Margazhi ‘medicine’ for the soul

 

“I was at a concert in Vani Mahal two days ago. Even though I was fine in the beginning, Kalyani raagam eduthaodane (as soon as I started playing Kalyani raagam) I began coughing continuously,” says Shreya. “My accompanying artistes and even several members of the audience came forth to offer me tablets — I was so very touched,” she adds. What happened after the concert though, really amused her. “Usually, few rasikas stay back to meet and greet me. But this time, one paati congratulating me on the concert, and gave me something, saying it’ll help soothe my throat,” Shreya says, adding, “But when I got home and opened the parcel, it turned out to be ice wine! In a million worlds, I never thought I would receive wine from a grandma after a kutcheri! Coolest paati ever — hands down!”

 

The incident, as amusing as it may be, encapsualtes not just how Chennai performers and audiences have risen up from the flood menace to celebrate Margazhi wholeheartedly — but also do so, in high spirits! Shreya, who is looking forward to perfom more this season, started learning Carnatic vocal music at the tender age of six, began to learn the violin in 2001. “I approached the late Lalgudi G Jayaraman initially, but since he was extremely tied up, he put me under the tutelage of one of his students,” says Shreya. After being in probation for a year, the violin maestro took her under his guidance and care, helped her perform her violin arangetram in 2007 and now she’s unstoppable. “In fact, I’m obsessed with music. I’ve never really had a life outside of the arts — maybe this even makes me a little anti-social, but I love it!” she concludes.