By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor
Youngsters who wish to learn classical music should have the patience and dedication for a lifelong commitment, legendary Indian singer Dr K J Yesudas has suggested.
“Students and their parents ought to realise that it is a slow process and should not expect instant fame and fortune,” he told Gulf Times in an interview.
The singer was in Doha for preparations of ‘Yesudas@Doha 2013 Live Classical Concert’ on October 11 at the Qatar National Convention Centre’s Theatre.
Yesudas, 73, has to his credit 52 years of playback singing in most Indian languages and more than 50,000 songs, apart from thousands of concerts - film and classical music - all over the world.
“It is not an exaggeration when I say that it is only now, after all these years that I am beginning to get a whiff of classical music. I am still a student,” said the singer who dedicates time every day for practice.
“Many people ask me why I should still learn music. I have a lot to learn. I have been giving classical music concerts for several decades. It is only now that I am getting into a pattern.”
Yesudas, fondly described by his fans as Gana Gandharvan (the Celestial Singer), suggest that classical music should be included in the school curriculum at least from the fourth grade.
“Classical music is a part of our culture. There is no point in lamenting that we lost our culture, heritage and musical lineage without doing anything to conserve it,” he said.
Yesudas, who has won the National Award seven times and the State Award 43 times (from the governments of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal), reiterated the importance of mother tongue.
“You can learn any language, but should not forget your mother tongue, which is part of your heritage.”
The singer, who was honoured by the Indian government with Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Bhushan in 2002 for his contributions to the arts, stressed the vital role that parents play in the life of a student of music.
“I have immense respect for my father, who inculcated in me the love of music from the age of five,” Yesudas said while recalling that his father did not allow him to give classical music concerts until the age of 18 in order to ensure that he got proper training.
The late Kattassery Augustine Joseph, a singer and stage actor, could not undergo formal training in classical music due to his circumstances.
“He could sing raga (one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music) impeccably, a talent he picked up through observation, but would not sing swara (a note in the octave) as he did not know. That was a great quality. May be that was why the Goddess of Voice blessed me.”
Yesudas also credits his father, who died in 1965, for the secular outlook he inherited and for which he is widely acclaimed.
“My father told me that I should not be confined to any particular segment of the society and that I should not discriminate against anyone.
“My father also advised me that if I look at someone, I should have a smile on my face, irrespective of whether I am having happy or sad thoughts or any worries. I always do that.”
He cautioned aspiring singers about arrogance that will prove to be their undoing.
“Even now, when I am about to go on stage or to record a song, I fear I could make a mistake. One can stand firm only if there is a realisation that he or she is not perfect.”
Respecting and paying tribute to the masters is another important aspect. Yesudas hosted a three-day festival in Chennai this year and honoured 30 legendary musicians.
“Next year, we are planning a five-day programme, with two days of symposium which would see students of music interacting with the maestros.”
Yesudas is giving a classical concert in Qatar after three years. He will be accompanied by S R Mahadeva Sarma (violin), Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam (mridhungam), and Thripunithura Radhakrishnan (ghatam).
Qatari business establishment Marzooq Al Shamlan & Sons is organising the event in association with Advent Worldwide. Tissot and Watch Corner are the title sponsors and Gulf Times the media partner.
Yesudas... still learning. PICTURE: Jayan Orma
