Wed Jul 16 06:38:53 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**Headline: Jazz Scene in Delhi Thriving, But Gender Disparities Persist**
**Delhi, July 16, 2025** – Delhi’s jazz scene is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, attracting both musicians and audiences with its spontaneity and soul. However, the growth of this musical landscape is uneven, marked by the persistent challenges faced by women in the industry.
While jazz was once relegated to the fringes of society, it has evolved into a symbol of sophistication and artistic ambition. However, women musicians continue to navigate societal expectations and subtle biases.
Parvati Mohanakrishnan, a vocalist with two decades of experience in Delhi’s music circuit, recalls facing safety concerns and inappropriate demands from audiences in her early years. She now prioritizes venues that ensure dignity and respect for performers.
Swikrity Singh, a jazz vocalist and educator, notes the “decorative expectation” placed on women performers, emphasizing appearance over musical knowledge. “We need to claim our space, and that will come from grounding one’s work in theory and musical knowledge,” she said.
Instrumentalists like bass player Tanisha Bhatnagar highlight the structural reasons behind the limited number of women in instrumental roles. “Young girls are rarely aware of or encouraged to pick up instruments and the idea of a woman bassist, saxophonist, or drummer doesn’t enter the imagination,” Bhatnagar stated.
Mexican jazz vocalist Jatziri Gallegos echoed these sentiments, noting the patriarchal norms that can intimidate some men when women take the lead, as well as the pressure for women singers to conform to certain aesthetic standards.
Despite these hurdles, women jazz artists in Delhi remain dedicated to their craft, driven by the desire to claim their place in the evolving cultural landscape. Their persistence highlights the ongoing need for greater inclusivity and respect within the city’s vibrant jazz community.
First Piper 