As I walk into the local Cafe Coffee Day, Apoorva Krishna’s sparkling smile greets me. She attributes her joy, that also marks her musical adventures, to the love she has developed for her art form. It all began at the famed Bay Area in the U.S. “I began my lessons with Guru Anuradha Sridhar, when I was very young. My parents took me to her for classes, when I pointed out to the violin at one of her concerts. I wanted to play it,” says Apoorva.
The great-granddaughter of author S. Rajagopala Iyer and granddaughter of vocalist Shakuntala Murthy, Apoorva began her training at age 6. She also learnt from Anuradha’s mother, Lalgudi Srimathi Brahmanandam. The following six years, apart from school, was filled with music.
“We moved to India when Apoorva was in the sixth standard. We actually moved for music’s sake, though she didn’t know it at the time,” Apoorva’s father, Murali Krishna reveals.
The family’s move to Bengaluru posed a challenge. “It took me two years to adjust,” recalls Apoorva, and adds that the move was, “one of the best decisions the family made.”
The two countries offered her different perspectives, but she says the commonality lies in the passion that she sees in her peers across the world. “It’s all about how serious you are about the art. While my friends in the U.S. might be surrounded by different styles of music, today, we’re all exposed to the same via the Internet. I find that we all share a love for music that moves us to seek it out in whatever form we can.”
Her talent was recognised with awards at reputed events and competitions such as Naad Bhed, Kalavanta, The Music Academy’s Spirit of Youth series and All India Radio. What began as a solo violin performance, quickly transformed into a plethora of opportunities as an accompanist, which she says helps her to “grow as an artiste each day.”
“When playing solo, I’m focusing on the Lalgudi bani that I proudly represent. But as an accompanist, I try to follow the vocalist’s style while bringing in my own flourishes as well.” Apoorva says the thrill of accompaniment lies in its unpredictability and the music lingers in her mind long after the concert is over.
“There are so many concerts where I’ve had to improvise on something that I’ve never been exposed to before. For instance, I’ve played for a few special concerts where the artistes have presented pallavis in rare ragas and talas. I can never forget these concerts. They’ve pushed me in an organic way to expand my horizons.”
A believer in one’s kutcheri dharmam of accompanying to optimally enhance the concert, Apoorva continues to innovate away from the sabha stage. Having recently finished her undergraduate degree in business administration, she’s spending time in a studio working on an album of thillanas composed by her.
“Recently I’ve developed an interest in composing and I am trying my hand at that. The album will have thillanas in ragas Ranjani, Nagaswaravali, Vasantha, Hamir Kalyani, and Charukesi.”
As she speaks, the future of classical art seems promising. Ask her about the lack of young audience at kutcheris, and she has a refreshing perspective. “It’s a niche art form. We must create an entry point for people who haven’t heard it before. It’s important to make the art enjoyable and interactive. Our music can be used to inspire young people. We just have to find out how. After all, it continues to inspire us, no matter where we go.”
