New Delhi: The eight-year-old junior prodigy Kian Bhatt found his name in the India Book of Records in September last year for his 31 minutes and 38 seconds long tabla performance, which happened to be the longest by a child.
Bhatt said that he could have played for a much longer time, though this was the minimum he needed to create the record and get his name registered in the book.
“I love playing Tabla and I want to learn the other instruments too. I want to be a musician when I grow up”, says the young boy from Mumbai, who has been an accompanist to his grandfather on the stage, who is a singer. Bhatt has performed in numerous cultural and music events and has a large fan following on his Youtube channel.
His record has now been broken by a young girl from Kerala, named Parvathy Unnikrishnan. Parvathy registered the record on her name by playing tabla during a performance for 46 minutes and 36 seconds.
However, Bhatt has no plans to regain his title by setting up a new record. Instead, his father Samir Bhatt said, “We’re not after records. There are more challenges to conquer. And records are meant to be broken anyway”.
Here’s an excerpt from the little champ’s recent interview with a news daily:
# When did you start playing the table?
After showing a predilection to banging on pots and pans, his parents decided to direct his efforts and got him enrolled in table classes at the age of three.
# Do you have any musical background?
Kian’s grandfather is a singer but he has not had any professional training. He has sung at several live shows.
# Who is your inspiration?
That Tabla Guy a.k.a Nikhil Paralikar
# Why did you choose to play the tabla and not the drums?
Kian’s father, Samir Bhatt, said that since they had no musical background, they sort the help of a family friend. A drummer by profession, he insisted that they teach Kian the tabla first as it is the most difficult percussion to master.
# What other instruments do you play?
I am currently learning to play the harmonium.
# How do you manage your studies and practice?
Kian’s mother, Manisha Bhatt, says that so far he has been able to balance studying and his practice sessions. He practices tabla in the morning time and completes his studies in the evening. While he sometimes needs a nudge, Kian enjoys his riyaz and loves experimenting and with different songs.
# Will you try and reclaim the record now that it has been broken?
With no interest in breaking the record, the Bhatt family is looking toward other opportunities in the future.
# What are the plans for the future?
Along with his studies and practice, Kian is hoping to play in an orchestra and also has a YouTube channel.
# Do you want to have music as a career?
Kian says, “I want to be a musician when I grow up and would also like to learn many more instruments”. His parents also support him in his aspirations but want him to also complete his studies.
