For nearly two decades, Raghu Dixit has carried the soul of Karnataka to audiences across the world. As he returns to Europe for another tour—from Russia’s Etoeto Festival to London’s Southbank Centre—the celebrated folk-fusion musician reflects on a journey shaped by staying true to his roots. In an interview with Bangalore Times, he sheds light on his unwavering authenticity and weaving rich folk traditions into a sound that transcends borders. Excerpts:‘Global audiences don’t want English covers’For Raghu, international tours have only strengthened his belief that authenticity travels farther than imitation. “Nobody wants me to come here and sing cover versions of British bands or popular English songs. They want to know who I am, where I come from and the culture that I represent,” he says.Whether it’s Kannada poetry, folk traditions or stories rooted in rural Karnataka, Raghu believes these elements resonate deeply with listeners. While they may not understand the language, they still connect with the emotion behind the music. “Being rooted to who I am and where I come from makes a humongous difference.” ‘Going beyond tabla and sitar’When Raghu first began touring Europe, he often encountered audiences who had a very narrow idea of Indian music. “People expected sitar and tabla. They’d ask, ‘Oh, this is Indian music? We didn’t know India had music like this too.'” Over the years, however, that perception has changed. “Now, people understand that Indian music can have guitars, drums and contemporary arrangements, while still being rooted in its identity.” He believes this blend of folk traditions and modern sound has opened the door for listeners across cultures to discover regional music in a way that feels both familiar and new.‘The warmth of my state travels with me’Although his performances take him across continents, Raghu says he carries Bengaluru and Karnataka with him in ways that go beyond music. “What I carry are things I’ll never find anywhere else in the world—the poetry, the language and the warmth of our people.”He believes that openness has led to collaborations with musicians from Serbia, Russia, China and the United States. “We’re instinctively welcoming more people. That ability to embrace different cultures has helped me connect with musicians everywhere.”‘I’m not chasing the world, I’m sharing a piece of mine’Ask Raghu about his vision for Indian music on the global stage, and he brushes aside grand declarations. “I’ve never believed in forcing things. Each time I’ve tried that, it hasn’t worked for me. I’ve always let the universe decide what’s next.” Today, success for him isn’t measured by bigger stages or international recognition. “My purpose is simple. To go on stage and put faith back in people. Every concert reminds me that no matter where we’re from, people simply want to share each other’s cultures and be together. If my music can do even a small part of that, then I’m already living the dream I always had.”
