Notes from the wind

Music beyond religion

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.

However, what makes Kasim and Babu special is they are Muslims and learnt music from their maternal grandfather Sheikh Chinna Moulana.

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.

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.”

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.

Replying to a query on the changing trends in music, Kasim said changes were inevitable.

“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.”

Keeping the tradition alive

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.

The duo has also made sure that the recordings of their grandfather are preserved.

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.”

Asked to comment on the next generation, he said, “They try to take as many shortcuts as possible and want instant success.”