The One-Eyed Singer

So, this is about my 2nd year practical for Diploma in Hindustani Vocals — and the first time I was ever going to sing classical somewhere formal.

I chose Raag Bhimpalasi as my choice raag. Took a few classes from sir specifically for it, but I hadn't been regular with my classical practice, so I was obviously not fully prepared. No preparation for viva either.

The day came. I had prepared my alaaps, chota khayal, some taans, bol alaap — I had put together whatever I could. But I knew from the very beginning that my taal would break after the bol alaap in the bandish. And it did. I started from sam — the 1st beat — when the composition actually begins from the 9th matra, the khaali, in Teentaal. That was the one mistake I made.

But I sang. And the examiner was surprised. "Being a 2nd year, you sing like a 6th year — the gamak, the taans." She said she was satisfied with just this one raag and didn't ask me to sing another. She praised my guruji, told me to learn more raags and keep it up.

I was so relieved she didn't ask any theory questions or call for another raag — because I didn't know any of them. Lucky, to say the least.

I believe her remark genuinely, that there is potential — but honestly, for me it felt more like "andhon mein kaana raaja". I got away with what I had.

Next year, I want to go in with my basics solid, more raags in hand, and no luck needed.