Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Ranjani and Gayatri on growing up together, music and life
`Our husbands are comfortable with our success'
As children, they were bribed with ice creams and samosas before being taken to a concert. Once there, their father would ply them with chocolates so that they would listen to the music and not turn fidgety. It quite paid off. Starting off as violin prodigies, they made a shift to vocal music some years ago. Watch Ranjani-Gayatri perform and you'll come back feeling energised. Their brand of Carnatic music is spirited. And, like all sister combinations, this one too has a silent sibling and an effervescent one.
On stage, Ranjani is the moor, and Gayatri banks on that to take off on a blissful musical journey. Off stage, they are pretty much the same. They readily agree to a Take Two when in town for a concert. Everything is ready, but the sandal paste used to mark their forehead is missing. Their father, N. Balasubramanian, manages to fish some from his pocket, and the two are all set to start their talk-a-thon. Subha J Rao listens in.
Gayatri: This feels so strange Ranjani. Usually, during interviews, we argue as to who will answer first. Now, we have to interview each other. You start.
Ranjani: Tell me, why were you so hesitant to switch over to vocal music?
Gayatri: See, we had achieved success playing the violin and there was this fear that we would not be able to live up to the standards we set. For that matter, even when it came to the violin, I would look up to you for everything.
Ranjani: (looking up in surprise) Really?
Gayatri: Yes. I was six and barely taller than the violin while you had been playing it for some time.
Ranjani: But, you were our guru's (Sangeetha Bhooshanam T. S. Krishnaswami) favourite. You used to sit in the front row, right in front of him.
Gayatri: (with a pleased look on her face) Growing up together was fun. We learnt so much from each other.
Ranjani: Definitely.
Gayatri: When people compare us, saying one is better than the other, how do you feel?
Ranjani: I take it philosophically ... You know, I am very proud of you.
Gayatri: Of course I do. People tell me to watch the video of our concerts to see the pride on your face when I sing. I decide to check out for myself, but once on stage, I focus only on my music.
Ranjani: I admire the way you sing. You are so confident.
Gayatri: (looking thrilled) What do you remember of our childhood?
Ranjani: The concerts we went to... the bribes we got and the spankings when we did not behave. Frankly, I wonder how appa and amma managed us. It is so difficult to handle Annapoorna (Ranjani's daughter).
Gayatri: She is our daughter and as famous as us, if not more. She runs all over the place during a concert. Getting back to our childhood, I remember how strong your basics were. In a Ragam Thanam Pallavi (RTP) competition, you identified everything with ease. Your sense of thala is great.
Ranjani: I disagree with the RTP thing. You were very fast in identifying ragas too.
Gayatri: Really! (with a look of surprise) You handle the pallavi well. And, you are the foundation for my music. I am very adventurous even with a bad throat, but I do that because of the confidence in your voice. You have depth.
(Ranjani looks on uncomfortably as Gayatri continues with her adulation)
There is depth in your voice. Yours is the silence of the deep seas. I am flamboyant. So, we complement each other.
(They start looking like ideal sisters; but Ranjani brings the conversation back on track.)
Ranjani: We have had our share of fights too. From what to wear to what to sing...
Gayatri: I don't agree with you. We fought as kids. Now, we have `constructive arguments'.
Ranjani: (laughing) Finally, it boils down to our coordination.
Gayatri: Everyone listens to music for relaxation. But, it perks us up, no?
Ranjani: Yes. The minute music is switched on I can't do other work. I tell them to switch it off.
Gayatri: Reason why we decided against having a stereo in the car. Carnatic music makes us focussed and more alert. Even when I sing, part of me is detached... that prevents me from losing control over what I sing.
Ranjani: You are both the audience and singer.
Understanding husbands
Gayatri: I remember... someone recently called athimbaer "Mr. Ranjani' and he did not mind one bit.
Ranjani: That is because he takes pride in my art.
Gayatri: Mine too.
Ranjani: It takes a confident man to handle the success of his spouse.
Gayatri: Also, both our husbands are professionals... so it's easier.
Ranjani: Yes. They are more concerned about us as musicians and turn a deaf ear to what others talk.
Gayatri: You are always so patient. If I am a green chilli, you are Mother Earth. My only complaint is that you are impatient with Poorna.
Ranjani: (looking guilty) Yes. I feel bad about not spending enough time with her. Compared to the time our parents spent with us, it is nothing. We owe everything to them.
Gayatri: We were quite privileged that way.
Ranjani: Wonder how they managed without TV those days. I know it is wrong, but I plonk Poorna in front of the TV, feed her and do the rest of my work. It is the easy way out.
(The topic then shifts to marriage. Gayatri got married this February.)
Gayatri: When you got married, I felt so alone. I thought athimbaer would take you away from me. But, he assured me that nothing would change. Nothing has.
Ranjani: True. Like you say, we are more married to each other. We see so much of each other.
Gayatri: And, your child is my child. I am very possessive about Poorna.
Ranjani: Poorna is very attached to her chithi... also because you are very gullible.
Gayatri: (laughing). Your family is great too. I adore your mother-in-law. Tell me, how do I brush up on my cooking skills?
Ranjani: Don't embarrass me. If you are lucky like me, you won't have to cook at all.
Gayatri: I don't believe you can't cook. There have been times when you have saved the rasam I make.
Ranjani: True. But your beans poriyal is all right too. You'll manage.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
|
