On my pinboard: Jyotsna Srikanth

Jyotsna Srikanth musical journey began at home guided by her mother, Ratna Srikantiah, a Carnatic vocalist and teacher. At the age of six she saw violin legend Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan perform and was inspired to take up the string instrument and hasn’t looked back since. She has trained under musical geniuses like R R Keshavamurthy and V S Narasimhan. She has had a successful career in the film industry, working in over 200 South Indian cinematic soundtracks. She currently works as a solo musician and has been performing across the globe. Her latest works include ‘Bangalore Dreams’ and ‘Carnatic Connection’, an exotic collaboration with the 11-member Bollywood Brass Band. She is also the recipient of several national and international awards.

Music
Ilayaraja

"My heart lies in two places. My immense love for Carnatic music has made me a big admirer of the legendary late violinist M S Gopalakrishnan. My love for contemporary Indian music draws me to only one name-- Ilayaraja. I also like music from different parts of the world like the Swedish folk, Irish fiddle, Portuguese Fado music and Balkan. I find the works of Nigel Kennedy the classical/jazz violinist and Vanessa-Mae and Joshua Bell pretty interesting. I am also a big fan of Adele."

Book
Robin’s Pathological Basis Of Disease

"I used to read lots of medical fiction novels before I joined Bangalore Medical College. Later music and medicine took all my time and I became an ardent fan of books on Pathology -- my speciality. The one book that I can put down is ‘Robin’s Pathological Basis Of Disease’. I also love to read the Amar Chitra Katha! I read my daughter’s Road Dahl books sometimes! I like Sudha Murthy’s works."

Theatre
Girish Karnad

"I follow with interest Girish Karnad’s 'Nagamandala', 'Wedding Album' and 'Boiled Beans on Toast'. I also love theatrical performances from both east and west. From the east, I enjoy indulging in works of Hirannayya such as 'Lanchaavatara', 'Nadu beedi Narayana', 'Anaachaara' and 'Brastaachaara.' They have strong social messages. After moving to London, I've turned a big fan of musicals like ‘The Lion King’, 'Les Miserables', 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' As a musician, I would like to recommend Stomp, which is a unique blend of comedy, dance and pure rhythm."

Cuisine
Carrot Halwa

"I am a hardcore vegetarian. My favourite dishes are the sweet pongal, carrot halwa and yoghurt rice with mango pickle. I also like Italian. I grow basil in my backyard and make fresh pesto sauce for the pasta. I do like to try out the vegetarian and vegan food from around the world. I travel a lot and enjoy visiting remote places, especially in Europe, it's interesting to understand the way vegetarian food is interpreted in different parts of the world."

Inspiration
Dr M Balamuralikrishna

"It's hard to pen down just one name for inspiration. My mother Rathna has been my inspiration. She has helped me believe in myself. When I decided to quit my medical career and take up music as my career, my husband Srikanth encouraged me to follow my heart. I have also been inspired by legends such as Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan, Dr M Balamuralikrishna and Beethoven’s violin concertos. But one person who truly left a significant impact on me is V S Narasimhan. He inspired me to learn the western violin, without which I wouldn't be where I am today."

Travel
Europe

"I enjoy exploring new places. Travelling has exposed me to different food, people and culture. I have been exploring Europe since 2004. I have visited remote places in Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, France and Eastern Europe for performances. I make it a point to go and see places after my performance in whichever city I am in. I love visiting monuments, trekking and going on a cruise."