THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: P K Rathishnath is one among the many youngsters who have tried their luck in reality shows. Though he could make it only till the finals he hopes to make it make it big in the field of music someday. While treading through the corridors of Sri Swathi Thirunal College of Music, the boy from Kozhikode keeps close to his heart the desire to make a mark by himself rather than being known for the appearance in a reality show. He would love to make himself an example by paving a way on his own in the music industry.
Rathish, who is pursuing his master’s degree in performing arts (vocal), was a familiar face to many in a television musical reality show in 2008.
“The boost I received through the show was tremendous. The appreciation from music director Johnson Mash is memorable. That gave me immense confidence to continue the pursuits of music.”
A prize winner at youth festivals, he has sung for numerous musical albums. Now he is all smiles about the opportunity to sing for an upcoming Malayalam movie ‘Kudumbanathan’ by debut director D Shaloob Khan. Meanwhile, he had tried his hands at acting in a short film ‘Niracharthu’ along with Nedumudi Venu and Kavalam Narayana Panicker.
His tryst with music began at the age of four. Born in a family with a strong musical background, he learned the lessons of Carnatic music from Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar Vidyapeethom in Palakkad and strictly follows Semmangudi Bani. Later, he began learning music under the tutelage of Palai C K Ramachandran. He has accompanied his guru for concerts,
He has also had the opportunity to be accompanied by noted musicians like violinist Guruvayoor Rajamani and mridangam artiste Kuzhalmannam G Ramakrishnan.
The life in the capital city makes Rathish feel that he is always in the world of music. “Residing at Valiyasala in the city brings me more closer to music. I live close to the residences of stalwarts in music like Parassala Ponnammal, Kudamaloor Janardhanan and Ayyamkudi Mani,” he says. Along with the miniscreen appearance, one of the biggest moment he cherishes is the concert he gave at the ‘Navarathri Mandapam’.
“The mandapam is a place where veteran musicians have showcased their talent. For a budding musician like me, it was an honour to sing there,” he says.
Rathish teaches music for aspiring singers. “I impart music lessons to a couple of students here. At my home town, I teach Carnatic music to students focusing on Semmangudi tradition.”
One of his ambitions is to turn his music class to a school where along with vocals, students can learn musical instruments too.