That’s right! Am so struck by the writing bug that fortunately I got some opportunities to write for one of the most prestigious dailies of India – The Hindu. Each of these articles gave me the opportunity to interact with stalwarts from different fields of performing arts and made me realize the rich potential vested in the human life. These legendary figures, through their discipline, perseverance, and passion for their field, have so excelled as to set unparalleled landmarks and still strive to do more. I’ve learnt so much and continue to do so, taking every bit of inspiration from these fountains of divine talents. Am ever so grateful for my friend Giridhar and my editor from The Hindu – Ms. Deepa Ganesh for providing the opportunity and nurturing the writer in me.
Here are the links for some of my articles published so far:
- My first article was on Guru Rani Khanamji – a noted kathak exponent of India. She is famous for her unique performances of Kathak that is set to Sufi compositions and verses from the Quran.http://www.thehindu.com/arts/
dance/article3523981.ece - The second article was on Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya – one of the most renowned exponents of Santoor (or Shat tantri Veena). He is a disciple of the legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar. It was one of the most memorable moments in my life, what with me being a big fan of his album ‘Keervani‘, since my college days. This brought me in contact with a wonderful organization – SPIC-MACAY.http://www.thehindu.com/arts/
music/article3606594.ece - M. Ganesh is a director, artist and theatre person par excellence. A product of the famous Neenaasam in Heggodu, and a student of the great K.V. Subbanna, he has taken drama and theatre to the most remote corners of the state and not only entertained people but created immense social awareness on burning issues. It was an eye-opening experience.http://www.thehindu.com/arts/
theatre/article3658273.ece - My fourth article was on Pt. Kushal Das, a Sitar & Sur Bahar player. I had the privilege of watching him perform at the Rashtriya Military School in Bangalore. His Raag Yaman rendition on the Sitar captivated me for the entire hour and when he finally topped it off with one of my favorite songs, he left me flattened and begging for more!
http://www.thehindu.com/
todays-paper/tp-features/tp- fridayreview/article3782586. ece - This article is about Guru Shashadhar Acharya. He is a doyen of the Seraikelle Chhau form of dance. I had the previlege of meeting him at the Bangalore International Arts Festival 2012.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/chasing-the-chhau/article3943543.ece - I had one of the most memorable experiences at the Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur music concert held by Dhwani, and had the blessed opportunity to listen to Vidushi Smt. Prabha Atre, and I interviewed Smt. Subhra Guha.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/lending-that-feminine-touch/article3989337.ece
- Another great concert that I was lucky enough to attend was that of Sursaagar. It had brought together 2 of the legends of Hindustani Classical music – Padmabhushan Vidushi Smt. Girija Devi and Pt. Venkatesh Kumar. Below is a report I wrote about the concert.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/opening-up-spiritual-paths/article4099764.ece - Pt. Nandakumar Kurudi, is one of eminent names of Agra Gharana school of Hindustani Music in Bangalore. His exemplary talent and style is masked by his even more endearing friendliness and humble attitude. This interview has given me a lifelong association with one of the walking libraries of music! 🙂
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp- fridayreview/attention- devotion-dedication/ article4342203.ece - Following the accident, and a long 4 month break from reporting, I was finally given a great come-back opportunity by covering a fantastic event – a exhilarating musical jugalbandi organized by Premaanjali.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp- fridayreview/a-downpour-of- music/article4812377.ece - Begum Parveen Sultana – remember “Hamein tumse pyaar kitna..”? No need to say anymore. Isn’t it? 😉 Oh! But how I wish I could go on and on about her electrifying voice and amazing renditions! Truly a Sultana!
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/still-a-diva/article5004488.ece - Probably the first of its kind, “Carnatic Choir” a talented group of kids trained by none other than the stalwart – Bombay Jayashree performed a Carnatic Kutcheri. It was my honor and privilege to be there to cover this event. Just unforgettable!
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp- fridayreview/pristine-vocals/ article5026739.ece - An interesting Carnatic performance with a fusion theme by Thrissur Brothers and their group – “Anubhooti”
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp- fridayreview/changing-the- course/article5121260.ece - An unforgettable music concert – “Malhar” in memory of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp- fridayreview/a-steady- downpour/article5097931.ece - Seldom does one get an opportunity to be in the presence of pure divine bliss and a genius of music – my rendezvous with Dr. Ashwini Bhide-Deshpandeji
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/listening-from-within/article5172337.ece - Another inspiring rendezvous with a famous Tulu writer and industrialist Sri D.K. Chowta
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/keeping-tulu-close-to-heart/article5269471.ece - A report on an interesting lecture demonstration on the nuances of Karnatik Music (Raga Athana) as well as Mysore Veena by 2 living legends
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/besides-the-song/article5352027.ece - Report on the memorable performance by Mysore Brothers at the musical evening – Nada Loka organized by Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement
http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/the-brothers-take-a-bow/article5504325.ece - A wonderful opportunity to meet the talented, friendly and inspiring artist – Vidushi Smt. Vani Sateesh. A memorable experience
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-joy-of-singing/article5559038.ece - A report on an interesting experiment – an ensemble of 100 singers rendering a Raaga Maalika (literally a string of ragas) in Hindustani Classical music style
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/an-effort-lost-in-numbers/article5686155.ece - A wonderful and memorable opportunity to meet the famed Mysore Brothers. The meeting took place at the house of Smt. Vani Sateesh and was so much fun! 🙂
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/in-a-dual-mode/article5733649.ece - A report on the splendid performance by Pt. Kaivalyakumar Gurav at the Vishesha Utsava organized by Vishesha Fine Arts (an organization started by Smt. Vani Sateesh)
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-drizzle-of-emotions/article5733631.ece - A curtain-raiser on the Karnataka Fine Arts Council – a board constituted for the first time by 10 Music Sabhas of Bangalore
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-power-of-10/article6013439.ece - A curtain-raiser on a wonderful musical ensemble for Kids and by Kids – JackFruit project by Bhoomija!!
http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/the-heady-aroma-of-music/article6061359.ece - A tribute to the life and works of the great flutist Sri Dr. Prapancham Sitaram. I really wish I had got an opportunity to meet this great artist before his sudden demise.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/music-was-his-universe/article6174741.ece - An article based on my interview with the famed violinist R. Kumaresh (of the Ganesh-Kumaresh fame)
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/nuances-say-it-all/article6246398.ece - A memorable meeting with Dr. L. Subramaniam – the gifted genius violinist about his works and upcoming concert.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/taking-raga-to-great-heights/article6402127.ece - An article based on my interview with the famed Kannada Director T.S. Nagabharana about his mentor B.V. Karanth – a noted theater person of India.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/theatre-was-his-life/article6423829.ece - A tribute on the life of the legendary Tabla maestro Pt. Dattatreya Sadashiva Garud – his personality is so outstanding, it was an emotional journey for me to be talking to his children and penning this article.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-life-in-music/article6447070.ece