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`Music has given me everything'

SARASWATHY NAGARAJAN listens as L. Subramaninam and his family talk about their plans and aspirations

PHOTO: S. MAHINSHA

ON SONG (From left) Kavita Krishnamurthy, Raju, Seeta, Ambi and L.Subramaniam.

There is perfect harmony as violin maestro L. Subramaninam's family pitches in to talk about their plans and aspirations. In the city after a hectic trip to Subramaniam's family temple in Tirunelveli, the legend, accompanied by his wife, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and children Seeta, Narayan (Raju) and Laxminaryan (Ambi), tune in to talk to Metro Plus.

"Although my mother was born in Alapuzha and my father hails from Thripunithura, our family temple is in this small village in Tirunelveli. Since, Raju is joining medical college in August, we were keen on him offering prayers at the family temple," explains Subramaniam who is himself a doctor with an additional degree in Western Classical Music.

"Moreover, Ambi is accompanying his father on a concert in the United States for the first time while Seeta will finish her law next year and she is planning to make a career in music. So, we wanted all of them to be there for this trip," adds Kavita.

Menuhin festival

Subramaniam adds, "We had to make the trip now as we are leaving on August 1 to participate in the Menuhin festival in Gstaad. Ambi will also be playing in this prestigious festival."

Subramanian's baritone voice and Kavita's clear voice, which has breathed life into thousands of Bollywoods hits, does not hit a single false note as they talk about their work and family. The parents' concern for the three who are all set to fly high is evident as they speak in one voice about their hopes for their children.

"Seeta has been exposed to a lot of music - Carnatic, Western, Hindustani, jazz and pop. It is all in her head and I feel this is the age for her to imbibe all that she has learnt and heard. At a certain point, things will suddenly fall into place and then whatever she sings will have her stamp on it," says Kavita.

Seeta says that her music would be one that would not be bound by barriers of any kind - linguistic or otherwise. Not surprising for the daughter of the legend who has played with the likes of Lord Yehudi Menuhin and also made music with jazz musicians like Stephane Grappelli without losing his mooring in Carnatic music.

Fusion music

The music composer of films like `Salam Bombay' and `Mississippi Masala' and creator of hundreds of innovative albums has redefined the term `fusion music.'

"I am lucky as both my parents are musicians. If I sing a phrase in a particular way, my father and mother might interpret it in different ways. So, I have the best of both worlds, as this is a unique opportunity to listen to different kinds of music at home. I am waiting for my father to compose the music for my launch album. Perhaps, that will happen by the end of 2007," says Seeta.

The fag end of 2006 will see the release of Kavita's album that has been composed by her husband.

"Sonu Nigam, Lucky Ali... there are many male voices in the album and the lyrics have been written by leading poets like Javed Akhtar, Sameer and so on," explains Kavita. As the discussion turned to poetry and verse, the proud mother introduces the poet in the family - Raju.

"We sneak into his room to read his poems. Each of us has favourites. There is a lot of romance and violence," says elder sister Seeta as 17-year-old Raju turns beet red.

The crisp, terse lines display his passion for the music of words. The passion for melody that he shares with his parents and siblings.

"He plays the violin and is a good singer. Music can be used in healing too. We feel that his nature will help him be a good doctor," says Kavita. Subramaniam adds, "He is quiet but very observant, caring and thoughtful. If I am unwell or need help, he is there by my side without my saying a word," says the proud father.

But it is Ambi who plans to follow in his father's footsteps and be a violinist. He says that it is his father's hard work and dedication to music that has always impressed him.

With a twinkle in his eye, Subramaniam quips, "That is the script I have given him and he is reciting it well."

Undaunted, Ambi continues, "For instance, when we were watching the World Cup football matches, he would get up and leave the room to practise the violin. His explanation is that he does not want to get too attached to it and be distracted."

As the maestro listens with a smile, Raju chips in, "Yes, his work hard is inspiring."

Ambi agrees that comparisons are bound to be there and great expectations too. But he does not foresee hard times as he plans "to be his own musician and make his special music."

Is it hard to find your space when your parents are giants in their fields?

"Our parents have always let us be... There is no pressure to fall in and do something that they want us to do," avers Raju. Like all mothers Kavita agrees that she does "nag them to practise more, work harder... ." She emphasises that while she would want them to be successful, above all "they should be kind and generous adults who help others."

Subramaniam puts it as "total dedication" to whatever field you choose to work in.

As Kavita says, "Music has the power to touch any one. I have had people coming and telling me, some with tears in their eyes, how they had been moved by his music. That ability to win hearts and reach out is a blessing."

The same way music brought the two together after Subramaniam lost his first wife Vijayashree.

"Music," he says, "has given me everything."

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