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`Music is second nature to me'
PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO
They are men of few words and believe in letting their art do the talking. That's the general impression people have about them. So, it's with a lot of apprehension that you walk into violin wizard Lalgudi G. Jayaraman's house in T. Nagar for a Take Two between him and cinematographer Madhu Ambat. The common factor that brings them together? The film "Sringaram", Lalgudi's first brush with the tinsel world as a composer. And their first project together. Therefore, the talk invariably revolves around the film, which has been directed by Sharada Ramanathan. Sitting ramrod straight, the 75-year-old Lalgudi is a picture of poise. Madhu too looks relaxed. And they are quite happy to talk. Savitha Gautam tunes in to their conversation.
Lalgudi: (in a whisper) I am a little scared... interviews always make me nervous.
Madhu: Then what about me? (They laugh, breaking the ice). Mama, I've always dreamt of playing the violin. I even learnt for a year but time became an impediment.
Lalgudi: Age is no bar if you want to learn something. Anyway, why did you accept "Sringaram"?
Madhu: I heard you were part of the project. That's all. But what's surprising is that you accepted a film project. Was composing for a film a difficult proposition?
Lalgudi: Not really. I needed to compose songs that suited particular situations and that made my task easy, specially since the film has a strong Carnatic flavour. I had an idea of what the music scene was like around the period in which the film is set. Also, I was given complete freedom while making the music. I've been listening to music for such a long time that it's second nature to me now.
Madhu: But a folk song? Generally, one would not associate you with that kind of music.
Lalgudi: (smiles) Remember, Carnatic music, or for that matter any form of music, is rooted in the folk tradition.
Madhu: True. Have you had film offers before?
Lalgudi: I did get a couple of film offers to play the violin. In fact, the first offer was for Sivaji's "Thavapudhalvan". But I felt the instrument was not given the importance it deserved. So I refused. Tell me, you have worked with many directors...
Madhu: Yes. Each director has a different approach to film making. Perhaps I am the only cinematographer who worked with directors whose ages range from 19 (Manoj Shymalan) to 85 (G.V. Iyer). Each film is a challenge to me. In fact, I enjoy working on commercial ventures too... the just released Sarath Kumar starrer, "Chanakyan" is an actioner.
Lalgudi: Do you feel the men behind the camera, besides the director, are finally getting their due today?
Madhu: Yes. I believe television has played an important role in promoting film technicians. Mama, what kind of music do you prefer?
Lalgudi: I enjoy ghazals, those of Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali. Bade Ghulam Ali Khan's also a favourite.
Madhu: What about film music, now that you have donned another role?
Lalgudi: (laughs and pauses) Ramanatha Iyer, K. V. Mahadevan... I enjoyed the song "Mannavan Vandaanadi Thozhi" (he sings the line beautifully), Vishwanathan-Ramamurthy, Ilaiyaraja... (pauses and then adds) I also like old Hindi numbers. I enjoy any form of melodious music.
Madhu: Music is the only medium, which affects the `heart' without affecting the intellect. Mama, did you ever play games as a child?
Lalgudi: (laughs and reminisces) Those days, my father and I would play chess. I remember he would look hard at the board, make one move and then tell me, `Your turn'. And then he'd vanish. I would struggle for the next two hours to make a countermove and finally give up. I was good at carom. And I love watching cricket. What about you?
Madhu: I prefer to relax with a book. Of course, when I find the time. You are guru to your children and grandchildren. Was there any difference between the two generations?
Lalgudi: (laughing) My children never asked questions, my grandchildren do. They are inquisitive and quiz me about something or the other. Anyway, I derive pleasure from teaching, whatever the age of the pupil.
Madhu: True, all one needs in a good student is inherent talent and dedication to the art. Mama, this might sound flippant, but which is your favourite food?
Lalgudi: (smiles) A simple south Indian meal. But when I travel abroad, I eat whatever I get, even a pizza! I must confess that I have a sweet tooth and enjoy my dose of jangiri. (laughs) I think when you are hungry you relish anything. It's the same with music. Only when you are in the right mood can you appreciate a kriti.
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