Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman
Legendary mridangam player
Are you a traditional or modern artiste?
I am a great admirer of Mahakavi Kalidasa. In his Malavikagnimitram he says don't take everything old is good and everything new is bad. Take the best of both. In my professional and personal lives, I have been following this philosophy. I adapt to the changes and appreciate both old and new. I am a core traditionalist but also a modern artiste. A few years ago I was asked to compose music for a fashion show hosted by a premier design label. I accepted their invitation and composed music for the fashion shows held in Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai. I played mridangam along with violin and guitar while women walked the ramp. Our music is sweeping and expansive which can accept both old and new. Like the bamboo one has to be flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking. One has to be capable of adapting to any circumstance. Past is history, present truth and future mystery. Be positive, take everything in stride with grace and stay calm and strong.
