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Ruchira talks to Irene Sarkar, a bio-scientist and a music exponent, about her life and times – exclusively for Different Truths.
Irene Sarkar reminds you of the proverbial English Rose, pure and immaculate. You could even compare here with a porcelain doll, fragile-looking and breathtakingly beautiful. It is astonishing to realise how a bio-scientist-researcher can be such an ardent music lover (read vocalist). But it appears perfectly normal when you are told that her mother, a Kolkata-based cancer scientist is an eminent Rabindra Sangeet singer herself. It’s all in the genes, as they say.
Irene was holidaying in her native Kolkata, thousands of miles away from her Netherlands home (close to the Dutch capital). Her crystal-clear voice, smile, and sparkling eyes are remarkable. In a meticulous well-orchestrated systematic manner, she aired her emotions and views on music – the greatest love of her life.
Ruchira: How was your childhood in an intellectual-musical atmosphere with two siblings? Were you naughty, energetic or an introvert?
Irene: Looking back, I had quite an ordinary, normal childhood like most other kids. Yes, there prevailed an intellectual as well as a musical ambience at home since our parents are scientists. My mother is a professional singer who also runs a musical school. Our parents never pressured my two younger sisters or me to score high marks or get top ranks in class. Unlike the kids these days, we never had private tuition. Instead, we were encouraged to understand each subject in depth and thoroughly enjoy what we learnt. I am told I was an obedient, cooperative child. But yes, I was very active and energetic about music. I would eagerly look forward to the weekend music classes conducted by mom and enjoyed them to the hilt.
Ruchira: Please trace your education, research, and career graphs.
Irene: I studied at South Point High School, a premier educational institution in Kolkata. I graduated from Deen Bandhu Andrews College. Next, I joined Ballygunge Science College for a Master’s in Zoology with a specialisation in genetics. After my Master’s, I became a biology teacher at my Alma Mater. I was away from any research work for about six years. Around this time, my music career had taken off (I will elaborate on this later). Around 2014 -2015, I experienced urges to resume my higher studies. So, I joined the prestigious Bose Institute, Kolkata, to brush up my background of scientific knowledge (because science is perpetually advancing) and worked on immunotherapy for breast cancer patients. Next, I visited a university in Singapore and was greatly impressed by the environment. After that, I saw a renowned university in the U.K., which was an enriching experience. It was then that I was determined to enter a European university. I applied to several and finally zeroed in on the University of Bergen, Norway. I obtained my PhD (my topic was auto-immune diseases) in 2020 and then moved to the Netherlands, where I joined a Dutch biotech company as an immunologist, my primary focus being cancer immunotherapy.
Ruchira: You have had a checkered career in music. We’d like to know more.
Irene: At no point in my life was I away from music. It has been part and parcel of my existence. Thankfully, I never had to compromise with music for academic excellence. There was lots of music at home. I learnt the Sargam just the way four-five-year-old kids learn the alphabet. My first teacher was, of course, Maa; I also knew from Sh. Puranjan Tarafdar. I did a formal graduation from Gitabitan. I also had a stint of classical training under the tutelage of Sh. Mallar Bose. Finally, my tryst with music began in my college days.
I accompanied Maa to her public functions. I was exposed to and became familiar with many eminent singers. The love and affection they showered on me were overwhelming. I did solo gigs and even sang for a few Bengali movies. During my Master’s, I got acquainted with Arjyesh (son of Soumitro Roy of the Bhoomi Bangla band). We formed a band called Maseehaand churned out mostly Hindi plus a few Bangla songs, both originals and covers. Then Soumitro Kaku (uncle) invited me to be his co-singer in a parallel band. I jumped at the opportunity. This was Robi O Nobin. Still later, I teamed up with Hemantada (guitarist of Bhoomi) to form Bodhi Route. Looking back, I can term it as the most hectic, fun-filled, and perhaps the craziest period of my life. Packed schedules within the city, cross-country tours, interviews, recordings, US tours during Pujos and lots more. Alongside I also had my solo albums and gigs. That about sums it up.
Ruchira: Tell us more about your projects currently underway.
Irene: I collaborate with friends and colleagues across India; we occasionally do new songs and cover versions. These songs are released on my YouTube channel and other similar forums. I have a recording setup at home. My husband, a computer scientist and a lensman is my invaluable support system since he handles recording and creating videos for my music. Currently, I am jamming with two groups of Dutch singers – one comprising very young boys and the other slightly mature professionals. We are doing some Hindi and Bangla songs, which they appear to enjoy. But this is still nascent since Indian music was previously unfamiliar territory for them. They are coping rather well. I am also trying to include a few English songs (English songs are popular here) to have a healthy mix.
Ruchira: Shed some light on your personal life.
Irene: I am highly sensitive and emotional by nature. I am naïve and trust people too quickly, leading to many heartbreaks and disappointments in my past. Nevertheless, I still believe in the goodness of humanity. My parents taught us to be honest and steer clear of lying, dishonesty, and falsehood.
Ruchira: What are some of your favourites, hobbies, etc.?
Irene: I love dancing. I undertook full-fledged training in Bharatanatyam under the aegis of the noted danseuse Thankamani Kutty. I love to read. I also love travelling. Fortunately, my profession involves a good deal of travelling. I also enjoy tasting and exploring varied cuisine. During my work-related tours, I’ve had exposure to a vast range of European culinary arts.
Ruchira: What is music to you? More importantly, what is Tagore to you?
Irene: Music is my life. It is everything to me. I often feel that music won’t leave me even if I leave music. Owing to changed circumstances, I cannot devote as much time to music as I desire. If someday an opportunity arises, I will again get engrossed in the music. As for Tagore, I consider him my friend, philosopher, and guide. To me, words are of utmost importance, and Tagore’s poems, lyrics, and philosophy are his words. Since they profoundly impact my life, I deeply regard them. I find the entire gamut of his creations fascinating. I love Tagore and will do so till the day I die.
Ruchira: Norway, Netherlands, and India – a bit of compare…since the first two are exotic destinations. Also, how often do you visit Kolkata?
Irene: That’s right. Norway is indeed an excellent exotic tourist destination with breathtaking natural beauty. The people though affluent, are humble, simple, and helpful. My sojourn in that country was memorable and enjoyable. The Netherlands, though more minor in size, is more vibrant with a cosmopolitan air since people from across the globe reside here. I have made a few good friends here. Yes, I love Kolkata, the city I grew up in. I make it a point to visit the city annually and stay for at least a month; it’s lovely to be back in familiar surroundings among people I love.
Ruchira: What’s your motto in life?
Irene: Very simple. I wish to be happy, peaceful, helpful to others and above all, to be a good human being. Success, wealth, and resources are transient. Since I have been truly fortunate in these aspects, I wouldn’t strive to achieve them. Instead, I would love to be at peace with myself.
Photos and music videos sourced by the interviewer
