Music runs in Sheuli Bhattarcharji’s blood. On the completion of her music studies in India last year, the talented violinist is once more making waves in Bangladesh with her participation in stage programmes, TV shows, as a teacher, studio worker and enlisted artiste of Bangladesh Betar. Says a smiling Sheuli, "It feels great to receive audience recognition."

Sheuli grew up in Sylhet. Her romance with the violin began when she was a sixth grader. Her father was a major source of encouragement and her first teacher. Soon the young girl developed a passion for the instrument and decided that she would devote herself full time to music.

On the completion of her higher secondary, Sheuli received a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to study music. There was no turning back from this point. She went on to do her honours from the MS University of Baroda and master's from Rabindrabharati University. Soon after she earned the ICCR scholarship once more. In ^002 slje rej^ne^ to Gujarat to 'do berPhUin mhsic from the

MS University of Baroda. Finally she retuned home to Bangladesh last year.

Sheuli has been trained by eminent teachers VC Ranare, Rakesh J Mahisori, Pandit VG Jog, N Rajan, Shuloya Banerjee and Shomir Shill.

Has she faced any hurdles along the way?" Young artistg^,, do not get adequate exposure.

With enough patronage, musicians can focus on their art and produce quality music,” asserts Sheuli.

Sheuli has a message for aspiring violinists: “You can either follow the Western or Hindustani routes. Generally musicians in the subcontinent

JpHow th^ secQQd, QPAjAAaq ^owever, th/e ^ipdustfnj ,

'guramukhi' or teacher dependent path is tough and does not have any short cuts. So one has to show complete commitment to the instrument”

Sheuli has a dream of her own: To be a recognised musician in the subcontinent and p^yer debate from.lhp,pajiip£1;u producing qya|ity music.