N J Nandini gets nostalgic as she speaks about her favourite spots in the city. The Carnatic vocalist who grew up in Sreevaraham, East Fort, says the neighbourhood shaped her into an artiste.
“East Fort was and still is the hub for cultural events. While growing up, my parents took me to all the cultural shows in and around our neighbourhood. And there was always some event or the other happening, be it a Kathakali performance or a Carnatic recital, at one of the venues. These were recreational activities we looked forward to as a family,” says Nandini. The Karthika Thirunal Theatre became her second home as she attended concerts by both Carnatic legends and up and coming artistes. “I learnt to identify ragas, enjoy tanis,pallavi and more by attending these concerts. I discovered a love for music. I knew a life in music was what I wanted.”
The artiste, who has gone on to hold several concerts at the Theatre, says performing at the venue still feels surreal to her.
“I watched in amazement as various Carnatic vocalists held the audience in thrall with their performances; I was fascinated by their voices, the songs, music... I recall how the Theatre was jam packed to listen to M S Subbulaksmi and Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan perform. Meeting Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer as a child, and getting his autograph was something special; I still have his signed autograph. As for me performing at the Karthika Thirunal Theatre, to see myself on that very stage, I am at a loss for words to describe the feeling.”
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
A visit to Mani Mess was also something she looked forward to. “We would request them to reserve items on the menu we plan to order so that we could have them on our way back home. I love the homely feel of their food. In fact, these days, I go there whenever I feel bogged down with work,” says Nandini, who adds that the Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a sanctuary she seeks out whenever life “gets too much.”
She adds: “I prefer going there alone as whenever I visit the temple with my mom, neighbours and friends will stop us to chit chat. I often find solutions to my problems whenever I meditate in the temple.”
The artiste, who currently shuttles between Kochi where her husband resides, and Thiruvananthapuram, says, her home is now on the list of favourite spaces in the city.
“In fact, I look forward to my mom’s coffee and her home-cooked food as soon as I step .”
(A weekly series on people and their favourite places in the city and its suburbs)
