On a beautiful day close to sundown, the sea across his house sent a waft of breeze gently swishing through the foliage in his garden. The setting sun picked up the sparkling waves of a blue sea and right away you are put in a frame of mind to go down a road filled with milestones, achievements, and a life that only breathes music. And there he is with his lovely wife, Kamala, his constant companion and a champion of all he does, as he looks back on his life that is by no means ordinary.
Tripunithura Narayanaiyer Krishnan needs no introduction. Born on October 6, 1928 in Tripunithura, Kerala, to A. Narayana Iyer and Ammini Ammal, the violin legend has been the guiding light for many.
A child prodigy (he made his debut at the age of 8), he learned music from his guru and father and was also mentored by Alleppy K. Parthasarathy. He has accompanied legends like Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Musiri Subramania Iyer, Alathur Brothers, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, M.D. Ramanathan and Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer. He came to Madras in 1942 and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer put him under R. Aiyadurai, a prominent industrialist and connoisseur of Carnatic Music.
Apart from his numerous performances, he also taught many disciples, including his daughter, Viji Krishnan Natarajan and son, Sriram Krishnan. He distinguished himself in academic positions such as Professor of Music at the Music College, Chennai, and later, the Dean, School of Music and Fine Arts, University of Delhi. He has been decorated with several titles and awards including Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and more.
Filled with laughter and often pensive moments, the conversation flowed like a gentle brook. Excerpts:
Beginning
I started at the age of four. So all I know is music. My father was my first guru. He used to teach me and others, without getting tired. A stickler for discipline, he ensured that time was spent either practising music or listening to it. He was teaching me till he died at the age of 99.
The past
Th e Cochin Royal family, not as wealthy as its Travancore counterpart, was patron of music. My learning (music) never stopped. My father was not only a good vocalist but could play many instruments. At that time the violin was unique to the world of Carnatic music and he wanted me to be adept at it.
No distractions
It was only music and more music for me. There was no getting away from it. Not that I complained. To me it was as natural as breathing. Kutcheris became the norm because it was my livelihood. We would perform in temples, in landlords’ houses or at weddings.
Even at that tender age, I was able to play continuously for three hours or more. I suppose it was fascinating for people to watch a child perform.
Happy childhood
I would practise for long hours. I don’t think I went out to play. There were parks, but most of the day would be spent perfecting the bowing.
Marriage happens
Ti me flew and I had turned 33. In those days it was late. My wife is 12 years younger. Wife Kamala intervenes: “I am happy to have married a musician. Anyway, those days we didn’t have a choice, did we? Our parents told us about a potential alliance and we simply agreed. I remember, he was extremely busy. He came home to see me after a concert and immediately gave his consent for the marriage.
Life in Madras
I was 14 when I came to Madras and really liked the city. The place has given me success and recognition. Those days public relations was an unknown concept. An accompanist got a chance to perform in a concert only if senior vidwans acknodged his talent. And veterans formed a tight circle, which was not easy to break through.
Memorable kutcheri
Ea ch performance is memorable. My wife was present at all my concerts, until our children started going to school and demanded her attention. Viji and Sriram also were learning the violin. Soon they were with me on the stage. In an ambience, which exuded music, it was natural that they fell in line. And they loved it.
Changing with the times
Changes are happening everywhere, not only in music. This age belongs to technology. In those days, we had to refer to books for information. These days it is just a click away. But I wonder whether all this has improved knowledge. It is not necessary to be a great musician. It is sufficient to be intelligent to appear as great. This is in contrast to our era, when we just couldn’t consider ourselves as good lest we were dubbed arrogant.
State of music today
It has expanded so much. So-called new ragas, talas and so on. But I wonder if all this is necessary. I might have played one raga a hundred times. But it keeps getting refined. People say that I play Thodi very well and they also conclude it is my favourite. But all ragas are my favourite. If you play something over and over again, does that not become something intense and beautiful? The effect itself is different. Let me put it like this — I am always thinking of music. And that makes it easier to play from the heart and makes the music beautiful.
Hindustani vs Carnatic
To me they are not opposed. My sister Rajam plays Hindustani and when we play together — as we did recently — we were like two sides of the same coin. There is good in both and one plays with instinct and intuition. Like I said before, if we play something often, it ends up sounding fresh and new. It is that newness, which I look for.
Age factor
I never get tired of playing the violin. I actually don’t like to stop.
The future
Ch ildren are very intelligent today. They know what they want and also how to get it. My grandson learnt the violin, but he is into music of a different kind. And we have to let them do that. We cannot force them to think like we did and that will not work today. They can’t be expected to be home all the time. If that happened, we would all get into a fight. So let’s accept that they are smart and know what is good for them and they that will take this forward positively.
Life has been…
A very special one. I must be one of those rare individuals, who has hardly seen any difficulties. And that is not because of me but because of my father, elders and Divine grace.
Message to the world
I will only repeat what my father told me: “Whatever you do — be it the violin or vocal — keep at it. It might be tough, and you might have to give up many things, but if you want to excel, this is the only way to do it. Remember that the bad notes will creep in, even without your knowing it. It only depends on how much you play everyday. There is no other prescription.” Despite my experience and the amount of practice I do even today, I feel butterflies in my stomach when I face the audience. It is the fear of not being up to the mark. I know people will be easy on me now with my age , but don’t I have to be true to myself?
The future of Carnatic music
It is in safe hands. Nothing will happen to it. It will continue to amaze, amuse and entertain people. Also, recognition is important, it’s lika a tonic. It is not to blow one’s trumpet. And it should never be bought. In our times money couldn’t do that. Neither should it be manipulated. In short, art should not be taken lightly.
Looking back
I have gravitated only to good things — food, clothes or company. One must be dignified and build character. People will always recognise character and genuine love for music. I feel Music is God — without that aspect, music won’t come to you. It comes like God’s grace when we least expect it and when we forget ourselves.
Favourite things
I love sweets. “He likes jangri and badam halwa,” informs Kamala. And I also like cornflakes and dosa, he adds. An excellent cook, my wife monitors everything I eat.
