Chetaram

Chetaram is one of the rare instrumentalists who have mastered the art of playing Shehnai as this instrument seems to be disappearing as time takes its course. Chetaram has been with this group for over a decade and has learned to play various instruments like Dhol, Nagada, and Karnal during that time span.

Chetaram’s father is a farmer who also played Shehnai during his youthful years but had to quit and move on to the field of agriculture in order to earn a living. Chetaram himself works three different jobs while exploring his interests in music. Although, he is fond of traditional folk music he operates DJ systems at various events when needed and works as a tailor and an electrician along with that.

He gets to perform at a mere three events every month and charges a modest amount of 500 rupees for every show that he does. He considers Jagannath Ji as his musical guru and learned to play Shehnai from Shivram who is one of the highly experienced and coveted players of the instrument in the region. Chetaram is keen on learning as much as he can about the art form and wishes to turn it into his profession with time.

• Himachal Pradesh
• Kullu