They made waves with the recent Namami Gange anthem for the government’s project to clean the Ganga. Chennai-based Trichur Brothers — Ramkumar Mohan and Srikrishna Mohan — have been popular on the Carnatic music circuit but this video has propelled them to national fame. They call it a landmark project. “It was our first venture where we undertook end-to-end production (concept, music and video); our debut as creative directors.” The response has been very heartening and reassured them that “music along with strong visuals is a great medium to convey a social message.”
Given the family’s connections with Carnatic music, (mridangam vidwan Trichur R. Mohan is their father) it’s not surprising that the brothers found their feet in this world. Back home in Trichur, their grandfather was a patron of the art. Yet, they say, there was no pressure on them. “Our parents never compelled us to take up music as our profession. Of course, they would urge us not to miss the music lessons, come what may. Whether it was school exams or the day we appeared for our CA finals, we did not miss our practice. However, our parents firmly believe that music is for life and not merely for a living!”
In fact the brothers stress that through school, college and the rigour of Chartered Accountancy, it was music that kept them going. “It is the best form of relaxation. It makes an ocean of a difference when you sit down to study with a focused, attentive and calm mind.”
Given that they perform as a team, what are the individual pulls and pushes? Not much, is the answer. For one, they say, their thought processes are similar. Apart from that, “we have been very fortunate to have done so many things together in the formative years. We learnt, practised and even listened to concerts together.”
They further explain how they structure their concerts. “Typically, we briefly discuss the krithis and the ragas though we understand that the list could change on stage. We have a clear idea about which compositions both of us are familiar with, and try not to take up compositions that only one of us is familiar with, though that too has happened on the spur of the moment.”
Apart from their gurus who are their role models, “we listen to the Semmangudi Srinvasa Iyer, K.V. Narayanaswamy, the Alathur Brothers, T.N. Seshagopalan, Ramnad Krishnan, M.S. Subbulakshmi, M.L. Vasanthakumari among others. Among Hindustani musicians, we listen to Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. Listening to the masters is very important to imbibe the nuances of classical music.”
And of course there’s A.R. Rahman. “Our generation grew up listening to Rahman. We are huge fans of his music and also draw a lot of inspiration from the way he carries himself as a person! We were very touched when he personally tweeted a congratulation on the Namami Gange Anthem.”
Asked about the impact of technology and social media, the brothers accept that one really can’t without either today. They point out that whether it is the microphones, speakers or even the electronic tanpura, the concert platform has been inundated with technological advances. They are quite unabashed in stating that “we believe in using technology as much as it helps in better concert experience for us and the listeners.”
Given their significant following on social media, it is not surprising that the brothers feel that it has brought in many benefits. “All it takes is a tweet or a message on Facebook to connect,” they say. And it helps collaborate with global artists. Not to speak of staying in touch with fans and friends.
While they do follow cricket and travel a lot, both for work and leisure, they unwind with that they do best: Sing. And then an addition: “Also spending time with family and friends.”
The Trichur Brothers will perform in Coimbatore today as part of Olive Media Pvt. Ltd.’s Aradhana series. All are welcome.
Venue: Nani Palkhiwala Auditorium, Mani Higher Secondary School, Nethaji Road, Pappanaickenpalayam
Time: 6.00 p.m.
Contact: Srikanth Iyer at 9945690201
