After a great enriching path of learning and performing, from “Navarasa Ramayana”, “SingaPOPera” and other PA Shows, This concert will be one that I will never forget.
Ever Since Secondary 2, my life started to change with a minute introduction to the “World of Indian Music”. In Umar Pulavar is where it started.
I never thought i would be playing “The Veena” for him, as the BGM(Background Music).
I started my lovely relationship with Her when i was in Secondary Two as well. I always wanted to get to know her when i was young, but my Mother would say that this is not the time and money was a bigger issue back then. Then i prayed to God, asking Her to allow me to get closer with my “Love”.
Mrs Lalitha, who was the conductor, asked me to take the Mirdhangam instead, as i am a guy and males usually play it.
Nizzam, Vigneshvari, Soodamani, Chandra
Geetha, Anita, Meera
Gayathri, Maanasa, Me
“If you think the veena is too hard, you can still join the Mirdhangam and Table class”. Of course, being a Taurus, i said “NEVER” to myself and of course never regretted and continued and will continue still, with the love and devotion. Music arrangements and guitarist - Narayanan Kannan and me
Though my Journey with the Veena was and still is a Roller Coaster with lots of Sweet and Sour experience, due to My teacher, Mother, Friends, God and Financial issues; this journey will never take a break.
Eventually, being the only male Veena Player in the Orchestra gave me an identity both on stage and television interviews. Soon other boys started to join in.
While that was happening, i had a privilege to meet another Man, who is also a Veena player, or shall i say, a Veena Wizard- Rajhesh Vaidhya, the proclaimed brother of Mohan Vaidhya.
I first attended his concert in the Singapore Polytechnic's auditorium and got amaze and stunned by the wonderful essence of the veena. Playing Music and Expressing Music are Two different thing; that is when i realized. Had his first autograph and blessings. Soon after, i bought his CD, “7-11”
For the Third time, i met him again at his Master classes, 10 Sept, for the NATIONAL INDIAN MUSIC COMPETITION 2006. he taught us how to play Krshina Nee Bhaeganae, which i have only heard and not played before. It was a embarrassing struggle.
Cinema Raagas was a break through and allowed me to have a close tutorship and perform together with him. I always believed that observing is the strongest way to learn and i tried. No one is called a “Wizard” without a reason.
With God's Blessings and Periya Teacher's Blessings and Prayers, i was given the privilege to sit behind.
And also to gave me his recent release (23rd Oct 2009) titled “Seventh Sense”, with vocalist Sudha Raghunathan, conceived as a fusion of Classical and Western rhythms. The album was proudly launched in the presence of veteran filmmaker K Balachander, music composer Vidyasagar and Mylapore MLA S Ve Shekher.
This is a small secret within us.
The Male Veena Players: Rajhesh Vaidhya and Me
Through the show he became a friend, buddy, senior and always been an Idol and Guru for me.
Unnikrishnan and Rajhesh Vaidhya(My Idols)
Saindhavi & Unnikrishnan
Hi Madhavan
ReplyDeleteNice to know your love for Veena and your successful journey. best wishes for future endeavors.