This Margazhi season, sabhas and forums in the city, honour musicians who have excelled in their respective fields.
For instance, Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (Vani Mahal) at GN Chetty Road, presented Vani Kala Sudhakara award to seasoned vocalist Seetha Narayanan. Speaking about this, she says, “I was born and brought up in Jamshedpur, where I learnt music from guru Kasi Viswanathan, disciple of the legendary Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. He taught me the features of Semmangudi baani.”
“After a brief stay in Mumbai to where my husband got transferred, our family shifted to Chennai. Here, I got the opportunity to continue my musical journey under the tutelage of Nagercoil Harihara Iyer who made me learn Western as well as Carnatic music,” she adds.
“I subsequently embraced the Tiger Varadachari bani through Ambattur P J Rajagopala Iyer, who was closely associated with guru Varadachariar. Adding to this, Dr S Ramanathan, a versatile musician taught me the Alathur bani of singing on stage,” she explains.
Seetha Narayanan is also credited to have learnt bhajans of Tulsidas, Meera and Surdas under the guidance of gurus Chandrakant Apte and B Rama Murthy Rao, apart from travelling widely across the world staging concerts, lecture demos and providing training sessions to youngsters.
“My visit to Australia through the Music Academy was a memorable one, as the locals there showed great interest in learning the art form,” she states.
Seetha Narayanan who has also performed at the centenary celebrations of Madrasi Sammelan held at Jamshedpur, speaks about the Vani Kala Sudhakara award. “I am extremely delighted to get the award from one of the oldest institutions in the country, where legendary musicians have staged concerts,” she smiles.
She can be reached at 94440 23215.