Many of today’s youngsters, in the process of evolving as musicians, have directed themselves towards the enduringly classical, arduous path- reviewidating the old with a freshness of thought, approach, and presentation. Sriram Parthasarathy, 20, is one who comes under this list. Hailed as a rising star by HMV, Sriram has released a cassette for the company. The most striking aspect about Sriram is his maturity level and the devotion towards classical music. Presently he is doing his graduation in music at the Madras University. His fine grace, avoidance of razzle-dazzle and flawless synthesizing of the lakshana and lakshya have earned him a good name in the carnatic music world. In an exclusive interview, Sriram reveals his plans for the future.
When did you give your first performance?
My first stage performance was at the age of 10, after sometime I opted to hone my skills further under the aegis of Sri Neyveli R. Santhanagopalan, whose classicism and aesthetics are well known. I have been in associated with Neyveli R Santhanagopalan for the past six and half years. I am also learning veena and harmonium out of my own interest.
Can you elaborate about your family?
I belong to a family of musicians. My grandfather Sri. Raghavan was a veena vidwan and my father R. Parthasarathy is a vocalist. I got the inspiration and initial training from my father.
Where you fine-tuned yourself before coming to Neyveli Santhanagopalan?
I sharpened my musical skills under the renowned vidwan Sri O. S. Thiagarajan. I also formally trained to play the mridangam by Karaikudi. Mani.
Can you tell us about your awards list?
I received many awards during my school days at MCN School when I was in my 11th and 12th standards. In the recently concluded music festival season, I have been awarded the prize for best concert in the 12.00 slots and the best singer of under 25-age category by the Music Academy. Renowned music company, HMV hailed me as a rising star in the music world.
How you improved your skills and performances?
I honed my musical skills and attitude by attending and providing vocal support to my guru in his concerts. It helped me in developing alertness, concentration and skills that are must for a musician. Also, I feel a student gets to learn a lot about the profession as such. I feel a student with a non-performing guru is sure missing a lot.
Do you have any plan to shift your career to teaching?
I am yet to learn a lot before I get into that phase. Learning the classical music involves a great amount of conceptual, perceptive, and creative skills, which are best developed at a young age. Learning the classical music is a serious yet joyous process. Above all, both the teacher and the student must have real love for their work and art. My relationship with my guru is very deep, and that helped me a lot in bringing out the best in me.
What are your other interests?
I like reading divine books by great saints, watching comedy and action movies (English) and also I will do some cartooning/sketching in free time. I want to work more on concert planning in lines of great musicians like Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar. I also want to attain “sruti suddham” and know the meaning of the krithis, which I sing. Presently I am working on it. Only then I feel I can do justice to the bhava aspect. I want to sing and sync with music. Of course I want to earn money, but I will never forget my aim of learning and singing and being devoted to music for music sake.
