Aditya Sutar, an emerging flautist, believes that Bansuri is not just an ancient instrument with a melodious sound but a guide to living a peaceful life, forming deeper connections with one’s conscience. In an exclusive interview with Guru Vijay Shanker, Aditya shares how the bansuri or flute has the ability to heal, stabilize, and transform people’s lives. Aditya Sutar recently performed a duet with violin maestro Anup Kulthe and tabla player Tanay Rege in Bangalore.
The start of a journey
Aditya Sutar hails from Sangli in Maharashtra and received his earlier lessons in flute under the guidance of flautist S.B. Jadhav. He was later advised to seek advanced training under Pt Rupak Kulkarni, who is a senior disciple of the world-renowned maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and has established Pt Rupak Kulkarni Flute Academy in Shivaji Park, Dadar.
Flute, a source of mindfulness
In today’s stressful world, mental and physical wellbeing is of utmost importance. Learning to play the bansuri enhances deep, controlled breathing required to produce a stable tone is a powerful practice in itself – it improves lung capacity, boosts oxygen flow, and calms the nervous system. Over time, this practice becomes almost meditative, balancing the mind and body in a way similar to pranayama, which again relates to breathing properly, both inhalation and exhalation.
Many students have shared how regular flute practice has helped them manage anxiety, build focus and find a daily source of calm and peace of mind. For students across all disciplines – not just music – the bansuri can be a transformative companion.
Do not be misled by the idea that it is “too difficult” or “too traditional” for modern life. When you start learning, you should have an open mind like a child, willing to learn and experiment for the betterment of life and wellbeing. On the contrary – its timelessness makes it more relevant than ever. Whether you are a science student, an athlete, or someone simply seeking peace, the bansuri has something to offer you, as it relates to the most important aspect of living – the breathing. It doesn’t require electricity or fancy studios with air conditioning. It only asks for your breath and your sincere and complete involvement in the process of breathing.
The perfect instrument
We need to bring the Bansuri back into the mainstream – not just as an instrument of the past but as a bridge to a healthier, more mindful future. Anyone and everyone should learn the flute; it’s not necessary to become a lover of music or to become a professional musician, as it concerns the core aspect of living, which relates to human beings from every stratum of society or of any community or religion that does not matter.
Whenever you are going through any problems, you are immediately asked to take deep breaths in order to enhance the inflow of breathing. It is not necessary to become a professional musician in order to experience the joy and the benefits of the flute.
The bansuri is for everyone – children, students, working professionals, and elders. It enhances breathing, reduces stress, improves mental focus and concentration, and deepens emotional expression. For students, it builds discipline and enhances confidence. For adults, it’s a meditative experience; for elders, it reconnects them to breathing properly while seeking solace within. The flute can fit into any lifestyle as a simple and profound practice that supports both health and happiness. Learning the flute is not just about playing music – it’s about discovering harmony within yourself.
Spreading the sound
Aditya teaches at the academy and performs regularly at various music festivals in India and overseas, like the Bangkok International Dance and Music Festival in Thailand and at the Opera House in Dubai. Received the NCPA Youth Scholarship (2024), the Kalaratna award, the Samaj Gaurav award, and the Pt Bhimsen Joshi Youth Scholarship Adiya also won first prize in the International Music Competition organised by the Kor Institute of Music, Canada, and has been completely devoted to the divine flute music for more than fifteen years.
