It was a regular day at Kochi airport when a delay in baggage handling became a stage for an impromptu performance that went viral on social media. Acclaimed Indian percussionist Drummer Sivamani turned a frustrating wait at the luggage carousel into an unexpected concert, much to the delight of his fellow passengers.
On what seemed to be a mundane Wednesday, travelers at Kochi Airport in Kerala found themselves stuck in the baggage claim area waiting to collect their luggage for over 40 minutes post-landing. However, this delay was soon to become a moment of internet fame and a joyous memory for many, thanks to Drummer Sivamani.
Dressed in a vibrant green kurta paired with denim pants, his head wrapped in a matching green cloth, and black sunglasses shielding his eyes, Sivamani took it upon himself to lift the spirits of those around him. Using the metallic conveyor belt as his instrument, he began playing the popular song ‘Humma Humma’ with his mallets, effectively transforming the belt into a set of drums. A co-passenger captured a 17-second video of this spontaneous act, which showcased Sivamani’s infectious energy and rhythm.
The indomitable spirit of the performer and the unique acoustic qualities of the conveyor belt created a spectacle that resonated with the waiting crowd. The clip, shared on social media platforms, quickly caught the attention of netizens, who were impressed by the creativity and positivity exhibited by the musician.
Drums Sivamani, a household name in the Indian music fraternity, is renowned for his versatility and mastery over a range of percussion instruments. His skill set includes the traditional and the unconventional, from drums, octoban, darbuka, udukai, ghatam to kanjira. A regular collaborator and longtime friend of well-known composer A. R. Rahman, the duo has created magic in numerous cinematic scores and live performances. Sivamani’s work has graced significant Indian films such as ‘Roja’, ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Swades’, ‘Taal’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Dil Se..’, ‘Guru’, ‘Kabul Express’, and ‘Rockstar.’ The esteem held for his contributions to the industry was formally recognized in 2019 when he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri.
This incident at Kochi Airport is a stark contrast to recent events that have brought negative attention to the airline industry. In the backdrop of this heartwarming episode, there have been several reports of lengthy flight delays, cancellations, and overcrowding at various airports which have irked many travelers, including celebrities. High-profile figures such as Richa Chadha, Radhika Apte, Sonu Sood, and Ranvir Shorey have taken to social media to voice their frustrations stemming from various inconveniences faced during their travels. Ranvir Shorey tweeted about a grueling 10-hour delay he faced, whereas Radhika Apte shared stories of passengers, including herself, being stranded in an aerobridge.
While individual narratives of airport delays often lead to anything but smiling faces, Sivamani’s spontaneous performance was a reminder of how music and art can transcend everyday irritations and turn a collective sigh into collective cheer. His act not only provided those present with a rare moment of enjoyment but also gave people around the world something to smile about. As travelers we often brace ourselves for the hassles of transit, yet it’s heartening to see moments when the universal language of music renews our spirits, making the weights of our journeys a little more bearable.
