Delving into Indian culture

Vikram Lall is commonly known for designing the Akshardham Temple in Delhi and the Buddha Smriti Park in Patna. Through his non-profit organisation Society for Art Appreciation and Research (SAAR),

he delves into a better understanding of visual and performing arts. Vikram is currently doing a TV series on Doordarshan titled ‘Baithak’. He also authored a 6-book series titled ‘Architecture of the Buddhist World’

Excerpts

Can you explain about your interest in art?

I’m interested in exploring and finding out deeper meanings of Indian cultural traditions, not just superficially. With mass media and the internet, people want to know things very quickly but I have a deep engagement with traditional Indian culture to find its roots.

What is your association with Hyderabad?

Hyderabad is a great city. The last time I visited was 10-12 years ago when I was involved in the designing of the International School of Business here. I was the architect from the client’s side for two years when it was being built. Karachi biscuit and Hyderabadi biryani were about the only authentic food I tasted from the city then, and I liked them!

Do you think music that was once popular, such as the Bhakti music is equally popular today?

The great thing about India is that there is a continuity of traditions. In that, you speak the language, wear clothes, eat food and also celebrate festivals that are somehow connected with the traditions. The only place where we don’t continue this is actually in architecture, where we mostly try to make modern buildings. But there too, there are instances where we try to use traditional architectural designs in a modern way.

What is it that has stood out to you through your research on culture?

Deccani literature, poetry, Noornama and Deccani folk songs by women that have been used in Sufi traditions. Deccan has played a huge role in the cultivation of Urdu because there was no Urdu before Deccan. Banda Nawaz Gaisu Daraz, when he came here he brought those traditions of Sufism here and transformed this place. At SAAR, we did a lot of research on Deccani poetry and had a talk at Delhi on that.

By:Elita Enoch