There is a saying: “Child Prodigy, Adult Tragedy.” Very few child prodigies go on to become legends. However, there is one legend amidst us today — octogenarian Sarod Maestro Pandit Rajeev Taranath. He is a person who has straddled the two worlds of academics and music with equal élan. But it is through his music, as a performer and teacher that he has won the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
In this very candid and exclusive interview at his residence in Saraswathipuram to Star of Mysore Features Editor N. Niranjan Nikam, the polyglot, Pandit Taranath, who turns 85 today, in his impeccable English and with a subtle sense of humour, talks about his legendary parents, childhood, his Mysuru connections and the challenges of a performing artiste. Excerpts.—Ed
