B K Sumitra takes us on a journey down memory lane
B K Sumitra needs no introduction as she has enthralled music lovers of Karnataka for decades. This mellifluous singer of 1970s who proved her mettle in the world of light and folk music will be conferred the Nadoja Award. Some of her folk songs and light music are still hummed by people today.
On this occasion B K Sumitra shared some of her experiences in the world of music and her views on the contemporary film music world.
According to Sumitra, music directors and musicians have limited opportunity to showcase their talent. While speaking about the current trend in film music, she said, “Earlier we were well prepared before we sang in the studio. After umpteen rehearsals and practices, the rendering of the songs came perfect. Since technology was not well advanced, both male and female singers were present in the studio for duet songs. We had to wait for each others’ turn to sing. But today, singers are singing at their own convenience. Voice is mixed later with the help of advanced technology mixed with the background scores.”
She added with a smile, “Earlier over 80 per cent of the songs were super hit but today just 20 per cent of the songs come out well.” However, she gracefully accepted the advancement of science and technology in the world of music. She adds that enough opportunities are not provided for young talents.
Expressing her views on rendering of light and folk music, she said, “Listeners find it easier to render light music but rendering the light music with emotions attached to it, is not an easy task. Lot of emphasis has to be placed on the lyrics while rendering these genres of music.”
Sumitra is not only well-known among Kannadigas in Karnataka but also in America. Sharing some of her experiences in America, she said, “I first went to America in 1992. During those days, we hardly got any Indian food to eat, so I packed pickles, arecanut and betel leaves. As we didn’t have plastic jars, I wrapped the glass jars in cloth and held it close to me even in the flight fearing that it would break into pieces.”
In her 50 years of her glorious career, she has been conferred several prestigious awards like Rajyotsava Award, Sangeetha Nritya Academy Award, Kempe Gowda Award and others. Speaking about the Nadoja award, Honorary Doctorate from Hampi University she said, “I am happy and satisfied with the awards. During workshops, children gave me gifts. Even that has given me the same amount of satisfaction. I am happy with the Nadoja award as well.”