// Annapurna Devi by Atul Merchant

Reading about Annapurna Devi was a learning process. Atul Merchant takes us into the world of a reclusive legend who barely appeared in the public eye. Much of her life was a mystery, only a handful of her close acquaintances being aware of her charming personality. Having gone through certain tragedies, much has been written about her relationship with her husband, Pandit Ravi Shankar. Atul Merchant thought it only fair to put forth the life of his Guru Ma whom he came to respect and adore in complete transparency. This birthed the book that I've now read.

Atul goes way back, starting from her legendary father who was a renowned musician. Allauddin Khan was well respected and revered in the musical community and he trained his children, Ali Akbar Khan and Annapurna Devi from a very young age. He was a strict teacher. We watch Annapurna Devi transform into a talented young lady who later went on to make her name in the music industry. Her marriage with Pandit Ravi Shankar was perhaps her biggest tragedy. It pulled her down, turning her into a private person who stopped giving public performances.

As Atul explains the relationship she shared with her famous students, he writes about how this woman was compassionate and genial. Although this book was meant to focus on Guru Ma, I couldn't help but feel that it leaned more towards her father. I could feel her being sidelined. This book has been knowledgeable but I wish there was more about her in the pages.

If you're a music enthusiast, I have a feeling that this may just be your cup of tea.