At a tender age when a child barely learns to walk, Truptraj Pandya was already going places! This natural Tabla Talent gave his first public performance at the age of two! At three, he had performed Live at the All India Radio, at four he played for Doordarshan. At 6, with the encouragement & support of his parents, he was awarded with a certificate from Guinness Book of World Records for being the youngest ever Tabla Master. At 10, he went on becoming a shining star with his modesty and innocence making him a blessed and gifted human being. Now at the age of 12, this small wonder is honoured with the Bal Shakti Puraskar from President Ram Nath Kovind and later on appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the same. Truptraj has achieved so much even before hitting the teenage, he is undoubtedly a Legend in the making!

Team imd1 met this little wonder and got impressed by the accolades he has been collecting through his journey. Read on to know Truptraj and his backbone - His Parents...

We are really keen to know, how did your journey begin?

Truptraj’s grandmother had the habit of singing Gujarati garba songs while making rotis! Truptraj was just an 1.5 years when he first heard her voice consciously. One day, he took the aluminium dabbas from the kitchen and started playing tabla beats! The grandma-grandson started enjoying this unique mix and eventually all of us identified that talent spark in Truptraj. Gradually, he started playing tabla beats on utensils and they sounded quite close to perfect. Over the years, he has been beating records with these beats and we are thankful to his Grandma & the Almighty to bestow such talent in him.

Beyond Tabla

What’s your success mantra?

Reciting Gayatri Mantra makes me feel confident enough. It is undoubtedly my success mantra!

Truptraj was born with a certain kind of musical talent. However, just as the old saying goes, “Practice makes a man perfect," his inborn capabilities can be successful only when his talent is nurtured with adequate amount of training and tremendous amount of hard work through practice.

What were the hardships / hurdles you encountered and the way you overcame in your journey?

I haven’t come across any hardships till now. My family’s rock solid support helps me tackle all the difficulties effortlessly.

Our family is full of music lovers. Truptraj has always seen music around him. I have myself created a platform to help “non-professional” singers. We had undergone a lengthy procedure to get Truptraj in the record books. All we needed was patience and at the end, it was worth it all.

Do you think Music and its learnings can be helpful in life even if one does not want to consider it as a career goal?

I play the tabla, just because I liked playing it. But I feel I am full with rhythm and beats, I surely want to pursue music as my career. I enjoy to play tabla or any rhythm instruments.

Music is something which comes straight from the heart. Being a tax consultant and homemaker as Truptraj"s father and mother, we have always encouraged his musical talents as hobby and never forced music upon him. It comes naturally to him and it creates a magical environment at home. It makes us a better human being.

Who has been your influencer in this journey & how?

Undoubtedly, Ustaad Zakir Hussain!

Which was “that” moment when you considered yourself as “I am the 1”?

Last year, on 30th April morning, Truptraj performed at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Inspirational Festival. On the same day, he performed a jugalbandi with Sitar at Akshardham Temple - Delhi in front of thousands of people. It was a delightful to watch Truptraj like that. That day, all of us felt Truptraj is ‘The 1’!

Did you get any formal coaching and how was that journey?

Yes, I am thankful to Shri Dnyaneshwarji and Shri Satyaprakash Mishra ji for their in-depth ‘taalim’ which has given me a base in classical music.

Dnyaneshwarji and Satyprakashji have been teaching Truptraj really well. We must appreciate, they don’t just technically teach him, but also pep up his mood and teach him lot of focus & concentration.

Could you reflect on the importance of coach and systematic training in Music?

Training has helped me to perform over any stage irrespective of the audience size.

Just as half knowledge is more dangerous than no knowledge, half hearted & informal learning doesn’t serve the purpose of an artist. Systematic training is of utmost importance.

What are the pre-coaching essentials e.g. Right age, physical fitness, mindset or any other?

There needs to be a keen observation made about the child’s interest area. However, more importantly, observing multiple instances of the interest is necessary. There is no point in concluding your child’s interest being in cricket based on just one battling spin.

Technology and scientific training have been changing the way people get trained in Music What’s your take?

Information technology has enabled ocean of music on Youtube. I watch the performances of Stalwarts on it and try to learn from them. It saves time and helps me to learn from so many seasoned artists.

If there was no technology, we wouldn’t have been able to register Truptraj with these many numbers of records. Training and technology is an ideal combination which gives those people access to teachers and institutes who are unable to find them in their vicinities.

How can one select an ideal ‘Guru’ for getting formal coaching for Music?

My parents have always decided the best gurus for me.

Our priority while searching for a guru is to find someone that understands the child and matches up to his level to be able to teach him.

What according to you, can be a scope for improvement in coaching for Music in India?

Schools should encourage art forms and come out of the obsolete rote learning phase. Schools should be like a second mother and should provide platforms for different arts.

What do you suggest for better accessibility of Music in remote parts of India?

YouTube is a great tool. With just a device and an internet connection, anyone can access music from any corner of the country.

As I said, Schools should provide more platforms for various art forms. This will all talented trainers to be able to reach more children. Which will, in time, help make this world a better place.

In your opinion, what are the basic key traits apart from formal coaching that makes “imd1”?

You certainly need a lot of practice. But for practice, you firstly need interest in the field you like.

Firstly, there needs to be a keen interest in whatever you want to do. Secondly, consistent practice is a must. Without these two even formal training doesn"t make sense.

Your piece of advice to parents and new generation especially when some people are sceptical about a career in extra-curriculum.

Observing and understanding your child’s interest areas are important. One should listen to their children. Parents must be patient and should explore their options before jumping to conclusions in such matters.

Any other thoughts you want to share?

I just want to add that I love playing the Tabla. I am also thankful to my gurus and parents for supporting me and encouraging me ahead. Just be Mad for what you love to do and you will Make-A-Difference!!

Various forms of art and recreational activities can help make the society a happier place to live in. We also want to congratulate imd1 for your initiative to inspire so many and help them to consistently live their passion.