the most organic forms of music. He considers playing the bansuri an act of meditation, where every note carries an emotion, a story, and a piece of his soul. His performances often transport listeners into a trance, blurring the line between music and introspection.
Despite his immense success, Majumdar remains grounded. He still approaches his riyaaz with the same discipline he had in his early years. He believes that mastery is a continuous process, and no musician ever truly reaches a final destination. His humility and dedication inspire not only his students but also his peers. He often says that true musicians never perform to impress; they perform to express.
Looking ahead, Majumdar envisions a future where Indian classical music gains even greater recognition on the global stage. He believes that collaborations with international artists, digital platforms, and educational outreach programs will play a crucial role in expanding its reach. He hopes to see more young musicians take up classical instruments, not out of obligation but out of love for the art. His own journey stands as proof that passion, persistence, and a touch of humour can create magic that lasts beyond a lifetime.