6.4.10

Meeting the Big B(handari) of Indian harmonica

Now-a-days if anybody talks about current generation harmonica wizards in India, Shri Ashok Bhandari’s name will be in the top-list. Like every Indian harmonica lover I am also mesmerized with his harmonica magic. The more I listened to Big Bhandari, the more was my desperation to meet him. This desperation kept on increasing until I planned my vacation to Delhi and I met him at his office. Needless to say, I had witnessed the harmonica magic live. One must listen to him live in his lifetime.

When asked why he doesn’t play Western Jazz or Blues because of his regular touring around the world, he says jokingly, he would prefer Indian Dal and Roti to Western food. He adds- “We Indians try to copy western people whereas many western people enjoy our Indian harmonica music. Harmonica is an instrument which has to be played by feelings and not by mathematical formulae alone.”

I had the privilege to take lunch with Ashok ji that day. I hope to meet Big Bhandari again to enjoy more his harmonica magic in future.

Please watch a video I recorded at his office. (Excuse me for the poor quality)



5 comments:

Avinesh Kumar Singh said...

Hi Ramana, Thanks for sharing your experience with such a great harmonica professional. Want to learn more and more from them.
Regards, Avinesh Singh

Keyur Shah said...

Dear Ramana,

You've given a perfect name - BIG B(handari)!! A true performer! BIG B(handariji) you look great in this red color t-shirt.

Also, I whole heartedly admire your passion for harmonica for giving detailed information of Shri Arijit ji. Many of us don’t have an opportunity to read all those news papers.

Thanks!

Keyur Shah said...

I forgot to ask you one thing Ramana, does Hohner mfg. T-Shirts too ? ;) Its a very nice harmonica T-Shirt. In case HaLoH prints, I wish to buy a one. Good luck.

Avinesh Kumar Singh said...

Hi Ramana, I want to add something meaningful to my previous comments:
You are really lucky to meet these two Maha Gurus !! The reason is that THE KNOWLEDGE WHICH YOU GAIN BY MEETING AN HONEST MAN ONCE IS EQUIVALENT TO GAINING KNOWLEDGE BY READING BOOKS FOR 10YEARS. :-)
Regards, Avinesh Singh

Anonymous said...

Hello Ramana,

My heart felt appreciation for your good will to share your visits with these exponents,

My request as ardent fan of this instrument is, most of us are not aware of basics info, Like:
1. Types of harmonica (brand and models) used by top players to play hindi songs
2. Is 12/14/16 hole chromatic is best for hindi songs..
3. Tabs for hindi songs - may be post related links

- Veeresh