On my pinboard - Sivamani

Schooled in both Carnatic rhythmic tradition and Western jazz drums, ‘Kalaimamani’ Sivamani is synonymous with percussion.

He has performed with some of the greatest international artistes and world music performers such as ‘Zakir Hussain World Drums Ensemble’, ‘SILK’, ‘Asia Electrik’ and ‘Shraddha’.

The percussionist, who won the ‘Best New Music Composer Award’ for his work in the Tamil film ‘Arima Nambi’,  also has a band called ‘Siraha’ comprising Kolkata-based jazz keyboardist Harmeet Manseta and mandolin artiste U Rajesh.

He is at present wrapping up the work on his album ‘Kanithan’. He also performed at the finale concert of ‘Art Bengaluru’ which was held recently.

Music - S P Balasubrahmanyam

“Among my list of favourite musicians, S P Balasubrahmanyam, K V Mahadevan, M S Viswanathan, Kumar Gandharva and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan top the list. Their renditions and works have always stood out with their originality. Inspired by them, I have always worked towards creating something new because I don’t want monotony and repetition to creep into my work. It is tough to churn out something new all the time but I take it as a challenge.”

Cinema - Sivaji Ganesan

“There are so many actors I like but Sivaji Ganesan, M G Ramachandran and Rajinikanth are the ones I love and admire. They have an inimitable style and more than anything, they are humble people. I also like Amitabh Bachchan not only because he is a phenomenal actor but also because he is a wonderful human being. It’s hard to compare actors and pick the best because each of them are unique in their own way.”

Inspiration - S M Anandan

“My father S M Anandan is my inspiration. He refused to give me his drumkit when I was young and wanted me to concentrate on my studies. However, I was keen to play the drums and be like him. One day, when he had gone  for work, I went into his drum room and began playing the drums. He returned and was surprised to find me almost effortlessly handling the instrument. He then understood that my passion was in the drums. This was my foray into the world of music. Apart from him, there are  people like Noel Grant and Billy Cobham who have inspired me.”

Book - Bhagavad Gita

“I haven’t read many books and never had the habit of reading even during my school days. However, ‘Bhagavad Gita’ has influenced me a lot. It helps one follow the right path.”

Cuisine - Fish curry

“I made my first fish curry when I had to stay in Germany for six months. I was bored of eating Italian food, especially pizzas, and yearned for some homemade food. That’s when I called up my mother, and according to the directions she gave me over the phone, I successfully made my first fish curry and it turned out to be really good. I usually make fish curry, ‘dal’ and ‘rasam’ whenever A R Rahman comes home. Even Zakir Hussain has loved it. Although I try to stick to a vegetarian diet now, I occasionally indulge in my fish curry.”

Travel - Mussoorie

“I’ve been fortunate to travel across the world on work and see some of the most beautiful places in the world. In our country, nothing compares the beauty of Mussoorie and Rishikesh.There’s an unmistakable aura about these places. You feel calm and composed when you are here. The many sounds that I hear when I travel also inspire me to make good music. Travelling is a refreshing experience and clears the clutter in my mind.”