Sumit’s love for music

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Sumit Kapoor with his son. Picture: SUPPLIED

SUMIT Kapoor has come a long way in his life and for him, being able to have music in his life has come as a blessing.

In this week’s Backtrack’s column, this newspaper caught up with Sumit and how he is developing a career in the music and entertainment industry.

Originally from Bulileka in Labasa, Sumit’s interest in music started when he was in Year 6 and attending Bulileka Sanatan Dharm Primary School.

“I was attending tabla classes at the Indian Cultural Centre in Labasa when I grew fond of music. After that I took part in tabla competitions and kirtan competitions as I grew up,” Sumit said.

“My main mentor was my grandfather, Prema Nand, who is a retired schoolteacher now. He was the one who devoted himself to help me learn about music. I started off with Rishikul Ramayan Mandali in Year 6 in Labasa.

“Actually, nearly my whole family comes from a music background. My father, grandfather and my grandmother as well love singing and music.”

Sumit said he got used to playing the tabla because he always took part in school functions. “I used to play the tabla during concerts. Also performed at various schools as well,” he said.

Now residing in Suva and working as an electrician at the Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL), he is part of a mandali at Bureta St in Samabula called Nav Ketan Ramayan Mandali.

“I have been living in Suva for the last 11 years. During this time, I have performed with Nitin Nilesh, a renowned kirtan artist in the country. Did two shows playing the naal,” he said.

“I know how to play the guitar, keyboard, tabla, naal and dholak. Whenever I have performed, response from the listeners has been good.”

Sumit added that he recently posted videos of him playing different types of beats on social media and the public’s response had been tremendous over a short period of time.

“I have also started to sing recently. I sing kirtan for the mandali. I also sing Bollywood songs on karaoke,” he said.

“I visited New Zealand recently with my friend and we both performed in front of friends and family.”

He said his son, four-year-old Nyrav Kapoor also took interest in singing and playing the tabla.

“He is also learning slowly and practises with me whenever I sit down to perform or rehearse. I also want him to have music and singing as part of his life as he grows up,” he said.

When it came to the future, Sumit said he was planning to form a local band group and also learn how to play other new musical instruments.

“My biggest strength has been the support of my family. They have supported me in every step and also my friends,” he said.

His main message to parents was that it was important for them to teach their children the significance of cultural values, music and singing so that children would learn and understand their culture and heritage.

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