A close knit group of seven women and what brings them together is music. Aptly too, they call themselves ‘Sapthaswara’ – the seven notes – intermingling to create the music that flows in their lives and pours forth to those around them.
If you thought that these are a band of peppy young women who make avant-garde music, you guessed wrong. For all of these ladies are on the other side of 50 and all except one on the other side of 60!
Life had been a mad whirlwind for them, playing the roles of wife, mother, daughter-in-law and being in the midst of hectic routine, until realisation dawned that a great vacuum was engulfing them. The roles had been played out to perfection, the stage was getting deserted and the arc lights had shifted focus. Quite naturally, they could have quietly slinked away into the shadows. But that was when they rekindled the spirit in them, starting out on a fresh journey to rediscover themselves.
YWCA was a common platform, where all seven of them would take part in music programmes that were part of the cultural events. But soon they felt a love for singing that went beyond the single stage performance, not to speak of the special bonding they shared. Thus it was that 13 years ago, they decided to meet every week to sing and learn some music. Saramma John, offered her home as the meeting place – a prospect that was welcomed enthusiastically by the others, for she is a great cook and the music classes were sure to be followed by sessions of tucking into the goodies she was sure to treat them to.
The ladies found an empathetic teacher in Sunil Kumar, a qualified musician. “Sir is our raison d’être, giving us the confidence to face an audience,” says Gigi Isaac. She had taken some music lessons in her childhood, but it is the voice training that Sunil Kumar provides that has stood them in good stead, she avers.
“Every year we put up one or two music shows that also incorporate elements of theatre and dance,” explains Laila Mathew. This makes it all the more appealing for the audience.
“Each time it is a different theme and our regular viewers await it eagerly,” joins Susan Thomas. One time it was on the life of Jesus Christ and at another it was on the golden melodies from films.
Their latest show is centred on the psalms of David, with songs specially written and composed on the theme and enacted alongside through dance and drama. “The whole exercise generates positives vibes for the group, and besides, it is a spiritually enriching experience,” says Sindhu.
So thus it is that the group has created an atmosphere of relaxation in their lives, revelling in the fulfilment and the sense of identity that Sapthaswara has brought them. “Life feels full these days and I no more spend time waiting for phone calls from my children who have flown the coop,” says Leela Kurien.
Their sense of camaraderie is something the group values greatly. “The decisions we take are common and our strength is our unity,” says Titty Thomas. “Our families encourage our creative pursuits - and after they have seen us in action, we have won their admiration too,” she adds. Indeed the sapthaswaras seem to have created a beautiful harmony.
