Ganesh Rajagopal (of the famous Ganesh-Kumaresh violin duo) is known for his tonal excellence and creativity. Sticking to his Carnatic roots, he can weave his technique with various forms of music. He released a neo-Carnatic instrumental track Milky Way — a single that breaks musical stereotypes.
Have you always been a believer?
The way I was raised has made me a spiritual person. Being a musician, I feel that I am even closer to god.
How would you credit music to making you a spiritual person and a believer?
As an artist and a musician, I feel that it has made me find peace in unimaginable situations. As I recite the notes, it gives me the inner peace and serenity and that to me is god and spirituality.
Do you believe in miracles? Have you experienced any miracles?
I completely believe in miracles. Music is the most unique and the only visual form of art that makes one enjoy and feel all the rasas (emotions). With the musical notes Sa Re Ga Ma Pa becoming powerful mantras, music becomes the religion. Everyday has been a miracle for me and I end up getting goose bumps and real bliss.
Where do you see god?
He is everywhere and how we perceive the concept matters. Some want to see that power, while some want to feel it. Personally, I think it is something we have to feel around us and not see.
A pilgrimage site that you often visit?
I go to Kancheepuram often and am a very ardent follower of Shankaracharya.
A sign you consider is a blessing from god?
Being a musician itself is a blessing. It brings me closer to people who are spiritual and takes me to a different realm. I am always around great gurus whom we consider to be next to god. I feel blessed when they want to hear our music.