Chatterjee Sisters Break Barriers, Enchant Audience at Ramakrishna Mission Event
A groundbreaking performance by flautists Suchismita and Debopriya Chatterjee marked a significant moment for women in Hindustani classical music at the annual Swami Vivekananda birth anniversary celebrations in Kolkata.
Every January, the Vivekananda Hall at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture (RMIC) in Kolkata transforms into a haven for music, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. This year’s event, celebrating the 163rd anniversary, featured a diverse lineup including violinist Kala Ramnath and vainika Jayanti Kumaresh. However, it was the unexpected appearance of the Chatterjee sisters that resonated most deeply with attendees.
The sisters stepped in to perform after veteran flautist Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, a regular at the event, was unable to attend due to health concerns. Their performance was particularly noteworthy as they wielded the flute – an instrument historically dominated by men in the Hindustani tradition, despite its prevalence among women musicians in the Carnatic tradition. Accompanied by Ojas Adhiya, Suchismita and Debopriya delivered a captivating rendition of Shuddh Sarang, bringing the morning session to a luminous close.
A Unique Style Rooted in Tradition
Observers noted a distinct stylistic difference between the sisters’ performance and that of their esteemed guru, Pt Chaurasia. While his approach is often described as mysterious, the Chatterjee sisters’ opening was characterized by precision and a sparkling energy. Yet, their musical thought and technique clearly bore the unmistakable imprint of his teachings.
“We feel blessed to have participated in an event that, for the first time, featured women musicians performing,” the duo shared following their concert.
Challenging Gender Norms in Classical Music
Debopriya Chatterjee reflected on the historical context of gender representation within Indian classical music. She explained that their musical journey, beginning in the late 1980s in Allahabad, was remarkably free of gender-based obstacles. Their parents, both vocalists – Pt Robin Chatterjee and Krishna – actively encouraged them to pursue the flute at a time when female flautists were virtually nonexistent in Hindustani music.
“Pt Bholanath Prasanna ji and later our guruji [Hariprasad Chaurasia] were more than happy to have us as their disciples, and there has never been any discrimination,” Debopriya stated. She further elaborated on the broader historical trends, noting that instruments like the sitar, sarod, and percussion instruments were also historically underrepresented by women, particularly wind instruments like the flute and shehnai.
The Demands of Mastery
Debopriya addressed the common perception of the flute as a simple instrument, a notion often expressed by Pt Chaurasia himself. “It is the simplicity of the instrument that makes it difficult too,” she explained. “It has no strings, wires, frets, or pegs to tune it. It’s just a hollow piece of bamboo with holes drilled into it. One needs tremendous practice to master it. Guruji also says that to be able to play the flute, you need to be tuneful from within.”
The sisters playfully recounted their reaction to being reminded of their guru’s assertion about the flute’s ease of play, laughing and acknowledging the instrument’s deceptive complexity. The flute, they emphasized, demands immense lung power and a deep connection to musicality.
Expanding the Audience for Classical Music
The Chatterjee sisters are also dedicated to broadening the appeal of classical music, particularly among younger audiences. They recently performed at a mall, a deliberate effort to bring the art form to a more public and accessible setting.
“Unlike film music, classical music often requires a conscious decision even to listen to it,” Debopriya explained. “While it has traditionally appealed to a niche audience, its charm and relevance have remained timeless.” Their performance at the RMIC event, and their continued efforts to engage new listeners, represent a vital step in ensuring the enduring legacy of Indian classical music.
