K J Yesudas, one constant in an ever-changing world

Playback singers of our movie industry met recently in Kochi to form an association. And as last-minute preparations were going on about fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time, in walked a man, and with him an aura. As the meeting began and he deservedly took the middle seat on the row of chairs on stage, I felt, as I’m sure most present there did, the momentousness of it all. In front of us was someone whose voice still enamours composers, about 60 years after he started singing. Someone who has seen the breadth of change in it all - technology, movie narratives, working styles, you name it!

Someone who has worked with the greatest musicians in the country and made incredible partnerships with them, someone who became the voice of love, hope, loss, devotion, joy and everything in between for an entire country, someone whose body of work will only be looked at with awe by generations to come. To be able to walk into a room, and while staying absolutely humble and grounded, to instill a sense of reverence in everyone present, is success of the highest degree.

K J Yesudas. The name has taken many forms over the years. From the affectionate Dasettan or the respectful Das sir, to being prefixed with Padmavibhushan and many such accolades- the only constant, of course, has been the sheer force of that voice. As he rose to speak that day, he became one among us, and that was the most fascinating thing to watch. Without the usual spotlight of the media, with just the people from his fraternity as his audience, he spoke of things as varied as his experiences of having seen the film music industry evolve, to recommendations on diet to help shape your voice better. The one thing that shone through it all is the discipline he puts into his craft. He constantly reminded us to never forget the people who listen to your music. It is an obvious choice to make if restricting certain foods helps the quality of your voice and it directly translates to a better experience for your listener.

And as he is now conferred with his eighth National Award for the Best Playback Singer, I’m left wondering if there will ever be anyone with such singular dedication and commitment to his craft. As I’m told by contemporary recording engineers, his effort to understand a composer’s vision of the song before a recording is rarely matched by others. When his magnitude of work is overwhelming even for a casual listener, it’s a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates its nuances.

While it’s the innocence in his voice that’s the hallmark of his earlier songs with the likes of MS Baburaj, it evolved to epitomize a certain grandeur, while remaining flexible to handle genres and emotions across a wide spectrum. While I’m acutely aware of my lack of merit in talking about a true legend like him, I’d just like to say if he were to ever see a list of people he has inspired with his music, I would be in it. As of course, would be the countless people around the globe.

(The author is singer and music director)