Mumbai, April 10: The tradition of guru-shishya (teacher-student) holds a special place in the world of music. One inspiring story is that of Padma Shri awardee Shanti Hiranand, a prominent disciple of the late Begum Akhtar. In a recent interview, Hiranand shared a delightful anecdote about her first meeting with Begum Akhtar.
April 10 marks the death anniversary of Shanti Hiranand. During her interview, she recounted how her journey began with the simple phrase “Come tomorrow,” leading to a 25-year-long relationship that evolved into a bond akin to that of mother and daughter.
Shanti Hiranand revealed that she was born into a business family with no musical background. As a child, she would sing in exchange for coconut balls from the local grocer. People recognized her talent and advised her father to provide her with music lessons. Consequently, she was enrolled in a music college in Lucknow. While living in Lahore, she also learned the fundamentals of classical music from Indira Kohli. After the partition, upon returning to Lucknow, she furthered her education under Ustad Eijaz Hussain Khan. However, the pivotal moment came when G.C. Awasthi, a program executive at All India Radio Lucknow, suggested she learn from Begum Akhtar.
Hiranand recalled, “I arrived at her home by rickshaw. Begum Sahiba, dressed in a simple saree with her hair tied back and a cigarette in her mouth, asked me what I sang. I performed Meera’s bhajan ‘Baso More Nainan Mein Nandalal.’ After listening, she said, ‘You sing well, come tomorrow.’” That “tomorrow” never seemed to end, she smiled. Initially, she would only visit for tea, but gradually, Begum Akhtar’s influence deepened in her life. She taught her thumri and khayal. Over time, the affection between them grew so strong that Hiranand began to live at Begum Akhtar’s home. Begum Akhtar came to regard her as a daughter, and a formal ceremony of ganda bandhan (a sacred thread ceremony) took place. Hiranand even named her book “Begum Akhtar: The Story of My Ammi.”
Shanti Hiranand noted that Begum Akhtar was very sociable, but their 25-year companionship was the longest she had with anyone. Begum Akhtar even arranged Hiranand’s marriage. She emphasized the importance of having a guru in learning music, stating that a guru teaches how to infuse emotion into compositions, how to apply meend (glides), and how to bring life to singing.
Additionally, she advised young female singers, “Dedication to music is essential. Do not rush for fame and money. Learn to sing from the soul.”
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