An ardent music enthusiast, Bonnya Bose knows the struggle of young and upcoming musicians. And to facilitate their career in music, she is constantly working through Tabla.inc, creating new opportunities and broadening their horizons. A chat with Bose who throws more light on her journey so far with tabla.inc and taking it pan-India.

You were in the corporate world before taking a deep plunge into music. What exactly led you to launch Tabla.Inc?

Like any other Bengali household, music was an integral part of my childhood. Our family was a great connoisseur of classical music and we had some of the great musicians visit our residence. I was a national scholar of music, both in the senior and junior groups and a stage performer. By the time I was in university, I established myself as a music critic and a journalist in one of the leading newspapers, alongside performing regularly as a sitarist in the concerts.

Later, I got into the corporate world and that journey started with ITC Sangeet Research Academy. I am ever grateful to my mentor, who is almost like a father figure in my life, Padmasree Pt. Vijay Kumar Kichlu, for taking me under his fold and teaching me the nuances of the corporate world, when I started working in ITC SRA, Calcutta. I learnt the finer nuances of the corporate world with the finesse of the cultural world and that really changed my vision for life.

Since then I have worked in several corporate houses throughout my life but music was always my first love as I inherited the passion for music, grew up with music and later came to such a family after my marriage where music is the ultimate. However, I have seen my husband Tanmoy Bose pursuing classical music as a career and the ups and downs and the signs of uncertainty of the future during his initial days. The concept of Tanmoy & Bonnya Liberal Arts or Tabla.inc was there in my mind for a long time as I always thought of doing something generous for the next generation of performing artistes. I firmly believe that Tabla.inc is not just about “us” (Tanmoy and me), it is for and about “all of us”, by “all of us” — it is an inclusive journey.

How has the journey been so far?

Tabla.inc is just three years old and the journey has been quite a topsy-turvy one. The challenges I faced establishing the concept and giving it a practical picture were fabulous. But the challenges remain and am sure I will learn every moment as I give it the finest shape as planned.

Tabla.inc. has organised a lot of events during this year. What else can we expect in the remaining year?

I am so happy with the way I could march with the events. This year we shall have Karigar Haat along with AIM spearheaded by Sonali and Gopal Poddar, which will showcase handicrafts from all over the country, and Jalsa series in the evenings covering Indian classical music, folk, theatre and a plethora of musical presentations. There will be three more Jalsa and Shuruyaat concerts; Utsav, the annual cultural festival will be happening early next year. This year’s end the second chapter of Art Retreat shall again showcase the rich heritage of our state. We want to create a digital platform for global interactions and communications for the cause and optimise the usage of social media platforms and AI-enabled systems of seamless operations by experts. We are also working on organising monthly cultural workshops, ranging from Indian classical and folk music to puppetry, and theatre, as well as painting and sculpture. Besides all these, an international competition, Paravarish, will promote young artistes and help them nurture their talent under the guidance of maestros.

What are the plans for taking Tabla.inc beyond Bengal?

The pan-India programmes will have events like Jalsa, Shuruyaat, Art Retreat, Rang and any other new projects that we may start in future. I am already looking for art and music enthusiasts who will be collaborating wholeheartedly with a view to preserving and continuing Indian heritage. We are already in discussion with organisers in other states.

Your children are not into hardcore classical or folk music. Despite that, you are promoting the cause. What exactly plays in your mind to create this space?

Yes, I am doing it all the more since both my boys are into a separate space of music altogether. They are paving their own respective journeys and by God’s grace, they are in the right direction. But I personally feel responsible for the placements of students who are so ardently practising the rich heritage of our country. I don’t believe in nepotism.