Craft is the ability to turn something basic into extraordinary: Tabla maestro Pandita Anuradha Pal

Zoya, the diamond boutique from the House of Tata, presents ‘Finely Crafted Journeys’ — conversations with women achievers, whose creativity and commitment to their craft have created something distinctive.

This time Zoya’s muse is one of India’s leading and most innovative percussionists and composers — the internationally-acclaimed tabla maestro Pandita Anuradha Pal. She is the creator-composer of three unique bands — 'Stree Shakti' (first all-female classical band), 'Recharge' (world fusion band) and 'Su-Fo-Re' (sufi folk and classical band).

Pal is the recipient of the prestigious ‘First Ladies’ National Award 2018 from the President of India. Credited in the ‘Outstanding’ category of artistes in the Ministry of Culture, ICCR and Prasar Bharati, Pal, also called the ‘tabla queen’, is a torchbearer and an inspiration to millions.

Excerpts from an interview:

What inspired you to pursue your craft?
Craft is the ability to turn something basic into something extraordinary. The driving force to my passion is my firm belief in the journey of life, creativity, innovation through transformation and thought leadership. I brave the odds with commitment and dedicated practice, inspired by the great masters in every field and my family. I am a soldier in relentless pursuit of excellence and freshness.

What does creativity mean to you?
Awareness of the limitations and the courage to go beyond them is the foundation of creativity. An idea that exudes exhilaration from its inception to culmination is the DNA of creativity. Creativity essentially is morphing into a new reality.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?
I enjoy the challenge of exploring new collaborations with music and other allied arts. Exploring our musical legacies and cultures to discover a new sound or approach, along with the pain and struggle to go beyond the done. The courage to take on an unchartered course and the greatest joy of seeing my imagination turn into reality along with the actualisation of the self, are some of the thoughts that come to my mind.

Zoya and you…
Identifying with the beliefs and values of a brand is important to me. I see an extension of my personality whenever I adorn Zoya’s pieces. Zoya’s exciting jewellery collection is akin to my varied musical offerings. From the quaint and dainty to the other end of the spectrum, Zoya stands for life, creativity and craftsmanship.