Worthy heir to a musical legacy
G. JAYAKUMAR
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Sudha Ragunathan, a disciple of MLV, talks about her views on music and how it has shaped her life.
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A CLASS APART: Sudha Raghunathan considers voice culture a necessary part of music training.
The honours and accolades that come the way of Sudha Ragunathan come as no surprise to music buffs. For, they have already conferred upon her a place in their hearts as one of the worthy successors to her guru, the legendary M.L.Vasanthakumari.
Sudha remembers that turning point in her life that led to her being accepted as a disciple of MLV. That was in 1978.
"It was through a Central Government scholarship for young artistes for advanced training in Carnatic music. You are given an opportunity to learn under a great guru, and the Government bears the expenses.
"My father suggested M.L.Vasanthakumari amma's name. She was at her peak at that time. I went to her house and she asked me to sing. Then she told me - `mine is not the traditional way of teaching. You will have to spend a lot of time, accompanying me, away from home, just watching me. You will have to work hard and be sharp.' She asked me if I was willing to do all this. And with my whole heart, I said yes."
As a child, it was Sudha's mother, Choodamani, who encouraged her at every step to take to music.
From 1978 to 1987, Sudha accompanied MLV, travelling all over the world providing vocal support during most of her concerts.
Reminiscences about MLV
About her association with MLV, Sudha says: "She was such a beautiful human being. She had a big audience. In a way, it was an advantage for me. She had already created an audience for me. So, those who liked her music naturally liked mine too. That was the legacy she passed on to me. As a musician, I think she still has no equivalent. It was creative music, on the spot. That dimension of music is important in classical music.
"She would also set to music or notate compositions or lyrics she felt was interesting. Although she did not know the language, she was very fond of the compositions of Purandaradasa. So, when she was free, she would say, `come Sudha, take out the compositions, let's notate it.' There was an eternal search for new things. Even today her music is contemporary. That's why many female singers follow her padanthara (style)."
It was not just a teacher-student relationship that Sudha shared with MLV. Her gurutook a personal interest in Sudha's career.
Sudha recollects: "When I told her that I was going to get married, she looked quite dismayed, as she feared it would affect my career in music. So, she met my fiancée, Ragu, and spoke to him. She told him: `Sudha is today just a sapling. You have to let her grow. You have to give her space, room and time. That will mean a lot of sacrifice on your part."'
The sapling grew and today is one of the most popular and respected singers in India with a large fan following of her own.
Explaining her views on music, Sudha says: "Sahitya is the vehicle with which you communicate with the audience. When you understand the lyrics and then sing the lines, it touches the emotive side of the audience and they sing with you. I think sahitya shudha is important. We should try to avoid padachetham when you sing." Sudha considers voice culture a necessary part of music training.
"You need to have a whole year just for voice culture. Practise karvai or standing notes `a a a' or `sa, pa, sa' in different srutis to improve the octaves."
Bharatiya sangeetham
On the question of North-South divide in music, Sudha had this to say: "You should call it Bharatiya sangeetham, and not as belonging to North or South. I believe each has its special features. The point is that we should learn to appreciate each other's music. No harm in combining the forms, but not the way as it is done in Jugalbandi - where there is the `you and I' instead of the `we.' Let's try to bridge the gulf between the two."
Sudha has founded a trust called `Samudhaya Foundation' for philanthropic work. She is also associated with a couple of international organisations promoting world music.
"With BURGHOP, an academy of music and arts in Germany, I sing with musicians from Switzerland, Hungary,Mali, Madagascar and the United States. For the Paris-based `Rhythm Speaks for Itself,' I sing with artistes into African and Persian music." Sudha has a keen interest in music therapy. She says she would like to do research on the subject. For Sudha, the fascination for music is endless and each day finds her celebrating the many facets of music.
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