At the Dhakshinamurthy Auditorium in PS High School, all was silence as the latest in Nadopasana’s series of concerts was about to start. Performing was M S Sheela, daughter of yesteryear singer M N Rathna, and the student of Sangeetha Kalanidhi R K Srikantan. She’s had the distinction of being a top-ranking singer with the AIR, and singing in countries like Canada, USA and Australia.
M S Sheela has a large number of audio releases to her credit as well: she’s been featured in Srividyadarshana (compositions of Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar), Ninada (compositions of Veene Sheshanna) and Sadashiva Madhurya (compositions of Mysore Sadashiv Rao), produced by All India Radio, Bangalore. She’s also rendered the Lalithasahasranama, Sharada Suprabhata, Venkateshwara Suprabhata, Soundarya Lahari and others. She, along with her husband Professor B K Ramaswamy, has founded Hamsadhwani Creations to promote classical music through innovative programmes and thematic audio albums.
All her experience and passion for Carnatic music was apparent in her soulful renditions of Sogasuga, that composition known for its fluidity and a delight to musicians. Her music has a charm that’s interspersed with little intuitive musical phrases that take you aback with her perception, and intimate knowledge of the raga. One example is her Singaravelane - a master-piece in crispness and assurance, and which brought out Anandha Bhairavi in all its charm.
Once a Bharathanatyam dancer too, M S Sheela has carved a niche for herself in Carnatic music as well.
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