`I'm like His radio'
K. Jayakumar
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K. J. Jesudas on music, technology, politics...
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Evergreen voice: K.J. Jesudas reigns supreme as the singer for all times. Photo: Vino John
What makes film producers and directors insist on this 60-plus singer crooning for 20-plus heroes? The answer is simple. Even an otherwise mediocre song gets a `lift' when touched by that golden voice.
An accomplished Carnatic musician and a music director, it is through his thousands of film songs that Dr. K.J. Jesudas has carved a niche for himself in the hearts of millions. Here, in a freewheeling interview, he opens out on a wide range of topics.
On the comments by some people that he should call it a day.
I believe that I am God's creation. So, I surrender myself to His wishes. He created me for a purpose. May be I'm like His radio. He knows quite well when to shut it off. No one else can do that. It's a confidence I have had all my life. I am not bothered about others' comments.
On his voice continuing to make an impact over such a long period of time.
Maintaining voice quality is a big process. I cannot take all the credit because it is not only due to my own effort. To me, it came through my father. Perhaps God planned it that way. On new ventures
Ventures, yes; but nothing original. So many great contributions made by our predecessors lie hidden in boxes, unknown. For example, there are many rare ragas. But I felt I should introduce these very gradually, in small doses. Initially, introduce one `swara' only from the popular scale, make the people realise that it is different. Take for instance, the raga Rukmambari. It is related to Hamsadhawani, only the rishabam (ri) is changed. Quite recently, I sang `Veenavaadini.' There, too, certain changes can be noticed. So, we have three ragas - Hamsadhwani leading to Rugmambari, then to Veenavaadini through slight alterations.
On technology
The exact copies of the renderings of the great singers are not available. We can only visualise their performance in our minds and learn. But thanks to better technology, today's generation has all the facilities to learn the intricacies of music.
Technology has its advantage in the recording of songs. But too much of it is not good. We try to overcome our deficiencies with the help of machines. What is lost is the spirit of human endeavour.
Machines may be in a position to substitute human effort, but can machines replace the human voice? Whatever be the technology used, it should not interfere with the singer's voice.
On politics
Whatever I have achieved in life, it is because of my father. His advice still rings in my ears "you are an artiste. Don't be a member of any party, club or organisation." This has kept me in good stead.
I have good friends in all political parties. Since they know my attitude I can always point out their mistakes, without hurting their feelings.
My motto is: always be a free man, and vote for the best person irrespective of his party affiliation. Judge him/her by what he/she has done.
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