Voice From the Hills

Parvathy Sudha Vijay and Kalyan Sudha Vijay are Carnatic singers performing as the ‘Thodupuzha Sisters’.
Voice From the Hills

KOCHI: Hailing from the hills gives the ‘Thodupuzha sisters’ an advantage above the rest. Like the breath of fresh air breezing around the hilly terrains, the sisters are a new and fresh face slowly yet steadily establishing themselves as a talented Carnatic music duo in Kerala.

In their hometown, Parvathy Sudha Vijay and Kalyan Sudha Vijay are often called to the temples to perform. Invariably, they have also performed at some of Kerala’s famous temples and are hoping that their talent will open bigger doors for them. “ Both of them just started performing shows four years ago. Though they have been learning carnatic music almost all their life, it was only a few years ago that their love for music deepened and they became confident to perform as a team. Today, they are inseparable and the chemistry between them is getting better everytime,” shares Vijayan, their father.

It was Vijayan, a retired agricultural office superintendent and mother K Sudharna who instilled in their children, a love for music. “We don’t sing nor are we associated with music in any way as a family. However, both of us love music to the core. This is why we decided that our daughters would tread the musical path. They were eager students and were able to pick up the ragas and the sruthis perfectly,” gushes their father.

Parvathy, the elder of the duo says that performing as a team is a lot riskier than it looks. “People may feel that it looks easier.  But, the case is different when we are on stage. There is always a bigger chance for making mistakes and going out of sync. However, this can be made up if the chemistry between the two singers are perfected,” shares Parvathy.

Kalyan adds that their success lies in knowing each other’s weakness and strengths.

Meanwhile, Vijayan adds that their attempt is to revive the love of the classical music. “ Today the youth constitute a large gathering in temple festivals. So, even those who come to the festivals, require upbeat songs.  People are initially enthusiastic when they hear that a sisters duo are coming to perform. But, only true classical music lovers appreciate the music,” he said.

Parvathy, who is married, says that they find less time now to practice together. “Earlier, both of us were together all the time and we would practice everyday for some time at least. Now that I am married, it is a bit difficult to be the same as before. However, my in-laws and husband are very supportive. Even despite being married, we hope to perform as sisters for as long as possible,” she adds.

The two sisters have trained with Thiruvizha Surendranath when they were children. Chiraykal Santhosh, Nedukandam Mulakkara Sugunana, Arakkulam N Devarajan were their later gurus.

Parvathy who completed her M A in music from R L V college and Kalyan who completed M.Sc Electronics have currently performed at over 200 stages so far. 

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