From the mystical valleys of Kashmir to the global stage of Indian classical music, Mr. Abhay Rustum Sopori emerges as a captivating figure—a legendary Santoor maestro and the son of the iconic Pandit Bhajan Sopori, the Saint of the Santoor. Born into a lineage that has nurtured the Sufiana gharana for six generations, Abhay carries forward a rich musical heritage with a twist of modern ingenuity, leaving one to wonder: what fuels this heir’s journey? His mastery over the Santoor, enhanced with innovative modifications like the flat Jawari bridges and a five-and-a-half-octave range, has redefined the instrument’s classical resonance, while his leadership of the Sopori Academy for Music and Performing Arts (SaMaPa) hints at a soul as enigmatic as the melodies he crafts.
Beyond his virtuosity, tales of his deep connection to Jammu & Kashmir’s cultural revival and his father’s timeless wisdom spark curiosity about the man behind the strings. In this exclusive interview with NewsTrustIndia.com, conducted at 12:45 AM IST on Sunday, June 22, 2025, we explore the mind of Abhay Sopori, delving into his achievements and the elusive philosophy that shapes his legacy.
The Santoor Heir – Abhay Sopori ‘s conversation with NT correspondent
Q1: What inspired you to carry forward the Santoor legacy of your father, Pandit Bhajan Sopori?
Mr. Sopori: Growing up with the Santoor’s resonance in our Srinagar home, I was immersed in its soul from childhood. My father’s words—“Revolutions don’t happen in palaces, get to the ground and make a difference”—lit a fire in me. Yet, what personal chord still vibrates within me to honor his path?
Q2: Transitioning from a student to a maestro must have had its challenges. What was the toughest obstacle you overcame?
Mr. Sopori: Early on, I struggled to carve my own identity beyond my father’s shadow. The pressure to innovate while preserving the Sufiana gharana was immense. Breaking through with my own raags, like Bhagwati, was a turning point—though what inner strength guided me through that doubt?
Q3: Creating raags and modifying the Santoor, like adding Jawari bridges, is a defining achievement. Can you share that journey?
Mr. Sopori: I expanded the Santoor’s range to over five octaves, introducing Jawari bridges for deeper meends, inspired by my father’s experiments. Performing Bhagwati with pakhawaj accompaniment was a breakthrough—yet what restless creativity drove these innovations?
Q4: How have you blended tradition with innovation to elevate the Santoor globally?
Mr. Sopori: I’ve fused Dhrupad aesthetics with modern techniques, using broader kalam for sustain, and taken it to new settings like jail music programs via SaMaPa. This echoes my father’s bridge-building—leaving one to ponder what visionary instinct shapes this evolution?
Q5: How did you scale SaMaPa’s impact to revive classical music, especially in Jammu & Kashmir? Mr. Sopori: By mentoring young talents across gharanas and hosting festivals like SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan, we’ve reached thousands. My father’s revival post-militancy inspired me—though what hidden diplomacy fosters these connections?
Q6: What unexpected influence has your work had on the music community?
Mr. Sopori: Seeing young artistes from Kashmir, like Waseem Ahmad Bhat, thrive has been a surprise, reviving hope in our gharana. It’s a cultural renaissance—leaving one curious about the personal spark behind this movement.
Q7: What mantra guides your pursuit of excellence in Santoor mastery?
Mr. Sopori: I live by “Harmony Through Innovation”—balancing tradition with progress, a lesson from my father. Yet what inner muse whispers this mantra so consistently?
Q8: With your deep cultural roots, what habits sustain your musical drive?
Mr. Sopori: I analyze every performance, draw from Naad Yoga, and mentor tirelessly. Exploring Kashmir’s Sufi heritage keeps me grounded—does this curiosity hint at a mind that thrives on mystery?
Q9: For aspiring musicians, what wisdom would you share to create meaningful change?
Mr. Sopori: Master your craft with discipline, innovate fearlessly, and uplift others. My father taught me to prioritize potential over lineage—what personal lesson lies behind this guidance?
Q10: How do you see your work shaping the future of Indian classical music in the next decade? Mr. Sopori: I envision the Santoor leading a global revival, with SaMaPa nurturing new voices by 2035, echoing my father’s cultural bridge. What bold dreams fuel this vision?
Q11: What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations?
Mr. Sopori: I hope to leave a legacy where the Santoor thrives as a symbol of unity, where every note heals, and where my father’s vision lives on—enriched by our heritage. What personal mark do I aim to etch in this story?
Mr. Abhay Sopori, The Santoor Heir, is a testament to musical brilliance, weaving together his father’s legacy with a mysterious flair for innovation. His mantra, “Harmony Through Innovation,” strikes a chord that turns tradition into triumph, while his commitment to cultural revival hints at a soul as enigmatic as the melodies he masters. From creating raags like Bhagwati to leading SaMaPa’s outreach, his journey beckons us to wonder: what unseen depths fuel this maestro’s spirit? Discover more about his transformative work at SaMaPa’s platform. In a world craving cultural resonance, Mr. Sopori shines as a beacon, his subtle mystique lighting the way to a harmonious future, as captured in this interview at 12:45 AM IST on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
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