She may have only been short-listed for the Academy Award, but to the musicians who have been involved with noted singer ‘Bombay’ Jayashri Ramnath, the announcement has brought along with it “on-top-of-the-world-moments” for them — almost as much as winning the award itself.
For guru Lalgudi G Jayaraman, an accomplished violinist and a tutor of advanced Carnatic music to the singer for over 15 years, the announcement was a source of immense pride and joy. “My father could not contain his excitement. He was very happy and was feeling proud at his student being short listed for the award,” Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Jayaraman’s daughter, told Express. He started tutoring Jayashri from 1987, when he used to visit Mumbai. Soon, the singer shifted base to Chennai. Vijayalakshmi reminisced on their interactions with one another, “We’ve learnt and studied music together. What stood out in her was her passion and utmost devotion to music. Her devotion to her guru was, perhaps, unparalleled.”
Jayashri had sung a song in a period film, Shrungaram, directed by Sharada Ramanathan, the music for which was composed by Jayaraman.
Another musician who had been closely involved with her for almost 12 years, Harris Jayaraj, shared the enthusiasm. Jayaraj was the music director for the 2001 flick Minnale, which included the memorable number Vaseeghara sung by Jayashri. “I am very happy for her. Also, I am happy that hers is the first Tamil song to receive an Oscar nomination,” he says.
“She is a very sweet musician. Despite being very knowledgeable, what stood out in her was her was her ability to learn. She always looks earnestly for the nuances in music.”
“As a Tamilian, I am proud and want this song to scale greater heights.”
