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`It moves the listener'
PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN
CHILDHOOD BONDING Anil Srinivasan, Sikkil Gurucharan's senior in school, admits how he became a big fan of the latter the minute he had rendered the first note
As a student at Vidya Mandir, Chennai, Sikkil Gurucharan was in awe of his musically inclined senior Anil Srinivasan, who took part in every music contest. Anil, six years Charan's senior, had faint memories of a `kutty' who had the potential to sing well. Years later, Charan, scion of a family of musicians, was making a name for himself in the Carnatic music scene and Anil was a feted pianist abroad. They got together during their school's golden jubilee celebrations in 2005. Charan could not recognise his balding senior and Anil kept looking for that `kutty'. When they finally got together, Madhirakshi, an album of six lyric-rich poems, happened. Subha J Rao listens in.
Charan: Remember the first time we met after leaving school? You were working on "Jungle Book" for our school's golden jubilee and I was invited to be a part of it
Anil: I kept looking for my kutty.
Charan: When I realised that you were THE Anil Srinivasan, childhood memories rushed in. By then, you were an established pianist. You asked me to sing a composition in the rare Nasikabhushani raga.
Anil: You were expecting something far simpler from me. When I mentioned the raga, your face went like this (contorts his face). But, the minute you sang the first note, I became your fan. It was a very transformatory moment, seeing you change from kutty to Charan.
Charan: I still remember what you told me — "I am immensely pleased."
Anil: You were too good.
On coping with fame at a young age
Charan: I guess it is all due to the grace of God, my teachers... more than making me proud, this is a tremendous responsibility. People expect more out of me. It is a great challenge.
Anil: I am terrified every time I get on stage with stalwarts. It is easier with you, because of the childhood connection. When I am invited to play with the best in the field (like Mandolin Shrinivas, Mandolin <129>Rajesh, Bikram Ghosh and percussionist Pete Lockett), I still can't believe I am doing it. I have learnt so much.
Charan: I've learnt a lot too from you. Like how important it is to linger on a note for a long time. You made me sing really slow for the album, especially Aasai Mugam. You refused to let me render it otherwise.
Anil: It worked better that way.
Charan: Yeah! I realised it later. At a concert here, I sang the song in the kutcheri format. A lady later walked up to me and said she liked the one in the album better. That felt so good.
Anil: For me, lyrics are important. Both the emotional and structured content must work in unison. I have read these compositions as poems and when converting it into a song, you have to show respect to the poet.
Charan: My favourite in the album is the lullaby, Omana thinkal. What's yours?
Anil: The pasuram, Sediyaya. I pushed you so much during the making on the album and got on your nerves quite often, no? There was a huge difference between how the two of us saw things.
Charan: (laughs) I would sing a little fast and ...
Anil: (interrupts) I would sit outside and tell you `Innum konjam slow-a paadu'. And, you would have to start from scratch.
Charan: It was so frustrating.
On the album's impact
Anil: I played it to several Western classical musicians. They did not understand the language, but were moved.
Charan: It has helped me lend emotions to other songs.
Anil: I am very happy that I have worked on something I loved listening to. Normally, I don't listen to my compositions. This is an exception. But, in my mind, Charan has made it happen.
On singers interacting better with audiences
Charan: It is very important to establish a personal relationship with the audience.
Anil: Nowadays, musicians are bringing their human side to the stage.
Personal equations
Anil: After two years, you have understood all my eccentricities.
Charan: Yes, but you still drive me up the wall sometimes. You start your sermon saying, "You don't have any idea of what you just said."
And then tell me I was too good to be true. You tell me something good, but the beginning is all wrong.
Anil: You get very scared when I tell you that.
Charan: Yes. I get very scared when people appreciate me more than I think I deserve. How do you handle criticism?
Anil: I am very sensitive. I take a lot of criticism to heart.
Charan: When I know I have played well and I can see the audience has enjoyed it too, a negative review leaves me dejected. You hate the word fusion, don't you.
Anil: Yes. Someone recently asked me if Madhirakshi was fusion and I was visibly dejected. I have respect bordering on reverence for Carnatic music. And, such words hurt.
Charan: Anil, I would really like it if you don't take everything to heart. And, take life as it comes.
Anil: My turn now. But, where do I start? You should get a little more serious.
Charan: Agreed. I am playful with everything, except music. My parents tell me the same too.
Anil: And, I would like you to be careful about your performances. You are only going to improve. There are too many faults and too many good things. I am protective towards you. You are my little brother who is taller than me.
Charan: (speechless... smiles)
Anil: Recently, Charan was thrilled when he learnt that Kamal Hassan, his idol, purchased our album. You love collecting films don't you?
Charan: I like watching them too. When I stay back overnight in a city after a concert, I end up watching some film.
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