In conversation with Guitarist Tridib Choudhury
Tridib Choudhury has become a recurrent name among the music locale for his exceptional passion and dedication towards his guitar. He is known for his mesmerizing and dazzling stage performance with the power of bringing the crowd to the podium. Recently he underwent a spinal Surgery due to a horrifying accident, nonetheless, he has been surging his six string vigorously. He shares his experience playing at Great Indian Rock along with his band Prestorika (New Delhi) and few of his formidable shows with us.
Here is Tridib Choudhury with The Northeast Today
TNT: A big hello from TNT to you. When and how the guitar journey begin?
Tridib: A Big Hello from my side too. Well, I was in the eight standard when I started to play the guitar in my hometown Bongaigaon. Maa had a Reynolds acoustic guitar, so I used to randomly strum anything or play notes on it, which actually did not make any sense. Then, my Uncle (Santu Khura) taught me how to play the song Ek-do-teen from the movie Tezaab and one Bihu melody. I took classes after that but in every class I learnt new movie songs, be it Jadoo Teri Nazar or Baazigar. That was it, till I bought two audio cassettes on my birthday, one was Machine Head by Deep Purple and Second was The Greatest Hits of Guns N' Roses.
At first, I couldn't get understand the music but slowly I started to like it and one day when my cousin brother Tutun da(Parijat Purkayastha) came to our place from Guwahati, he played highway star/smoke on the water/no prayer for the dying/paranoid and wasting love. Later on, it was he who actually taught me the intros of these song and he is the one who taught me the basic fundamentals of guitar playing unlike the way I was learning. And from then on, there was no turning back. After Graduation, I went to Delhi and started learning from Mr. Edwin A.J Fernandes, who we all know, is one of the best guitar players in India. Under his guidance I was able to develop my playing style and technique.
TNT. What sorts of music you mostly enjoy working with and why? What are the underlying themes behind your music?
Tridib: To be honest I really enjoy working with the kind of music which is out n out guitar oriented. Be it the acoustic or the over-driven sound of the guitar. I usually stick to Rock/Progressive/Metal/Funk/Instrumental/Acoustic. My all time favorite.
TNT. You have played with so many artistes across the nation. Which are the concerts that you played, have left a mind blowing impact on the people till date?
Tridib: Well I think there are a quite few of them. It's hard to pick up only one or two among the lot. One definitely will be the Great Indian Rock Concert where I played with Prestorika in Delhi and Mumbai back in the year 2006. Secondly Headlining IIT Guwahati Alcheringa with Prestorika, also in the year 2006. Then again with Oritus playing in BITS Pilani, The Jack Daniel Set in Delhi, Independence Rock Delhi and opening for Swedish Rockers Empire Dogs and Parikrama in Delhi. And with fusion acts Shwaas And Vedanta at the Delhi International Arts Festival. Also with Aditya Jassi at the City Of M Music Festival in Hyderabad.
TNT. What went wrong that made you bedridden for so long? Our readers would love to know the way you overcome it.
Tridib: What went wrong?? That's what I don't remember but I slipped. Falling from a 100-150ft height. It was bad. But lucky enough to be alive and answering your questions. My Family has kept the hope in me all this while. And special mention needs to be given here to my father. He is the one actually. The backbone, who is constantly taking care of my problems 24/7. My Maa who is always there for me encouraging me throughout. She is also my Guitar Tech these days. She helps me rig my guitar. And my elder Brother and Bou(Sister-in-law) makes sure I have all the things I need.
Apart from my family members, the doctors and the staff of Nemcare Hospital, GNRC, Lower Assam Hospital has been a steady support. Here I would like to extend a very special thanks to Dr. Navanil Barua who also happens to be my Mama(Uncle). He has been a like a pillar to me during the initial days of my accident. And Dr Ameng Tham, from Lower Assam Hospital has been persistently helping me since my operation.
People say you need to have mental strength to overcome any hardship in your life but I am lucky to have my family, relatives and friends who never fail to cheer me up and help me to get over whatever happened in a positive way. And also Joi Barua's sudden visit to our home was inspiring and the small chat which we had actually motivated me.
TNT. Despite of the tragic incident, you have been playing your guitar outspokenly. What keeps you motivated?
Tridib: Well I think that's the power of music, which keeps me motivated.
TNT. Apart from guitar/music production, in what else tasks you like to engage yourself in your free time?
Tridib: Well watching comedy central, live concerts videos and playing Hill Climbing and Sniper Assassin.
TNT. What advice would you like to give to the upcoming musicians?
Tridib: Take some time to practice and make it perfect before you hit the stage.
TNT. Any Specific future plans in mind?
Tridib: No plans as of now. The only thing I have in my mind is to stand and walk and run.
TNT. Thank you for being with us. We pray for your fast recovery.
Tridib: Thank you very much. Your prayers and good wishes have made me come a long way.
(Ritu Raj Boruah for The Northeast Today)
