Pandit Jasraj feels reality shows have benefited classical music

Bhopal: Veteran vocalist Pandit Jasraj feels reality shows like ‘Indian Idol’ have benefited Indian classical music and its artists.

"The winner of reality shows like `Indian Idol`, who are hyped and for whom audience sends SMS to make them win, could not be remembered after three years. But even such shows have benefited Indian classical music and its artists," Pandit Jasraj told reporters. He arrived in the City of Lakes Monday to take part in a private function. "Such shows have created audience. These audiences want to listen to different things because in reality shows same songs are sung again and again by different singers and audiences get bored. Therefore, they turn to classical music," Pandit Jasraj added. The veteran artist said that the Indian classical music has the depth which is missing in other genres. He said he is using technology to spread awareness about the Indian classical music and added: "I not only use video conference but Skype also to teach students outside the country." Recently the music maestro came under sharp criticism because he missed the Bharat Bhavan`s 30th anniversary function. He is the chairman of the multi-cultural centre. Commenting on his absence, he said: "I think the invitation either missed my eyes or did not reach me." IANS