THOUGH I am a Bangalorean by birth, I am a Chennaiite at heart. As an artist, I think it makes a huge difference if one stays in Chennai. It has shaped me as a person - both personally and professionally.
As a kid, I moved to Chennai and did my schooling here. Later, I graduated from Ethiraj College with an MA in Economics. All this while, I was being trained in music. I shall remain indebted to my mother for giving me exposure in the field of music.
There are many reasons I love the city but one of the main reasons is its picturesque, quaint landscape. The place has a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition. From Kancheepuram pattu and malli poo to the beach, music, dance and old temples, the city is rich in its cultural legacy.
The only grouse I have against the city is that you can’t experience the joys of different seasons. This place has no spring, autumn and winter. The only three seasons are hot, hotter and hottest.
One thing about the city that must change is that here, everyone only talks about global warming. Nobody takes any steps to curb it. I do take steps in small ways by putting off the lights whenever it’s not necessary. We all have to join hands and start thinking and acting positive. Only then will the city progress.
Also, though Chennai is culturally rich, it lacks documenting. Twenty years from now, a child might not even know who MS or MLV (M L Vasanthakumari) is. We need something like a cultural archival heritage centre focusing on politics, Kollywood and classical arts. But all that apart, Chennai is and always shall remain my home.