BANGALORE: A little girl tuned her ears to the soulful strains emanating from her father’s well-oiled violin. She hummed along and then picked up the instrument that her father — her guru — shaped conclusively for the many discerning ears over the past eighty years. With vivid memories, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi recalls the years growing up with a legend of a father. She tells Expresso about the album she is dedicating to him as a tribute to his legacy.
■ Tell us about the album 'Natha Natana'.
I have sung my guru’s (father) compositions in this CD that I will be releasing in Chennai and Bangalore through an evening called Arpanam, a musical tribute to my father. My father’s tillanas (rhythmic pieces) have captured the hearts of millions, and many young people have been introduced to Carnatic music through these sounds. These are tillanas that he composed when he was in his late 20s, and this album features them in my voice.
Normally we come up with huge orchestrations. This time we have used a different tone, with just one instrument dominating along with the voice. The instruments that we used are cello, sarangi, piano, veena and violin.
■ Your grandfather was your father’s guru. How tough is it to live up to the name that your father and grandfather have made?
It’s a great responsibility. My brother and I trained under my grandfather. But more than my grandfather, it’s tough to live up to my father’s name. He introduced so many elements in Carnatic music. It is a huge task for me and my brother to continue what he is doing without compromising on the quality. But for more than 25 years, my older brother and I have been doing violin duets. In fact, my brother is my second guru.
■ A lot of parents are not keen on letting their children do shows when they are young, as they think fame can wreck their career. How is your father like?
Music was in our home all the time while I was growing up. I took to it like fish to the water. My brother and I were oblivious to other entertainment. Our guru encouraged us to take up music and we soon started performing with him.
■ You refer to your father as ‘guru’ most of the time...
Yes, I do. He’s more of a guru than a father. We had a gurukulam kind of upbringing. So respect for the father was more predominant than the liberty of a daughter.
■ You were born with a violin on your lap. Did you think about taking up any other instrument?
I have the tried sarangi, mohan veena and guitar. But I always wanted to play the violin. The violin is an instrument that is closest to the human sound. While growing up I realized that singing is also my passion.
■ You recently returned from your US and Netherlands tour. What kind of audience do you get for your concerts there?
In the US we get both American and Indians. And the Indians who attend the concerts are hard-core Carnatic music fans. So we make sure that we don’t dilute the music at all. In Europe, more of the locals turn up. They are fascinated by the Indianised version of playing the violin. Though they don’t understand the nuances of classical music, they enjoy it thoroughly.
■ So in India, is Chennai the Carnatic hub like what most people think?
Chennai is not the only hub. Previously the Tanjore belt had a lot of musicians. But that is not the case anymore. I believe that Kerala and Karnataka are also places where Carnatic music is learnt and appreciated. Chennai has more Carnatic music festivals and maybe that’s why people call that the hub. My father still has a special affinity for the audience in Bangalore.
■ So are more youngsters showing an interest in studying classical music?
Definitely. Youngsters are even taking it up as their full-time profession. Information is freely available and there is a lot of competition now unlike twenty years ago.
■ But a lot of them are turning to playback singing after they learn classical music…
Not all of them. Only a handful of people do that. And it’s not always about the money. They see quick recognition in playback singing.
The musical tribute will be held on March 5 at 6 pm in Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bangalore.