Latest news with #KKALA
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kailash Kher wants Indian music to be taught in schools, beyond just Sa Re Ga Ma
For Kailash Kher, music is one of the purest art forms — not just a means of entertainment, but a powerful tool to educate people about their roots. The 52-year-old singer believes that music can serve as a bridge to understanding culture and history, which is why he is in talks with governments to integrate it into school curriculums in a more meaningful way. Kailash Kher wants music studies to become an essential part of the curriculum 'What is happening is that people are forgetting how important music can be in helping one understand their culture and history. These days, music is only being used for entertainment, and I want to change that,' says the Teri Deewani hitmaker. Through his KKALA (Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Arts) the singer is already in touch with over '500 schools' in Maharashtra alone, with plans to expand the initiative across the country. 'Children today are getting alienated, they don't understand what Indian music really is. Everyone thinks music is 100 years old, but that's not true. In India, music has been there for thousands of years, but no one knows that,' he points out. The 52-year-old emphasises that his aim is not just to teach children how to sing, but to make them aware of the history and cultural context of Indian music. 'When I say teach music, I don't mean just how to sing Sa Re Ga Ma... I want them to learn how ragas came into existence, what their purpose is, and the stories behind them. Only when they understand that will they truly learn about music — and that is what we want to do,' he explains. For him, this understanding is vital to shaping young minds. 'Learning about Indian music will make children more rooted in their identity and proud of their heritage. If they know where it comes from and why it matters, they won't just be singing a tune — they'll be carrying forward a legacy,' he says.
Hans India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Kailash Kher champions folk and independent music as India rediscovers its cultural soul
Renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher is witnessing a powerful shift in India's music landscape—and he's all for it. In a recent interaction, the 'Saiyyan' hitmaker spoke passionately about how independent and folk music are gaining long-overdue recognition, breaking free from the shadows of Bollywood. Kher emphasized that he prefers to talk about music as a holistic art form rather than segmenting it into film and non-film categories. 'I don't really talk in terms of 'Bollywood' music. I speak of music as a whole,' he said. According to him, platforms dedicated to nurturing independent voices have played a crucial role in uplifting folk artists such as the Manganiyars and Ghumantu tribes—musicians who were once limited to local performances but are now receiving national attention and stage presence. As regional language politics dominate some public discourse, Kher urged audiences to refocus on India's cultural richness and artistic roots. 'Today, we're talking about art—education through art, evolution through art, cultural literacy through art. Learn the art of true living. Compare our lifestyle with that of the West, and you'll see the difference,' he noted. Through his initiative, KKALA (Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Art), Kher hopes to redefine how music and culture are taught and experienced. 'Most music schools teach songs and ragas but rarely address personality, listening ability, or understanding of lyrics. KKALA is about discovering who you are. It's about shaping individuals through art,' he explained. He also highlighted the contrast in cultural appreciation between India and the West. 'In the West, entire celebrity families buy tickets and attend musical events. That kind of cultural respect needs to grow here,' Kher added. KKALA is not just a music school—it is a space where students are encouraged to find their true calling. 'Sometimes someone joins to learn music, but we discover they have a great sense of storytelling, or a natural eye for the camera. We guide them accordingly. We help carve the uncut diamonds,' he said. For Kailash Kher, music is more than entertainment—it's a means to cultivate identity, culture, and purpose. His mission now is to make sure that India's vast, vibrant, and often overlooked folk traditions are not only preserved but celebrated on the grandest stages.
