Melodies, Memories & Santoor Magic
Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori is known to make people's soul drift with his magical santoor tunes. This Santoor Maestro, Composer, Music Conductor and Musicologist, lets us in on the person behind the santoor, sharing his stories, quirks, and personal favourites
What is your favourite childhood memory?
This was in the 80s. Every Sunday morning, just before Ramayan was aired on TV, my father would gather me and the colony friends and take us through the neighborhood’s small circuit of faith. We grew up visiting every place of worship around us, be it a temple, dargah, mosque or church. After the round was done, we played cricket and then settled in to watch Ramayan. Those mornings felt blessed, as we were instilled the virtue of humanity and oneness. We waited all week for that one perfect Sunday.
The special name that your loved ones call you by:
Jippy, in all its little variations.
How would you describe your personality while you were growing up?
I was fortunate to have a well-balanced childhood. I was the sweet, studious, mischievous, but only within limits, equal parts, scrappy and cheeky. And, a sum of quiet rhythm of curiosity.
Are you in touch with your childhood best friend?
Yes, his name is Zahoor Khan.
An advice that you’d give to your teenage self:
There is far more to life than what meets our eyes. It unfolds slowly, like an endless raga—notes revealing themselves one delicate stroke at a time.
A hobby that defines you:
Music - listening and learning from it and immersing myself in its many layers. Exploring more about AI that can help my music reach further and resonate with more people. And, doom scrolling reels if it gets the luxury of time.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
The power to embody the many virtues my father hones. These are the qualities that make him an almost superhuman to me. If I could reflect even a small part of his strength, grace, and quiet wisdom, I’d feel my life was truly worthwhile.
Three things that people don’t know about you:
- I have a quick wit, with the world’s best puns and PJs.
- I once played hockey at the national level.
- I find simple joy in playing with my cats at midnight, when the world is quiet and everything else fades away.
Most used app on the phone:
Music related apps like iTablaPro, and Pakhawaj, and Instagram.
What’s your most used emoji? 😇
What’s one item you can’t leave home without?
My phone, and watch.
Team Chai or Team Coffee:
Chai
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
I’d love to be the head of the Indian Military Force, with powers where I can spread more humanity.
Three things you would want to take if you were stuck on an island:
Ready-to-eat food, drinking water, my santoor, and I am sorted for life.
If you were to pen down your life story, what would be the title of your biography?
Legacy – Before and After.
...and if turned into a movie which actor would play the lead role?
Ranbir Kapoor
What would you do if you were gifted a billion dollars, no strings attached?
Set up an institute called Sa Ma Pa, into a full-fledged Indian Classical Music Academy.
What’s one irrational fear that you have?
I have a pitbull, and contrary to the breed’s fierce reputation, my Litchie is a complete pookie. She’s so friendly that I can’t help but worry that someone might just steal her. Litchie just too lovable to resist.
An artist whose tune you'd love to dance on:
When it comes to dancing, I have two left feet, but I can still groove on the legendary Michael Jackson’s songs.
A dish that makes your mouth water:
My mother’s Kashmiri rice kheer.
What a dream Sunday looks like?
Doing absolutely nothing the whole day.
Would you like to be the President or Prime Minister of India?
Surely, the President.
Any parting away words:
Love your life, believe in yourself, and live each day with a sense of divinity and devotion to your family. And, never forget to groove, hum, and dance to the rhythm of the music that moves your soul.