The Disciple is a Marathi film that got a release on Netflix on April 30th, 2021. It is a student's journey, Sharad Nerulkar, who wants to dedicate his life to Indian Classical Music. He has a Guru (teacher) who has mastery over the particular form called Khayal of Indian Classical music.
Sharad also has a virtual teacher. He has recordings of the teachings of a Singer who is referred to as Maayi. Sharad has converted the old tapes into digital files, and he listens to those while commuting on his bike. This post is not a movie review. It is my takes on those recording of Maayi which Sharad listens to.
Let us start with the very first recording, which starts around the 8th minute in the movie. It’s an older women’s voice (Maayi) in the Background of a Veena(musical instrument). Maayi starts by setting a context of Indian Classical Music and what it takes to learn it. She says people have to spend their life even to get started with it. It is not child’s play and requires complete devotion. She says the scriptures and texts talk about the elements of this art and give a clear indication that it's a path towards eternal truth and God. And if one wants to go on this path, then the person has to renounce everything. If one is interested in money, fame, and a good lifestyle, they should learn to sing movie songs. This path is not for them. If you want to choose this path, you have to be ready to be alone and stay hungry.
Sharad takes inspiration from the words of Maayi. Like any young dreamer, he wants to take this path. One can see a clear focus and dedication in his body language. He listens to Maayi with complete trust. Her words are guiding him in his pursuit of perfection and purity in his art.
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