THE GANDHARVS AND THEIR BELABAHARR THREE INSPIRING INSTRUMENTALISTS FROM KANDIVALI STRIKE THE RIGHT CHORD.

THE GANDHARVS AND THEIR BELABAHARR

THREE INSPIRING INSTRUMENTALISTS FROM KANDIVALI STRIKE THE RIGHT CHORD.

    His 'Belabaharr' does not really need any introduction. His versatile musical instrument, which combines the tonal effects of a Sarangi with the convenience of a violin, has achieved international recognition. The unique sound from the instrument has been appreciated by eminent musicians - Ustad Zakir Hussain, A R Rahman, Marat Bisengaliev, KennyG and Vanessa Mae. Kandivali resident, Babulal Gandharv's unique innovation has not only inspired several musicians but the tonal melody created by him has also complemented his alaaps.
BELABAHARR IS BORN Born into a family of musicians, in Dewas (Madhya
Pradesh), Gandharv used his keen imagination and artistic talent to draw numerous sketches over a period of several months. His eye for carpentry enabled him to assemble the pegs, tailpiece, bridge, fingerboard and scroll to create the instrument successfully in fifteen months way back in the 1980's. After reading a lot of literature and research, he wished to give it an easy and musical name hence he named it 'Bela, which means violin, and Bahar, which signifies blooming during the spring season.
LINE UP FOR THE BELABAHARR Now his son, Naviin Gandharv has come a long way in following the tradition under the tutelage of his father and late Ustad Allahrakha. He has emerged as a proficient exponent of this unique instrument. He is one of the only artists to have played both the instruments- tabla and bela-baharr, on the same stage despite the fact that they are so different from each other. His fusion album, Silver Lining, where he played the Belabaharr in collaboration with other instruments was released early this year. When asked his plans for future, he says, "I wish to create good music which retains the traditional purity of classical music. It's my life mission to highlight and popularise my father's invention."
GANDHARV JUNIOR Naviin along with his elder brother Devanand Gandharv who is a gifted composer, arranger and keyboardist have formed a musical band titled Anuraaj. They have collaborated with other instrumentalists and this fusion creates a entertaining and spellbound performance. Gandharv Jr. has also participated in several live concerts with esteemed performers like Jaspinder Narula, Richa Sharma, Hansraj Raj Hans to name a few. "When not performing, we love indulging in sweets of Jain Sweets near Kandivali station," they sign off.
BELABAHARR UP CLOSE AND
    PERSONAL
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• There are five main strings and 23 sympathetic strings (Tarab) Bela Baharr. Fifteen are constructed like the Sarod or Sarangi but the remaining eight strings are constructed in a scientific manner under the fingerboard which has the 5 main strings on which the bow is used. The added sympathetic string creates a magical resonance.

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• Belabaharr is a onepiece instrument which is carved out of a block of 200 year-old Burma teak wood just like the sarod or sarangi.

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• Under the bridge, there are a special leather belt strips that keep the balance and bear the heavy tension of all the strings.

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• Fine tuners are attached at the upper part which enables the artiste to tune the instrument instantly in not more than couple of minutes. In other Indian tarab instruments. it takes at least 15-20 minutes.