“What is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversations?” This pondering from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” reflects a desire for engagement that resonates beyond literature into the realms of art and culture. Mirroring this sentiment, The Hindu Friday Review, akin to John Tenniel’s classic illustrations that animated Carroll’s tales, recently infused life into their art and culture supplement with a unique and enchanting event held at The Hindu’s premises.
The event, skillfully curated by the Friday Review Team, marked the second installment in an innovative series. The inaugural session had previously featured the talents of Sikkil Gurucharan and Madhan Karky. This time, the spotlight was on the acclaimed sister duo of Carnatic music, vocalists Ranjani and Gayatri. With the moderation helm taken by Akhila Krishnamurthy, founder of Aalaap, the evening became a symphony of dialogue and song.
Akhila orchestrated the discussion, tracing the transformative journey of Ranjani and Gayatri from violin virtuosos to enchanting vocalists – a path that unfolded serendipitously when they filled in for an absent vocalist at a concert. The move from accompanying artists to lead performers was a pivotal shift, heralding a new chapter in their lives.
Throughout the conversation, a key motif emerged: tradition is dynamic and not a rigid compendium of rules. Ranjani and Gayatri expounded on their belief that tradition breathes through adaptation and the assimilation of innovative ideas, fostering perpetual creative evolution.
Their foray into the world of thematic concerts is a testament to their philosophy. ‘Raja by Raga’ and ‘Rasa by Raga’ represent their efforts to bridge Carnatic music with broader audiences. As the sisters elucidated, while film songs usually sweep listeners up in mood, classical music invites an appreciation of its subtleties and technical intricacies.
One highlight of the evening was their reflective take on working with the iconic composer Ilaiyaraaja. Their collaboration aimed not simply to replicate his music but to add a newfound depth—an experiential third dimension.
Life in Mumbai exposed Ranjani and Gayatri to a vast spectrum of musical influences. Their classical training was complemented by an eclectic mix of Hindi and Tamil film music, which they absorbed through the ubiquitous radio. Such exposure broadened their musical horizons and fostered an innate versatility. Gayatri reflected on how Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions, particularly his use of the violin, struck a chord with her personally. She fondly recalled her college days, where she would mimic his masterful violin tracks, never imagining that they would one day collaborate with the maestro himself.
The evening continued with insights into the power of thematic concerts to widen a musician’s repertoire and reach, inviting audiences to explore new musical terrains. Gayatri shared the duo’s experiences in curating performances, reveling in the educational process and the joy of artistic exchange.
Family played a central role in the sisters’ narrative, as Ranjani fondly remembered their father’s unwavering support, and Gayatri acknowledged mridangam exponent guru Karaikudi R. Mani’s instrumental role in their debut Chennai performance under the banner of his organization, Sruthilaya.
Amid the melodic conversation, a question arose about the harmony between the sisters. Acknowledging that disagreements do occur, much like any sibling relationship, they emphasized their unity of purpose and collective journey in music – a journey fundamentally interwoven with ‘ra-ga’ on and off stage.
Concluding the event, the audience was left with an evocative portrait of two artists who have spent over two decades navigating the currents of Carnatic music, seeking a voice that’s distinctly their own. Ranjani and Gayatri’s presence at The Hindu Friday Review event was not just a musical treat but a deep dive into the cadences of cultural conversation and the artistry that ensues when tradition and innovation harmonize.
