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On music and learning:
KK: I came from a very simple background, a South Indian growing up in a Bengali atmosphere in Delhi. Given how we grew up, it was a relatively uncomplicated approach to music. We could [not] attend a gurukul type set-up and learn classical music to the depth and extent that my husband could. Even today, the only regret I have is not having spent enough time on the classical. I also did not have any Carnatic influences as a child, and I continue to learn from my husband and my experiences performing with musicians of high calibre. Even recently he made me record a thillana and I relished every moment of learning it, realising the depth and precision behind every single note and phrase that he guided me on. I was very lucky in the way great composers such as Laxmikant Pyarelal or R.D. Burman received me when I moved to Bombay as a child. Thanks to my aunt and her conviction, I found a footing in Bollywood early, and I do believe that life has a way of teaching us organically.
On success as a musician:
LS: I believe there are two stages in every musician’s life. The first is when you are concerned with the external — audience, concerts, publicity…. It is a heady stage and you feel stressed all the time as you chase goals that only you control, and yet do not realise how easy it is to simplify things and be more in tune with yourself. The second stage is when you get past this, and focus on the internal – growing within your music, and communing with something more profound and inherently higher than yourself. Just as you would practise music, you need to practise this mentally and try and get there. You will be amazed at how intelligent your body and mind actually is. Just a few days ago, my wife and I were asked to perform during the procession at Tirupathi Brahmotsavam. We played to the deity during the street procession, an honour usually reserved for the nagaswaram vidwans. These are the sorts of journeys you undertake as you explore within. It can be tremendously satisfying.
KK: I think every musician should believe and pray everyday. As a musician, you have been endowed with the tremendous privilege of finding a shortcut to the divine, an ability to transcend the physical world instantly. I think success is when you can live with the calm comfort of your voice, your sound, your particular way of making music. When I am sometimes called to judge musical competitions, I urge performers to find their sound, their balance, their centre. You don’t have to be everything for everybody. But you have to keep at it till you find that centre.
On performing at November Fest:
LS and KK: We look forward to performing with our children in Chennai. We will be three generations on stage together, and a lot of exciting content is planned.
(The writer is a pianist, innovator and music educator based in Chennai.)