Pilu is a very flexible raga giving scope to introduce several melodic combinations
essentially based on established Thumri and/ or other light classical compositions.
However one requires high level musicallity to blend such forms into mainstream
theme of the recital. Many knowledgeable musicians opined that only U. V. Khan
played authentic thumri form on sitar. Others played what we could call a dhun. Of 4/5
palta variations of Pilu that we have, the first one could be called Sudha Pilu palta.
Further to my observation re: Pilu- I would like to add few further remarks. While it
requires a remarkable ability to blend a new element- rang- during the recital,it requires
a deep knowledge about the additional element, to develop it’s elaboration. As we
know it is important to set it’s rang before changing over to original theme.
Q41
Namaste Guruji. In raga Pilu, shades of which other ragas can be brought in? Can you
please elaborate on what is Shuddh Pilu and how other ragas can come in without
losing the ethos of Pilu? Thanks and have*
Guruji, I would therefore think that it would be useful to know bandishes (thumri etc)
to be able to effectively portray different shades. Am I right?
It is not enough to know only the melody/ wording of the concerned thumri- you should
know how to develop its hues appropriately.