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)