Genesis

The genesis of the documentary took shape in 2019, sparked by a collective of young individuals, including Maria Meireles, the Musical Director of this project. The catalyst for this endeavor was the creation of a musical titled “Raga Rock,” a production that delved into the life of Braz Gonsalves.

The musical showcased Braz’s original compositions and incorporated lyrics to vividly narrate his life story. A highlight of the musical was Braz’s return to the stage at the age of 85, sharing the spotlight with his grandson, Jarryd Rodrigues. This moment not only marked a significant chapter in Braz’s career but also laid the foundation for this documentary sharing the same title.

Synopsis

Raga Rock is a portrait of Indian jazz saxophonist Braz Gonsalves, tracing his musical journey across India, Germany, and Portugal. A pioneer who combined American jazz with Indian classical traditions—especially Carnatic music, Braz shaped the sound of a generation. At the height of his fame, he withdrew from the stage, only to return three decades later with the support of his friends and family. A montage of archival footage, in-house rehearsals, and live performances, Raga Rock lets Braz’s music speak where words fall silent.