Festival of ragas
REMA SUNDAR
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`Ragolsavam' plans to celebrate its completion of 300 episodes with a grand concert.
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TRIUMPHANT TRIO: (From left) Ajith Namboothiri, M. Jayachandran and Kavalam Srikumar.
It is a festival of ragas on the small screen. `Ragolsavam,' a classical music-based sponsored programme that began in 2002, recently completed its 300th episode.
Telecast on Kairali channel, this programme has touched a chord with hundreds of viewers all over the world.
Novel concept
Aimed at promoting classical music, the programme attempts to familiarise viewers with the concepts and ragas of Carnatic music. By relating ragas to popular film music, the programme seeks to reach out to music buffs who may have been intimidated by the highly structured format of classical music.
Say its anchorpersons Kavalam Srikumar and M. Jayachandran, both well known vocalists, "It was Shrikanth Murali, (formerly a staffer of Kairali TV) who put forward this concept. The programme has evolved to its current form through team effort."
Ajith Namboothiri, who knits the programme together, concurs and adds, "Along with popular music, the programme features interviews and interactions with artistes and veterans who explain the finer aspects of various ragas."
Interacting with various artistes has enabled the programme to emerge as a platform for hidden talents to display their potential.
Says Jayachandran, who also produces the programme, "Several artistes who have not yet been given an opportunity to prove their talent have contacted us to participate in this programme. In some cases, we have had to coax media shy talents to participate."
The viewer-friendly format and easy presentation has helped `Ragolsavam' connect with the viewers. Adopting an easy style of conversation, the anchors, who share a good rapport, delve into the ragas.
Says Srikumar, "It is unusual for Carnatic singers who have been trained in different styles to be so tuned to each other."
Adds Jayachandran, "Our discussions on various ragas are never prepared; they are extempore."
It is one of "give and take," wherein one takes over from where the other has left.
In keeping with the fact that music has no barriers and religion, `Ragolsavam' features Hindustani, Western, folk as well as Christian and Muslim devotional music.
"Through the programme, we have tried to advocate the need and importance on the correct placement of words and expression while rendering compositions," explains Jayachandran.
Viewer interest
During the past four years, the four-member team behind the programme, which also includes Sethu Raman who coordinates certain segments of the programme, has had several memorable moments.
The programme has been able to attract the attention of students of music as well as connoisseurs.
Says Jayachandran, "People who want to learn music but could not, and those with a passion for music have connected with the programme."
The team is planning to celebrate the completion of 300 episodes with a grand concert.
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