Ektara

Shubha Mudgal already had a fan club at Algebra before she took the stage.

By the time she walked off it, it had grown into a cult.

In an hour-long conversation that seemed bare minutes, Shubha swept the packed hall into a world of her making, treading lightly through the making of her as an artiste, as a fiercely engaged political thinker, and as a subversive in the world of classical music.

Hints of what went into making Shubha the life force she now is were found in intimate anecdotes she shared.

Of her parents – both professors of English literature at Allahabad University – riding on their Lambretta scooter all the way to Banaras to hear classical music concerts. Of herself, aged 4, who told a bemused dance guru that her Kathak was of “apna gharana”. Of cheeky – and humbling – encounters with her revered guru Ramashreya Jha who took on her lack of discipline as a young student with humour and iron will.

Through this narrative there was, always, music.

Renditions of the ‘taan’ she tripped up over repeatedly as a cocky music student. Renditions of Faiz in a magnificent blues style. Renditions across the breadth of her oeuvre – the pop Ab Ke Saawan, the classical Raag Bihari, a traditional wedding song, a raunchy wedding song.

We could have gone on all night. If you’ve never heard Shubha in action – and we mean speak, not just sing – prepare to be blown away. Watch the full session above.