The Call of Music: 8 Stories of Hindustani Musicians

by Priya Purushothaman

'... a rich and beautiful meditation on the greatest of our art forms.' - Ramachandra Guha

The Call of Music traces the journeys of eight singular voices in Hindustani music - some acclaimed performers, others quiet torchbearers who create, teach and sustain the tradition far from the public eye. From the narrow lanes of Kashipur to the sweeping hills of San Rafael, these artists emerge from vastly different worlds, yet each has devoted their life to music with unflinching conviction and artistic courage.

Among them are the heirs of musical legacies, grappling with the weight of inheritance; vocalists who challenge gendered assumptions embedded in the tradition; instrumentalists who reimagine the expressive possibilities of their craft; a sarangi player navigating the complexities of caste and faith; and a tabla maestro bridging a lineage ruptured by Partition.

As these musicians forge their identities within a classical tradition, they reveal an artform not only enduring, but continually transforming - connecting generations, reshaping boundaries and resonating anew. What binds them is a profound surrender to the art, a deep-seated devotion that transcends convention and circumstance. Together, they form a luminous, emotionally textured portrait of a musical legacy - rooted and radically alive.

Genres: Music

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2025

Reviews

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are books about music, and then there are books that feel like music, books that hold a certain cadence, a slow intensifying raga-like swell, a sense of breath that travels between silence and revelation. "The Call of Music" belongs to the later category. Priya Purushothaman attempts something deceptively simple yet emotionally demanding, to capture not the performance of Hindustani music, but the people who breathe life into it, often far from applause, stages, and limelight.

This is not just a cultural document. It is a collection of lived experiences, of caste and inheritance, of gender and geography, of devotion and rebellion. What emerges is a portrait of classical music not as a relic frozen in reverence, but as a living, aching, evolving organism.

One of the strongest thematic threads is the weight of lineage. Those born into musical families carry both privilege and pressure, the expectation to uphold a gharana’s name, to embody a legacy that is larger than their own voice. She captures this without romanticization. These musicians often feel trapped between reverence and reinvention.
This is where the book shines, it refuses to portray classical inheritance as a halo. It shows it for what it is, burden, blessing, and battleground.

Some of the most affecting chapters are the ones where women vocalists confront the quiet misogyny embedded in the tradition. The gender bias is not loud; it is insidious, lurking in the repertoire they’re allowed to learn, the mentors assigned to them, the way audiences assess their “purity” before their artistry.

Perhaps the most powerful chapter revolves around the sarangi player negotiating caste identity and religious tension. Hindustani music, often celebrated as "pure" heritage, carries within it a history of exclusion, invisibility, and erasure. She does not flinch from this reality.

Finally, each story circles back to the same axis, surrender. Devotion not as ritual, but as a way of existing in the world. These musicians live a life shaped by rigorous discipline, lifelong uncertainty, emotional vulnerability and unwavering faith in their art. The emotional quietness of this theme is what stays with you long after the last page.

✍️ Strengths :

🔸The author's greatest achievement is her ability to see musicians as people first. Their struggles, their mundane routines, their private disappointments, nothing is glossed over. The narrative is textured, slow-burning, and empathetic.

🔸The book does not sanitize the darker truths of Indian classical music, be it caste, gender, or inherited privilege. It demands that readers confront these complexities.

🔸Her descriptions of small rooms, echoing halls, guru-shishya exchanges, or even the silence before the first note, everything feels lived, not researched.

🔸Even readers unfamiliar with classical music will find themselves drawn in. The human emotions take precedence over technicalities.

✒️ Areas for Improvement :

▪️The author's voice sometimes intrudes too much into certain chapters, and recedes too much in others. While the intention is to center the musician, the imbalance occasionally disrupts immersion.

▪️All eight musicians share the same nucleus, love for music. While that is the premise, some stories begin to echo each other emotionally, reducing the individuality of their journeys.

In conclusion, it is a rare gift, a book that listens before it narrates. It does not lecture about Hindustani music; it opens a door into its living rooms, its unlit corners, its rituals, its scars, its triumphs. Priya Purushothaman captures the humanity behind the art with a tenderness that feels earned, not manufactured. In a world obsessed with speed, algorithms, and instant gratification, this book reminds us of something essential, real art survives only because people surrender their entire lives to it.

[Harshii Reads & Yaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECES I’ve ever read. 🪷❤️

The Call of Music by Priya Purushothaman is more than just a book , it’s a hidden legacy, a cultural treasure, & a true inspiration ✨️

Through the stories of eight Hindustani musicians, the book takes us into the heart of Indian classical music, not just as an art form, but as a way of life. 🎼😌

The picture in this book, so lively & meaningful 😍😍

These are stories of devotion, discipline, and courage. They remind us that music is not only performed on stage, but lived every single day. 🦋🎶

What I loved most is how the author captures the human side of these artists. She doesn’t just write about their talent or achievements, she shows us their struggles, their sacrifices, their deep emotional bond with music, and the sheer determination it takes to keep a centuries-old tradition alive. 🥰🥰 How beautiful!

Each journey is unique, From quiet practice rooms to the grandest stages, their stories & music is survival, identity, and love.🪷💫

This book is not just about Hindustani classical music, it’s about the human spirit that keeps it alive.☺️ It’s about passion, perseverance, and the courage to dedicate yourself to something greater than you.

It’s a book that touches both the heart and the soul. Truly, a masterpiece that I’ll carry with me for a long time.🤗

[Ruchika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, we think we are aware of every aspect of our country, but there are important topics that often go unnoticed music is one of them. Great musicians play a crucial role in shaping culture, and this book highlights just that.

The Call of Music shares the stories of eight Hindustani musicians. It gives the real vibe of Hindustani classical music and introduces us to artists who have poured their soul into their craft. Reading their journeys is inspiring not just for music lovers, but for anyone seeking motivation in life.

I was especially inspired by Alam Khan, who dedicated himself to mastering music with courage and determination, even though it wasn’t his initial path. Rumi Harish also stood out for highlighting gender equality in the Hindustani classical music world. Their stories reminded me of the importance of contributing to our culture and pursuing our dreams with dedication.

This book is highly recommendable for anyone looking for inspiration and insight into the world of Hindustani music. It doesn’t just teach about music it teaches about passion, courage, and perseverance.

[Akshay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lovely little bundle of joy. Priya handles each story with love and care.

Alam Khan’s discovering himself in US, Shubhada ji balancing music and family, Rumi’s exploration of his trans identity. Each story evokes a different thread with the underlying theme of love for music. You have Sbhubha Joshi ji, who is exploring thumris. You have hereditary musicians fighting caste and going into research. You also have Bhaunik ji, with a long and untiring journey of battling poverty. He tells his tale of overcoming losses and living a life fraught with ups and downs.

Priya’s style is open and simple. She talks about herself too. In an era where books on classical music are rare and usually complicated, this one is a refresher.

[Anwesha Chattoraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I want to tell that if you are a musician specially a classical one then this book is going to be your favourite. I can definitely recommend this without doubt. Am not from musical background and don't have knowledge much but the writing is so beautiful that I loved this book so much.

This book has eight stories and all are different but their root is same: Music. In this book you will find struggle, difficulties, passion, dedication for music. Indeed this book is a beautiful call of music.