Swaras lead her way
LALITHAA KRISHNAN
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She never had formal training but Janaki Rajagopalan plays the harmonium with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
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Photo: K.V. Srinivasan
Lauded: Janaki Rajagopalan.
The curtain went up to applause as the arc-lights shone down upon the gracious persona of renowned Hindustani vocalist Lakshmi Shankar. But it was the lady next to her on the dais who drew the audience’s attention. And curiosity.
For, seated behind the ubiquitous harmonium, was not the male accompanist one was accustomed to seeing, but instead, the slight figure of a spry senior citizen, bespectacled, grey hair gathered into a neat knot at the nape, dressed in the traditional nine yards madisar, who reminded everyone of their favourite grandmother.
Amazed appreciation
Once the recital began, however, surprise turned to amazed appreciation. Any traces of diffidence evaporated as the mami struck a perfect synergy with the main artiste, sustaining and responding in sawal-jawab with the assurance of a seasoned pro.
This was, for many rasikas, their introduction to Janaki Rajagopalan, or mami as she is affectionately called. “I could hardly believe it when Lakshmi Shankar, who had heard about me from Chennai-based Pt. Janardhan (sitar) requested me to accompany her. Such an eminent vocalist. After the concert, she expressed her warm appreciation — words of encouragement I shall always treasure.”
Other memorable experiences include accompanying vocalist Lakshmi Sriram at the Music Academy and her participation in the devotional music slot in the Academy’s morning session, which drew an appreciative “Romba nanna vasikkarel, mami” from doyens such as R. Vedavalli, Mani Krishnaswamy and T.K.Murthy. Over the years, the roster of artistes grew to include Mala Ramadorai, Sruthi Jauhari, Sowmya Madanagopal, Jyothi Nair Belliappa and many others.
“My experience as accompanist to a host of Hindustani outstation artists who performed in AIR Madras was a great asset. Often, I had no idea about who would be performing, what ragas were on the list. No rehearsals. All on-the-spot improvisation” she recounts. And the punchline? “I have had very little formal training in music and none whatsoever in playing the harmonium. Not even sarali varisai!”How did it all start? Says mami: “Being a musically inclined family, our house in Sirkazhi resounded to the vidwat of many luminaries. My grandfather, Appaswami Sastri and my father, Janardhana Sastri, were well-known lawyers and patrons of music. Maharajapuram Vishwanatha Iyer, GNB and Sakhama Rao were frequent visitors. My interest was kindled and I began playing the violin (which I only learnt for 4-5 months at age 12) and then the harmonium. I just translated the music I heard into notes and before I knew it, I was playing fluently. I can only attribute it to God’s grace.”
Encouraging family
Husband, S. Rajagopalan, an enthusiastic vocalist, and his family proved an immense source of support and encouragement. Son Radhakrishnan, a University professor in Irvine, California, plays the mridangam. Her late sister-in-law, Lakshmi C.S.Srinivasan, was a natural who sang wonderfully, played the violin and harmonium, but died young at age 22. However, with her husband’s job entailing frequent transfers, it was several years before mami settled in Madras (1976) and her talent attracted notice.
“The initial push came from Andavan Pitchai (Kamakshi Kuppuswami) whose singing I accompanied frequently. Engagements at Bhajana mandalis followed. I knew and still know very little about Hindustani music. But the swaras lead the way. I simply follow their path and they have never yet let me down,” informs mami. Favourite icons include M.S.Subbulakshmi, Maharajapuram Santhanam, GNB, Ariyakkudi, Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, M. Balamuralikrishna and Parveen Sultana.Gentle and unassuming, this artist’s generosity as a person extends to giving freely of her time and talent, teaching those who seek her help. “I accept no fee. This is my small way of giving back for the happiness music has given me.” Bharat Kalachar and the Indiranagar Club have honoured her with awards and citations. All the artistes, sabhas and rasikas who have offered encouragement are remembered with gratitude. Dwelling serenely in the mutual affection and understanding preciously woven over a lifetime of togetherness, the couple, Janaki (82) and Rajagopalan (90) exude warmth and simplicity, graciousness and dignity. “My husband’s constant support enables me to perform even at this age.” Performing engagements are quite frequent with room for more. “I would be happy to have more organisations encourage me.” The only age-related problem is restricted mobility. “If the concert venue is distant, I appreciate the consideration of those who take care of to and fro transport,” mami acknowledges with typical humility.
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