It was some time in 1987. This 5-year-old boy affectionately called Charan at home was coaxed by his grandparents Sikkil Sisters to sing any tune. After quite a bit of cajoling, he sang a popular film number. His grandparents especially Smt Neela was amazed at the “sruthi sudhham” or tonal perfection in his singing and also the near-perfect alignment of the notes. Together they decided that he must pursue vocal music. Almost every second member in the family had taken up flute. Hence they were insistent that at least this boy should pursue a different art form namely singing, as he had already shown immense promise at that age.”

 

The above paragraph describes how I was fortunate enough to make my intial forays into the Divine Art called Carnatic music. My father had shifted to Hyderabad at that juncture for official reasons and our whole family had to shift our base. Technically speaking, my music classes started then. My mother taught me the initial exercises and other songs like Mudhaakaratha modhakam, Madhuraashtakam, Kurai Onrum illai etc. She also taught flute to my sister and I used to involuntarily register those kritis also in my mind. A couple of years passed in such a fashion.

 

In 1990, we returned to Chennai(then, Madras). And my grandmothers wasted no time in putting me under the able guidance of Vaigal Sri S.Gnanaskandan, a sishya of Dandapani Desigar and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer . He was the Producer of All India Radio at that time and he would come over to our place to teach music. This unique practice, he continues till date, belying his age of 76. I know it would be a cliché to say that initially I had no interest and used to be playful during lessons. In my case, it was partially true. A strict person by nature, my Guru ensured I learnt properly and the people at home also created an ambience filled with music to build my interest in singing. They did succeed. Well, to a certain extent!!

 

My interest in music was boosted to a vast extent because of the places I landed at for my education !! Please see Education Link for further details.

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