<p>Nadaswaram is a wind instrument and counts on top among popular classical musical instruments. Considered auspicious, it is a key instrument that’s played in Hindu weddings and temples.<br /><br />However, what makes Kasim and Babu special is they are Muslims and learnt music from their maternal grandfather Sheikh Chinna Moulana. <br /><br />They are also special Nadaswaram artistes of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Their grandfather’s words, “Music is my religion, perfection is my aim,” is what inspires them.<br /><br />Brothers Kasim and Babu were recently in the city for a concert organised as part of Ganesha festival by SPVGMC Trust at V V Mohalla. Speaking to Deccan Herald after an enthralling two-and-half hour performance, Kasim said: “Music knows no religion.”<br /><br />Hailing from Karavadi village of Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, the duo’s grandfather Sheikh Chinna Moulana was said to a be an ardent follower of Lord Ranganatha. Kasim and Babu have performed together for more than 12 years.<br /><br />Replying to a query on the changing trends in music, Kasim said changes were inevitable.<br /><br /> “During the time of our grandfather, concerts would be held for five hours. Nowadays, it is for only two-and-half hours. It is challenging for the artistes to reproduce a five-hour concert in two-and-half hours.”<br /><br />Keeping the tradition alive<br /><br />With an aim to keep the tradition of Nadaswaram alive, the duo is running a school called Sharada Nadaswara Sangeetha Ashram, which has six students. “We will take more students and pass on the tradition to the next generation,” he added.<br /><br />The duo has also made sure that the recordings of their grandfather are preserved.<br /><br />Reminiscing about his training, Kasim remarks, “Training was very hard. We used to wake up at 4 am and manage both college and music. Our grandfather was a taskmaster and it was hard to please him. He wouldn’t allow us to take notes. We memorised all of them. But it helped me a lot, later.”<br /><br />Asked to comment on the next generation, he said, “They try to take as many shortcuts as possible and want instant success.”</p>
<p>Nadaswaram is a wind instrument and counts on top among popular classical musical instruments. Considered auspicious, it is a key instrument that’s played in Hindu weddings and temples.<br /><br />However, what makes Kasim and Babu special is they are Muslims and learnt music from their maternal grandfather Sheikh Chinna Moulana. <br /><br />They are also special Nadaswaram artistes of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Their grandfather’s words, “Music is my religion, perfection is my aim,” is what inspires them.<br /><br />Brothers Kasim and Babu were recently in the city for a concert organised as part of Ganesha festival by SPVGMC Trust at V V Mohalla. Speaking to Deccan Herald after an enthralling two-and-half hour performance, Kasim said: “Music knows no religion.”<br /><br />Hailing from Karavadi village of Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, the duo’s grandfather Sheikh Chinna Moulana was said to a be an ardent follower of Lord Ranganatha. Kasim and Babu have performed together for more than 12 years.<br /><br />Replying to a query on the changing trends in music, Kasim said changes were inevitable.<br /><br /> “During the time of our grandfather, concerts would be held for five hours. Nowadays, it is for only two-and-half hours. It is challenging for the artistes to reproduce a five-hour concert in two-and-half hours.”<br /><br />Keeping the tradition alive<br /><br />With an aim to keep the tradition of Nadaswaram alive, the duo is running a school called Sharada Nadaswara Sangeetha Ashram, which has six students. “We will take more students and pass on the tradition to the next generation,” he added.<br /><br />The duo has also made sure that the recordings of their grandfather are preserved.<br /><br />Reminiscing about his training, Kasim remarks, “Training was very hard. We used to wake up at 4 am and manage both college and music. Our grandfather was a taskmaster and it was hard to please him. He wouldn’t allow us to take notes. We memorised all of them. But it helped me a lot, later.”<br /><br />Asked to comment on the next generation, he said, “They try to take as many shortcuts as possible and want instant success.”</p>
