Grammy-winning instrumentalist Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has said all genres of music are gifts of God to the mankind.
Every musician worships Goddess Saraswati in his or her own way, the Mohan Veena exponent said.
"I think every form of music is good, be it techno music, Bollywood, Jazz or pop," Bhatt told PTI here yesterday after receiving the Pt. V.G Jog Award - instituted after legendary violinist Vishnu Govind Jog.
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The Padma Bhushan recipient has worked in several Bollywood films, including 'Lagaan', 'Saathiya', 'Dedh Ishqiya' and '7 Khoon Maaf'.
"I think when a musician performs, he or she is in some or the other way connected with the Goddess (saraswati)," he said.
Contrary to the perception, present day Indian youth are not turning their back to Indian classical music, he opined.
"I don't think the scenario has changed much with the advent of digital media. The Indian youths, in fact, take keen interest in classical music (vocals and instrumentation) and try to recreate them in their own way," he said.
A classicist should not seclude himself from other genres of music, including popular and contemporary ones, Bhatt noted.
"Organisations like Spic Macay (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture) are also doing a great job in promoting Indian classical music among today's youth," the veteran musician said.
Bhatt said every honour that he has received for his performances holds a special place in his heart.
"This (V.G Jog Award) is more humbling as I received it before one of the most discerning audience base of India," he said referring to the people of this city.
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