'It's possible to have miracles through music'
Dr M Balamurali Krishna seemed to have a good time when he came for the Rediff Chat. From ragas to Rahman, and patriotism to fusion music, the Carnatic vocalist answered all queries with elan. And came up with witty one-liners when faced with some tricky questions.
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:35 IST)
Namaskaram to all of you. I am happy to be in touch with you and you are welcome to express your views and I will try to answer.
MDR (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:34 IST)
Are you working on composing any new ragas now?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:37 IST)
MDR: There is no question of composing new ragas. They come automatically and when it comes, I note it and compose a song in that raga so that the identity of the raga can be established. This is a spontaneous creation.
Mahati (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:36 IST)
Hello Shri Balamuraliji, I have seen people asking you questions, regardless of whether you are there or not. So let me also start. a) Who among today's young musicians do you like most? b)Who was your idol in your younger days?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:40 IST)
Mahati: Nowadays, I see a lot of talent among the youth. Each one has his own style and I enjoy everything. There is no need to mention any name. My idol in my younger days was my guru Ramakrishnayya Pantulu, my mother, the late Sooryakanthamma, a versatile veen player, my father Pattabhiramayya, an excellent vocalist, veena, flute and violin player. Among composers, I regard Thyagaraja as the greatest creator.
Radhika (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:29 IST)
Hello Dr Murali, these days a lot of different organisations are having music sabhas in Chennai, unlike the previous days when only one organisation conducted it. Do you agree with this or you think only one organisation should hold these sabhas?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:43 IST)
Radhika: We can neither stop nor control the atmosphere. Many sabhas are functioning nowadays, thereby many artistes are getting opportunities to expose their musical talent. I am not sorry about the increase in the number of sabhas but in general, one should take care to avoid dilution.
Shanti (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:41 IST)
Hello Sir, do you think musicians are born? Do you believe in Purya janma punyam? Do you believe it is because of this you are born a celebrated musician in this birth?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:47 IST)
Shanti: Yes, sometimes we have to believe when we cannot find any other reason why and how the child prodigies are born. In fact, I started singing like a full-fledged musician at the age of five and I started giving public performances at the age of eight and you have to believe when I say that I gave my first All India Radio concert in Chennai in 1940! How was it possible is the question. It cannot be answered and I have to believe that the instinct for music has come to me from my parents. There is nothing wrong in calling Poorva janma sukrutham.
Sree (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:27 IST)
Dr Murali, a) I have heard you performing with Pt Jasraj and Pt Joshi. For some reason, I felt that Pt Jasraj's voice is the right combination for you. Can you explain how you feel? b) When are you planning to visit US -- particularly NY area? c) Who, among the young talent, do you like the most?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:49 IST)
Sree: I never plan anything. If I get an opportunity and invitation, I always like to visit the US. And I am ready to sing jugalbandis with whom you like and prefer.
Sree (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:25 IST)
Dr Murali, You have carved an excellent position for yourself in the world of music. I have not heard about any of your sishyas. Are you training anybody?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:51 IST)
Sree: Yes, I have many direct and indirect disciples and I have been teaching to deserving students free. There are many established students in India and abroad who are performing well and I wish all of them greater opportunities and recognition.
Vivek (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:42 IST)
Dr Murali, do you think that videos and promos for national unity really work? I ask you this question since you have participated in them -- what's the motivation for you sir?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:54 IST)
Vivek: Yes, cassettes, video and Internet; all these media will help national and international understanding and we become closer to each other to get more knowledge. These electronic media really help in integration.
Sree (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:53 IST)
Can you share with us some of the setbacks you had in your career (if any). One thing I remember is the scuffle you had with NTR at one time.
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:56 IST)
Sree: I never had any setbacks in my life, even with NTR. We had a difference of opinion and finally NTR realised it and honoured me!
Mohanty (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:55 IST)
Dr Murali, what do you feel about Rahman's music? Do you agree with the critics who say that his music/style has become too repetitive? What do you think Rahman needs to do to evolve his music?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:57 IST)
Mohanty: I like the boy!
Padmini (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:53 IST)
Sir, What is the formula for success in the music world? Is it God's gift or can one achieve it through hard work and dedication?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:59 IST)
Padmini: Of course, all. But one can achieve success only through the encouragement and recognition from admirers like you.
MDR (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:56 IST)
Do you think fusion music corrupts the purity of classical music? Or does it increase its boundaries and reach?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:3 IST)
MDR: Every music in the world is pure according to me. Fusion music, if correctly presented, will help in understanding various kinds of music. At the same time, we get a platform to meet each other, exchange views while presenting the performance. It will definitely enrich the undersatnding and quality of music as a whole.
Sree (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:1 IST)
Excuse me for asking this, but do you have any children? If so, how do you rate their talent?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:5 IST)
Sree: Yes, I have six children, three boys nad three girls who have an instinct for music, but they have not taken music as a profession. They are all settled in different professions like medicine, engineering, etc.
Gayatri Tandon (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:0 IST)
Dear Dr Murali, I have been an admirer of yours for years, a friend of mine told me that you are a ladies' man *laughing*, so should I be scared of meeting you?:-)
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:6 IST)
Gayatri: You need not! Any art is feminine.
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:7 IST)
Gayatri: I see more women asking me questions. I don't know why!
Mandira (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:2 IST)
Sir, which moment do you consider as the highlight of your career?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:9 IST)
Mandira: Every performance is a highlight for me. I personally felt happy when I got my first Doctorate and the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, presented to me by the President of India in 1991.
Karl (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:4 IST)
Dr Murali, sir, do you believe in God? How do you define him? Is it necessary for an artiste to believe in a higher power? Or is belief in one's vision/talent enough?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:12 IST)
Karl: It is an experience to everybody to believe that there is a higher power which may be called as God. For me, my music is my God. We should have belief in God at the same time, we should have confidence in our talent.
Shanti (Wed Sep 1 1999 6:54 IST)
Some young Carnatic classical singers, both male and female, have turned to playback in films, and I often find that because of their hit film songs, people turn in large numbers in sabhas to watch them perform. Then, why do Carnatic musicians in general denigrate film music?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:16 IST)
Shanti: There is nothing wromg for a Carnatic musician to sing in films and all top-ranking artistes in the past also have sung and acted in films. Film hits naturally draw more crowds and I don't think any Carnatic musician denigrates film music. If anyone is doing so, probably he or she is waiting for an oportunity to sing in films!
Rama (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:14 IST)
Namaskaramandi Balamurali. Bagunnara. I like very much one of your songs, Endaroo mahanubhavulu andareki vandanamulu. You take good care sir. With respect, Rama.
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:18 IST)
Rama: Thank you for your sentiments. I shall take care. Chala santhosham.
Shah (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:12 IST)
Sir, would you like to sing a song composed by Rahman? I know you did the Desh Ka Salaam project, what do you think about his talent?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:19 IST)
Shah: Yes. I'd like to sing a song composed by Rahman. And I always bless him.
Mahati (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:11 IST)
I am aware of the tala system you introduced called sumukhi. What is the cornerstone of this system? Is it that the shashabdakriya will have gatibhedam and the nissabdakriya will not have? Is it only that or is there more to it?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:20 IST)
Mahati: You are right.
Padmini (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:3 IST)
Dr Balamurali Garu, What is your advise to present generation musicians?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:22 IST)
Padmini: Concentrate on art for art's sake and not for opportunities.
Malik (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:13 IST)
Dr Murali, is it right for the government to impose bans on Pakistani artistes coming to India and performing? What do you think about the fascist Shiv Sena policy? Please answer sir -- is it right for the government to dictate the cultural policy of the country?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:22 IST)
Malik: Art should always be above politics.
Padmini (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:21 IST)
Sir, nowadays many of the traditional Carnatic songs, especially the Annamaacharya Kirtaanulu are tuned and sung differently by different singers. How far is this fair? Does our Carnatic music allow such flexibility?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:24 IST)
Padmini: It is not advisable to tune Annamacharya's song differently, but it is happening because Annamacharya's music is not available which is unfortunate.
Siddy (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:24 IST)
Sir, What are your feelings on fusion music -- where Carnatic music is combined with jazz and rock?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:26 IST)
Siddy: I have already said that I like all kinds of music, hence fusion music also.
Mahati (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:23 IST)
Dear Shri Balamuraligaru, is it possible to produce miraculous effects with Carnatic music, like bringing the rain by singing amrithavarshini or megharanjani, or is it just metaphorically stated?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:28 IST)
Mahati: It is possible to have miracles through music. You can't name such music as Carnatic or something else. Likewise, you can't name the raga either.
Mahati (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:27 IST)
Dear shri Balamuraliji, Do you have an e-mail address and if so, what is it? Please tell me whether I can write to you at that address and expect replies from you?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:31 IST)
Mahati: Please visit my site www.balamuralikrishna.com and you can write to me.
Sangeeta (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:31 IST)
Sir, I would like to know your views on contemperory film music. Do you think, as others think, that youngsters should not be too carried away with this music?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:33 IST)
Sangeeta: Film music is only for the films. If anybody gets attacted by a film, it is but natural that he gets attracted by the music too.
Mahati (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:32 IST)
Dear Sir, I visited your site and wrote to you, but did not get a reply, so are you saying I should not expect replies?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:35 IST)
Mahati: I am sorry. Please write to me again. I will reply.
AtlStang (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:33 IST)
Sri BM : Why are some of the ragas you composed have caused controversies? They don't seem to follow the known and accepted rules for raga creations... could you please explain?
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:36 IST)
Altstang: It is natural that any new creation is criticised in the beginning and accepted later on.
Dr M Balamurali Krishna (Wed Sep 1 1999 7:38 IST)
I thank all of you for your thrilling questions. Hope to meet you like this often. I wish all of you the very best in life.
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