CHENNAI: “It’s a challenge to maintain the standard of your creative work with increasing diversions”, chuckles Sriram Parthasarathy. Coming from a family wedded to music, his feat may not surprise many. On the creative side of music, he says, “Every musician is in charge of his material. It is easy to relate devotion and music. That is more realistic than any abstract spirituality.”
With over 5500 concerts in his kitty, he says, “I’ve been inspired by Neyveli Santhanagopalan, my guru, and without his support I would not have come up in life.” Talking about present day talent, Sriram says, “We need a system to look for talent and it should be on throughout the year. I am interested in teaching music and many people from abroad yearn to learn from me.” Fittingly, he promotes Carnatic music through sensible creativity. Introduced by music director Vidya Sagar, Sriram has over the years, developed immense love for music and feels blessed to have the requisite grit and determination to establish himself on the kutcheri circuit. About Vidya Sagar, he says, “I love his compositions and he is one of those music directors who composes tunes according to the pulse of the singer.”
Sriram’s film hits include Suttum vizhi from Ghajini and Elangathu from Pithamagan. He is currently working on the film Ko.
Music and the soul
Music washes away the dust from the soul. Imbued with emotion and the spirit of improvisation, music also calls for a scientific approach. I have been singing from the age of three. I have learnt music from O S Thyagarajan. Carnatic music helped me gain a foothold in films. I feel divine music comes from within. The innate ecstasy and energy that results, makes me forget the world.
Religion and spirituality
I believe in all religions. It is up to each one of us to choose our own beliefs. Being spiritual is important to me, because religion divides and spirituality unites. Religion is rigid and spirituality is personal.
Striking a balance
While live performances are in great demand, the sale of albums has dropped drastically. Every album is a product of extensive research and elaborate coordination, which always yield new dimensions to divine music.
Keeping up the voice
Culturing a voice needs arduous effort and personal care. It comes with breath control techniques, a healthy body and most importantly, a sound and focused mind. It must aim at reducing the shortcomings and enhancing the impressive traits of the voice.
No place like Chennai
Balancing academics and music was a great challenge. Nevertheless, those days were fun and I am still in touch with my old friends. Being a Chennaiite at heart, I’ve tried out the best of food here, especially the stuff you get at the roadside shops and thattu kadais. My favourite hangouts used to be the Marina and Ispahani Centre. I love frequenting the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore. I’ve tried living in different places, but there is no place like Chennai. It gave me a career and a family. It is where my heart is.