Once you get past the busy line of reporters to reach her, she patiently makes time for an interview with you. Being the daughter of ‘Bapuji’ or, as the rest of the world knows him, Pt. Jasraj, is definitely not an easy task but Durga Jasraj has graciously carved a niche for herself in the vast ocean of Indian classical music.
In the city for the Idea Jalsa Live Concert at Chowmahalla, Durga has always thought of Hyderabad as ‘home’. “Ever since I can remember, Bapuji would bring us here,” reminisces the granddaughter of Pt. Motiram, who breathed his last right here in the city.
While the onus of carrying on a father’s legacy normally rests on the shoulders of sons, Durga, like many other women in her position, is a refreshing change. “I have my father to thank for that,” she smiles, adding, “He is a very progressive man. But you know how it was in the good old days; girls were married off at an early age. Why, even I was married off very young! Had it not been for my bad marriage, I would still be just cooking and looking after the home, and I never would have achieved whatever I have so far! I’m glad I found support in my parents, who didn’t tell me to go back to him,” Durga says.
While growing up with a famous father can be advantageous, sometimes, the pressure to live up to his image can be tremendous. How does she cope? “Yes, there is pressure, but it’s not a bad thing. I make sure I’m like my dad in all aspects of my life, and not just work,” she smiles.
On her future projects, Durga says, “Right now, I’m focusing on the Jalsa concert and I never discuss my future work. However, we (Pt. Jasraj and I) have recently released our album called Divya Jyoti Bhajan Karaoke.”
