Merging melody and rhythm is not an easy task. And, Carnatic classical music being rhythmically intensive demands a strong command on the subject. Here is a young artiste, Vinay S R, who has mastered the intricacies of classical music and aspires to explore more.
Vinay initially was under the tutelage of his mother, who taught him devotional songs and semi-classical music. He later learnt music under Seetha Lakshmi and Lalitha Chandramouli. “My mother recognised the talent in me and wanted me to undergo a formal training. Despite financial constraints, my mother stood as a pillar and supported me at every step.”
He added, “In 2006, my Guru, R K Padmanabh instructed me to sing along with Krishna Prasad (another budding artiste). Today, music is not just a profession for me but it has become my passion.”
The young artiste had to take up the responsibility of a family at a very young age. The artiste along with his BBM and BCA courses had to take up jobs to support his family. Speaking about the same, he said, “I worked in night shifts, studied, practised music and also attended music classes regularly. I found it very difficult to manage everything but a force always drove me to achieve more and more.”
With many young artistes entering the world of music, an inspiring ambience is created rather than a competing situation opines Vinay.
According to him, it motivates an artiste to learn more and improvise on their skills to perform on par with other musicians.
This young artiste is popular among music lovers for his mellifluous renditions of raga, swara and nereval which are integral aspects of Carnatic classical music. “I have adopted some of the rare sangathis which Semmangudi Srinivas Iyengar, Ramanath Krishnan, K V Narayana Swamy, T M Krishna, Sanjay Subramanium and others have sung,” said Vinay with a smile.
Would he prefer to give fusion concerts? “I am neither against nor for fusion music. According to me performing in fusion concerts dilutes the sanctity of classical music. I prefer classical music in its original form.”
When asked about his future plans, he said, “I am planning to open a music school and propagate Indian classical art forms.”