BANGALORE: A legendary creator of thousands of hits in the South-Indian film industry is now nurturing young talent in Bangalore.
The music of Rajan-Nagendra, one of the most enduring musical duos in the Indian film industry, continues with Rajan, now 79. His younger brother Nagendra died in December 2000.
A picture of inexhaustible energy, the violinist and composer demonstrates the same zeal and zest he was famous for when he began his career in the early 1950s.
Rajan teaches his students innovatively, using voice culture, and introducing them to the principles of rhythm. He helps them recognise the notes of a composition and makes their voices traverse at least three octaves.
"Any singer can be trained step by step with the help of voice exercises. The popularity of a singer depends on the range, and this training is a must," he told City Express.
As we enter his home studio in Sultanpalya, the sounds of the song Thayi Sharadhe loka pujithe resonates in a honey-toned voice. The composer, who hails from an unforgettable era of great singers from Mysore, is immersed in guiding a young girl sing the composition using her full vocal range.
If he trains individuals at home, at the Sapta Swaranjali Music Institute in Rajajinagar, which he started, he has been training more than 35 students in the environs of a recording studio, the Adarsh studio.
His students range from two to 60 years. "I get many students, including well-known singers like Anuradha Bhat, whom I have trained for more than a year. Her voice became stronger after a few exercises," he explains.
Karaoke show
Rajan has recorded 60-70 tracks for karaoke, and plans to launch a reality show for young singers.
"Each singer is assessed, and given specific training," says Ananth Kumar, his son, following in his illustrious footsteps. Assisting his father, Ananth is the associate music director for the forthcoming film Miniguva Nakshathragalu.
Even as one recalls the yeomen contribution of the duo who composed music for 400 films, half in Kannada and the rest in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tulu and Sinhalese, the strains of their blockbuster hit Akashave beelali mele echoes from within. I leave the studios, overwhelmed by the humility of this great composer.
Rajan's training
Rajan trains students at his house in Sultanpalya and Sapta Swaranjali Institute of Music, Adarsh Recording Studio, in Rajajinagar.
Email him at sapthaswaranjali@gmail.com or sgpsns@gmail.com
Or call Latha Mallesh on 9880473264 and Ananth on 9945475841.
Big recording in August
Rajan is returning to films after a hiatus of seven years, composing seven songs for the film Miniguva Nakshathragalu. He has planned the recordings in August with S P Balasubramanyam, Yesudas, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan, Anuradha Bhat and other singers.