Roshan Sharma: Soulful Journey

Photo courtesy of Roshan Sharma

Roshan Sharma is one of the most talented guitarist from Nepal. He is also a member of the instrumental jazz rock band named Urjaa (Nepal) and the popular and rebellious band "The Sketches" from Pakistan. He was also a lecturer at Tribhuwan University teaching Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior.

Q: Could you share with us your musical journey?

A: My mother is a well known poet. My brother who is my first guitar teacher used to play guitar. I grew up in a strong musical environment in the house. It had an immense effect on me. One day, I was in a music store and they were playing the record-A Meeting By The River by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. That point of time, I didn’t have any idea of Indian Classical music. I loved the music very much and started to learn more about the album. Later I came to know it was a Grammy winning album by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. At that moment, I decided to learn to play the Mohan Veena.

Q: What is your thought on guru-shishya parampara? How has been experience with your Guruji- Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt?

A: There is no substitute to the age-old 'guru shishya parampara'. Until and unless you imbibe the discipline and etiquette of Indian classical tradition through your guru, it cannot be learnt. I have been lucky to learn music from Guruji. I have always been mesmerized by Guruji’s playing. Learning at his feet is a spiritual experience as well.

Q: You have collaborated with many musicians. How important is it for a musician to collaborate?

A: Music is an ever-evolving process. Artist collaboration fuels creative exploration. . Not only do you gain more experience, it’s a way of pushing your music further, allowing it to possibly reach a much better majority of music lovers. The key is to keep innovating — if you don’t try something new, you won’t succeed.

Q: Of late we have seen many fusion projects with Indian classical music. According to you what makes a successful fusion project?

A: To do fusion it needs efficiency. Mere mixing up two genres of music is not fusion .You have got to know about both repertoires to harmonically bring them together.

Q: What would be your advice to aspiring musicians?

A: Follow your heart. Find a qualified teacher and work hard to achieve your dreams, but always have a backup plan. If required do a part time job.