Maestro’s advice: Practise

Bharatiya Samagana Sabha’s Mysuru Asthana Sangeetotsava opens today and is on till February 3 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall. Metrolife spoke to artistes performing on the inaugural day

Pandit Venkatesh Kumar

Pandit Venkatesh Kumar

‘Awards like these encourage Indian traditional arts’

Well-known Hindustani vocalist Pandit Venkatesh Kumar is the recipient of this year’s ‘Samagana Mathanga National Award’.

He says that he is honoured to be receiving the award, “It feels nice when we are recognized for the work we do”.

He further adds, “Sangeetotsava is like a get-together of all musicians; everybody comes together to celebrate the joy of music. I am glad events like these take place even today”.

Being a Hindustani vocalist, he is best known for his rendition of devotional songs composed by the Haridasas. He adds that music awards acknowledge their work and keeps their spirits up.

“Sangeeta Awards like these preserve and encourage Indian traditional arts,” he
adds.

When asked about his favourite among the Hindustani compositions, he answers, “There are a lot of compositions which need to be preserved. More than picking out favourites, my duty is to take them forward”.

Talking about the different styles and forms in Indian classical music, he says, “Though Carnatic and Hindustani music have different styles, they are referred to as Indian classical. This signifies the unity in our diversity. And, events like Sangeetotsava uphold it.”

Lastly, as an advice to the young singers, he says that the upcoming musicians should not take success to mind and failure to heart.

“Practice makes one perfect. Finding a guru and constantly practising is what it takes to be an established singer”.

Venkatesh Kumar performs today at 6.30 pm.

Rahul Vellal

Rahul Vellal

‘It is a blessing to perform among such well-known artistes’

Eleven-year-old Rahul Vellal is all set to perform at the ‘Mysuru Asthana Sangeethotsava’ today.

He says, “It is a blessing to perform among such well-known artistes. I am looking forward to it”.

He will be singing the krithis of Muthiah Bhagavathar and Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar; it is his first time performing Mysuru compositions. Rahul learnt the compositions from his guru Kalavathi Avadhoot. He says that it took him two days to learn each
krithi.

Being well-versed with the Trinity’s compositions, the young singer shares his thoughts on the Mysuru compositions, “I like both the compositions. I think Wodeyar is known for his madhyamakala sahityam. The difference I found is that the raga mudra is more in Mysuru compositions”.

He also expresses his interest in the Mysuru compositions and intends to learn more about it.

School, music classes and concerts keep Rahul busy. When questioned about how he manages it all, he firmly says, “I like music, so I am able to manage”.

He takes inspiration from artistes M Balamuralikrishna and Abhishek Raghuram.

The eleven-year-old’s advice to music aspirants is “Practice, listen and keep learning”.

Rahul performs today at 5.45 pm