Lou Majaw’s relationship with The Park is well known, and on December 2, the 76-year-old aka ‘the Bob Dylan of India’ owned the Someplace Else stage, belting out numbers like Hey Love, Ain’t Got Nothing, Yakeroo Blues, Soulful Reggae, Rose In My Garden, Set Your Soul On Fire and Knocking On Heaven’s Door. On stage, he was accompanied by Shepherd Star Najiar (on guitar), Albert Ryntathiang aka AK (on bass), and Redeem Sten Pakma aka Sten (on drums). Lou’s smile and energy are infectious, and, like a true rockstar, he grooved to a mixed bag of covers and originals. A Telegraph chat with the veteran performer...
Where do you get such energy from?
I get this energy from my love for music! (smiles).
Apart from Dylan, who are the other artistes that inspire you?
A host of other artistes has inspired me. Leonard Cohen would be one among many. There are many from Calcutta, a city that produces lots and lots of quality songwriters and musicians! I’d begin with the great Rabindranath Tagore, and some talented songwriters from way back in the ’70s, Dilip Balakrishnan and so many others. The city is so talented, and new talent emerges in every decade. It’s very meaningful for me to be back in Calcutta. I share my love for music with them.
Tell us about your relationship with Someplace Else...
Well, time wouldn’t matter because I never got through high school (laughs). The last time is just like the first time! Whenever there is music going on, it’s like another page in life! So, I think all of it was special. Music transports me to another world altogether and makes any night oh-so-very-special!
Is there a Dylan song that’s a must-sing for you?
Ahh! There are so many songs! Blowin’ In The Wind is one of my favourites. But I’d say even if it’s a must-sing on our setlist, we hardly get the time to reach that one song I love the most!
What other kind of music do you like?
I like Indian classical music! I really love Hariprasad Chaurasia’s music. All that troubles your mind, your body and soul, he takes them all away!
What’s the key to your confidence and how have you managed to keep your soul unscathed in this journey of being an artiste?
The secret is to love what you do. And I truly love what I do from the bottom of my heart. I don’t believe in leaving behind a legacy, but doing what you are doing the best you can!
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
