Music runs in the family

Reewa, Roop Kumar and Sunali Rathod's shy 18-year-old pianist daughter, needed a lot of cajoling to agree to this interview. But when she joined her parents in a jamming session, we realised it was worth the effort. It was easy to see that this family lives and breathes music. Here is a record:



Music and moods
Sunali says, "As artists, we have our mood swings. Since our daughter is still a teenager, there are many differences of opinion and arguments. But when we create music together, all issues are forgotten." She further adds that they do compete on who picks up a tune faster. "It's a lot of fun. We practise bandishs and Carnatic thillanas together," says Reewa. Roop Kumar says, "We listen to a lot of music while on long drives. Seal, Lata Mangeshkar and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan are our favourite artists."

Complementing one another
As musicians, the family has varied strengths. "I am trained in western classical music from the Royal College of London. Besides playing the piano, I also compose and write songs," says Reewa. Sunali shares, "Roop and Reewa share a very special relationship as they are both composers. But she practises her vocals with me as I am a trained singer."

Finding her feet
"Reewa wants to create music that's totally different from our style. She's very media-shy and refuses to pose with us at events or functions. She says, the day I become a good artist in my own right, I will pose with you two," says Roop Kumar. The couple have discouraged their daughter from participating in reality shows. "Today, we are proud that our daughter follows serious music," states Sunali.