INTERVIEW WITH NITYASREE MAHADEVAN

"Music has no language. It is a beautiful expression of your feelings. Caste and creed do not find a place in this. It is a great unifying factor". - Nityasree Mahadevan

Young and talented, Nityasree Mahadevan surprises you with her down-to-earth attitude. A conversation with her gives you the impression that there's more to her than music. There's clarity of thought and a holistic approach towards life and music.

Yeah! I did not expect that I would get a chance at the YACM. I never tried to give a public performance at that age. It was the organiser who gave me a chance. In that year (1987), YACM started encouraging young artistes. I practised a lot. When I sought the blessings of the elders in the family, my father had this to say,"You represent a great heritage from both sides (of the family). Usually one from the family is represented. This is different. You should not in any way spoil the reputation which has been built over the years. You should maintain the standard and the tradition set in the family". It was projected as a responsibility. More than a responsibility, I felt that it was a big burden on my shoulders. I was very tense at my first stage performance. But those words have a had lasting impact on me. Even today, when I come to the stage to perform, those words ring in my ears. I was tense, no doubt. But once I sat on the stage, I forgot everything. K.V. Narayana Swami was in the audience and he blessed me. The Best Concert Award was a pleasant surprise to me.

I was not forced to choose music as a career. I hailed from a family of musicians, but music was never forced on me. It was very natural. I grew up in an atmosphere where everything revolved around music. Fans and students used to throng the place. Even our dining room discussions were filled with music. Every morning, my grandmother ( D.K. Pattamal) used to practise. At that age, when I did not understand the greatness of this art, music became a part of my life. I never felt that it was a separate entity. After some time, my mother insisted that I should take this seriously. More importantly, she taught me that my aim should be to master this art. My aim should not be to earn money, fame or titles. My intention should be to sing with my heart and soul. She insisted that I should try and attain total bliss. This, I think was a great asset; especially since I was still young at that time. My mother put it across in a simple way.

My basic foundation is no doubt, that of my grandmother. I belong to that school and that family. My grandmother used to encourage me to listen to all the great musicians. But one thing she said was that my bani (style) should remain one and based on this particular bani, I should try and establish my identity. The bani that I have followed is that of my grandmother. But I do not emulate her totally. Then it would be a mere repetition of her style. I have blended my individuality with her style.

It has enhanced my career significantly. My progress has been steady. I started singing in 1987. I have crossed all levels. This steady progress has not at all been affected by marriage. In our set up, its difficult to balance career and family without the support from husband and in-laws. In my case, I have been fortunate to get support from the family. In fact, many times they will insist that I should sing.

If you put your life into it and give total dedication to it, if your basics in music are sound and if gifted with a good voice, then there is nothing like it. Today, the situation is more open. People recognise and encourage fresh talent. There are good opportunities as well. Media help is also quite good. The future of Carnatic music is very bright. As a career, once you prove your worth, there is no stopping. Above all, one should have Divine Grace.

I did not have any ideas of venturing into this field. I hail from a family of Classical Musicians. But they were open minded. I was not restricted to listening to Carnatic music alone. I never intended to sing for Movies and I never tried either. But when A R Rahman called me, I was totally taken aback. He was in search of fresh talent. He created a good atmosphere, so that I could give my best.

Any raga that I sing, I appreciate and enjoy. Before I sing any raga, I will enjoy the beauty of that raga within me and then start singing. I personally feel that every raga is beautiful in its own way. Still, if you force me and ask me to mention my favourites, I can tell you. Kambhoji and Bhairavi on the heavier side. Subha Pantuvarali in Prathimadhyamam. On the lighter side, Sindhubhairavi, Kapi , Madhuvanthi.

|