‘Thani-avarthana' (laya vinyasa sessions from mridanga, ghata, khanjira, morching) is the time many people ‘pack off' during concerts, while for some it serves as ‘break time'.
While stalwarts Bangalore K. Venkatram, Umayalapuram K. Sivaraman and Karaikudi Mani have done their bit to make laya comprehensible to the common man, it is to be seen if their efforts make laya sessions upbeat in melodic sessions
This time around though, the Chamarajpet Ramaseva Mandali is seeing a huge change — people who swarm out are back in 20 minutes! Recharged, they walk in after a quick snack at the special canteen on the premises.
“I am coming back. Just rushing out for a quick dinner,” one person said, making sure that he didn't lose his seat, immediately after a comprehensive Thodi by Mandolin Brothers U. Shrinivas and U. Rajesh.
All over the place
There may be 30 banners bringing out classical fare this Ramanavami season, but some of the artistes are featured everywhere. “How can you say that,” asks an indignant Bharani, a musician attending concerts regularly. “If Seshadripuram Ramaseva Samiti has Hyderabad Brothers on their list, it is only fair that south Bangalore too gets to hear them. What's wrong in that?”
Tarakaram of the Seshadripuram samiti says, “It's completely understandable. This time we changed dates for many musicians to suit their needs. Even Mambalam Sisters requested us for a specific date as they had several more [performances] in the city. It helps them cut down on travelling.”
“However, we do not have Hindustani musicians performing under too many Ramanavami banners. Perhaps they are too costly to be featured everywhere,” says connoisseur Hema Jagadish.
