Music is an integral part of everyone’s life. Music aims at bringing peace and solace to the listener. Here is a multi-faceted musician, R K Padmanabha, whose aim is to educate the common man about music and its importance beyond just entertainment value. Multi-talented, he is not just a musician but a sports person, composer, novelist and also theatre person. Through his achievements he has created milestones in the field of Carnatic classical music and is also a beacon for the young generation which aspire to learn Indian classical music.
Having ventured into the field of music at the age of 25, he says that No one is a born scientist, physician or a chemist. So is a musician. “It is through endeavour, dedication, determination and perseverance; I was able to achieve what I am today.”
He added, “People who are in pursuit of peace, visit ashrams and other places. Instead, if they spend their time listening to quality music, it will help them bring solace. It has the ability to bring social solidarity, equality and also secular motive among the people. My aim is to serve the community and cater to the needy through music.”
Padmanabha, is proud to be an ‘Indian’ classical musician, than being classified Carnatic or Hindustani classical musician. According to him, pattern and presentation of Hindustani and Carnatic music may change but the impact it has on the minds of the audience remains the same.
This multi-faceted artist has composed over 150 compositions, under the pen name ‘Padmanabha Daasa’. His recent book ‘Mela Mala’ comprises of his 72 compositions in Melakarata ragas. He also written a fiction Ananthanada based on music connoisseur. He has also introduced new Ragas into Carnatic classical music namely, Manasollasini, Prabhamini, Rama Sudha and others. “In 1990, my friend presented a book about the life history of Lord Vadiraja, and that was a turning point in my life. After reading that book, my thought process and performance on-stage changed drastically. I also started composing music and introducing new ragas in Carnatic classical music.”
In 1995, he also entered the world of theatre. Later, he scripted some of the plays namely Vadiraja Vaibhava and Nada, based on music. “My teacher H V Krishnamurthy had the idea of presenting the life history of Saint Muttuswamy Dixitar, one of the trinities of Carnatic classical Music, through a visual medium. It was then I entered into the theatre. Initially I was helped by a theatre personality, Geetha Ramanujam. Later through this visual communication I also portrayed the characters of Saint Thyagaraja, Saint Shyama Shastry and Purandaradasa.”
The maestro has been conducting Gosti Gayana, which is mostly theme based, where he has taught over 600 classical compositions to over 500 students. “From July to November, I teach Dixitar’s compositions; November to February it is Tyagaraja’s and Purandara Dasa’s compositions, from February to May, the teachings are dedicated to Vadiraja’s compositions. And, from May to July it is Vasudevacharya’s compositions. This cycle continues every year.”
Padmanabha is also well-known for his explorations in different varieties of Thanas he presents in his concerts unlike other musician folks. He has explored the Nabhi Thana, Ashwa Thana, Mayura Thana, Ganta Thana and others which were mostly in book form. The artist has brought these forms into the forum and has made it familiar with music lovers. He has also introduced two new Thanas namely Rudra Thana and Bringa Thana. “Carnatic music has incredible varieties which is left unexplored. To present a Thana in a concert requires energy and voice culture. It is just an effort to familiarise the form to the audience,” he said.
While speaking about Guru-Shishya parampara followed by Padmanabha, Sowmya Guruprasanna, a disciple of Padmanabha, said, “I have been learning under him for over six to seven years. He treats every student with equal love and affection. Once I started learning under his guidance, I am confident that I can sing better.”
