In her conversation with Khanak Digital, Ms.Miller was her candid self. Drawing upon the elements that make the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival the success it is, she spoke about the sustained effort and meticulous curation in every event at the iconic festival, especially music.
Brinda Miller: The Wind beneath the wings of the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Q) Can you tell us about your long association with the iconic Kala Ghoda Art Festival?
A) It has been a long journey with the Kala Ghoda Art Festival — over two decades now. This is the 26th year, except for the first year I’ve been associated with it for almost 25 years, As an art lover, I felt an affinity toward the whole concept and offered my services to the group as a volunteer. That’s how it all began. It was never easy, and I somehow felt responsible for its growth and success.
Q) How were the early days of the art festival before it became what it is today?
A) Thankfully, the festival grew very fast, which was encouraging. We began on a small scale — in parking lots, on sidewalks, in art galleries, and other such available spaces. Initially, it was mostly limited to weekends. Yet again, we had excellent participation from great artists like Mr. Zakir Hussain. It became huge within three to four years. There were people who would actually climb onto ledges just to get a view of the events. After three or four years, it was time for us to look for sponsorship.
Q) The musical events have also received a great response at Kala Ghoda.
A) We must thank IPRS and Ms Rumpa Banerjee for making this happen. They have always been very supportive. We host a variety of music events, including Hindustani and Carnatic classical, fusion, jazz, and Bollywood. People come to experience the diversity on offer at the festival, and we truly love that.
Q) What are the selection criteria for artists or bands for the festival?
A) Each section has its own curator. It is a mix of young and experienced curators who bring their unique perspective to the selection process. I, along with many others, contribute ideas as well. It is challenging to present something new every year, and that is always our aim. I personally receive many emails from artists who wish to perform, and these are forwarded to the curators. The good thing is that artists now approach us proactively, mainly because the platform has gained prominence and they realize the value of performing at Kala Ghoda.
Q) What role does social media play in the music audition process?
A) Social media has helped tremendously. Participation now happens through virtual interaction, which was not possible earlier. Artists, including bands, send their links via social media. Everything can happen online — artists share their YouTube links and performance videos for review.
Q) You have showcased some of the most talented musicians of India on this platform. How was it made possible?
A) Yes, we have. We brought in the Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland — I had seen them perform earlier and thought they were very good. We had wanted them at the festival for some time, and we were finally able to feature them. Apart from that, we had Abhijit Pohankar’s Global Warkari on the IPRS Stage- a unique music presentation, which was very well received this year. Time and again, we have hosted famous musicians like Rahul Deshpande, who draws large audiences and is popular with everyone. We have also featured Farhan Akhtar, who is widely known and attracts huge crowds whenever he performs. This year, we had Dharavi Rocks — an old band comprising very simple, grounded people who have great music to showcase. They, too, were very well received. Even Black Sapphire, the band from Goa, did a great job. People come here to listen to all kinds of music — music that is already popular, as well as new and diverse sounds. They are open to appreciation and eager to experience variety.
Q) How did you go about marketing the festival?
A) When we began seeking sponsors, there was a good response. The fact that the festival is non-commercial conveyed our noble intent to prospective sponsors, and they came on board. The Times of India became our media sponsor and helped us garner a lot of publicity. There was always concern about finances in the initial years, but getting The Times of India on board helped us secure both funds and the required publicity for the Kala Ghoda Art Festival.
Q) You are an artist yourself, and there is a perception that artists are not good marketers. In a way, you have broken that myth to a great extent. How did you do it?
A) You are right — artists are generally believed to be rather ordinary when it comes to managing finances. I do not consider myself a financial expert, but I was always very careful. I managed expenses like a housewife running a household — every bill, food expense, and transport cost was accounted for. Nothing was left to chance. I would also like to say that I had a great team. It was a mix of young and experienced people, and they all shared a certain madness and passion for making it happen.
Q) You named this edition of the festival “Ahead of the Curve.” What was the thought behind it?
A) It is an ambitious title, and the idea was to go all out. After a successful 25th year, it was important that we followed it up with something spectacular. That is where the name came from. We had many options, but we finally settled on “Ahead of the Curve.”
Q) In your view, what are the most endearing features of the Kala Ghoda Festival?
A) The fact that the festival is free from commercial interests on the part of the organisers is a big plus. Many artists perform at lower rates because they believe in the spirit of the festival. People from all walks of life attend — the poor, the rich, the young, and the old — everyone flocks to the venues and enjoys the fest. Appreciation has grown even more in the post-COVID period. People truly missed it during the year it did not take place. I do this purely for the gratification it brings. The number of people who greet and thank me for the festival makes all the effort worthwhile.