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MANDOLIN WIZARD U SRINIVAS
 Having
pursued music very early in life, do you feel you have missed out
on the joys of childhood?
No, I don’t think so. Right from childhood I was mad after
music. I was able to see so many countries, interact with so many
different people which otherwise; I feel I would not have been able
to. So from my angle, I feel music has given me a lot of joy and
I have never regretted the fact that I have not led a normal childhood.
What has been your most memorable moment?
In 1983, I was invited to play in Germany for an international
Jazz festival at the Philharmonic hall in Berlin. My concert was
in between two concerts of a leading jazz group. After my concert,
the audience wanted an encore, so the promoters of the show organised
a special concert for me that was telecast live throughout Germany.
Another incident that comes to mind was in 1990, at Teen Murthi
Bhavan on the occasion of Children’s day celebrations.
I was invited to perform in the presence of a number of dignitaries,
which was again telecast live. In 1992, I was the only Indian musician
to play for the inaugural music festival at the Barcelona Olympics.
That was a great honour for me. In 1995, I took part in the
International Mandolin Festival held in Germany. My composition
titled ‘Sangamam’ was played for the farewell
function of the festival. Another unforgettable incident was when
I received the Billboard award for my CD.
Which is your favourite raga?
 All
ragas are my favourites, but I particularly like Todi, Karaharapriya,
Shankarabharanam, Kalyani, Bhairavi and Keeravani.
How many hours of practice do you put in everyday?
At least three to four hours. I have to practice – especially
for an instrumentalist, practice is very essential.
Could you tell me about your experience with
fusion music?
I am part of the group called Remember Shakti. This group
has the world’s fastest guitarist John Mclaughlin. I
feel extremely privileged to be working with him. I have enjoyed
working with many artistes like Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan
etc.
What are your future plans?
 I
have just started the Srinivas Institute of World Musique. I
want it to become a centre for music; vocal and instrumental, and
impart world-class training. Since I do not have the time, I have
not seriously started working for the institute, but I do teach.
I want to make Carnatic music attractive to youth in India.
You are the only Mandolin Vidwan at the top.
How does that make you feel?
I do not look at it that way. It does not affect me. I am still
a learner; I have a lot to learn.
What do you do in your spare time?
I practice, read books, visit temples and go for walks.
- Janaki Subramaniam
Photographs : V Ganesan |
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