You say music, we hear this prodigy performing effortlessly leaving everyone in awe. Meet Navyansh Tanwar, studying in class X at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. In a candid interview, he goes gaga over winning the first prize at the district-level classical vocal competition.
Read edited excerpts here.
How did you feel after winning the district championship?
District competition is not a mean feat. It’s a competition where all the districts compete against each other. I had been preparing and practising the specific raag for a very long time and after winning the competition, I felt that all the hard work of me and my guru paid off. Now I am aiming to win a state-level competition. I aim to make everyone including my parents proud.
How did you prepare for the competition?
I had been preparing this raag for a very long time and I would like to give all the credit to my guru. This raag (Drupad) which I performed is self-composed by my guru and consists of the toughest taal. My teacher made the required amendments to increase its effectiveness which took almost two years. For the competition, I performed sool taal in raag Adana and tarana in raag Darbari. This raag is beautiful and powerful to attract the audience and judges.
How did the school support your craft?
Apeejay School has been instrumental in nurturing my craft by providing access to various musical instruments and offering opportunities to perform in front of large audiences. These experiences significantly boosted my confidence, enabling me to perform anytime, anywhere. The school also provided excellent teachers who not only taught me the intricacies of singing but also emphasised discipline and essential skills for aspiring singers.
How has music changed your life?
Music has been a powerful force in helping me navigate life’s challenges. It calms my mind during times of stress and tension. Whether I’m happy or sad, each musical note serves as an outlet for my emotions, allowing me to express and release them freely.
Who is your favourite singer?
I have a deep appreciation for Sufi music, which is why Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is my favourite singer. His sargams and alaaps were truly mesmerising and continue to leave a lasting impression on me.