Ubhayagana Vidushi Shyamala G Bhave has made landmark achievements in her illustrious music career spanning over 5 decades.She learnt Hindustani music in Gwalior Gharana style from her parents and Carnatic music from
B. Doreswamy and Gana Sudhakara
A. Subba Rao. She is the present Chairperson of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy.

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Excerpts of the interview:

You have been actively involved with music for over five decades. How do you feel?
Yes, fifty long years. I breathe notes, music… subconsciously. We've worked very hard, son - dripping blood from our eyes.

What's your major achievement in recent years?
I conducted a programme - Suvarna Bharatha, on the occasion of 50th year celebrations of Independence. It was a combination of music, dance and theatre, wherein 74 artistes were involved. I even composed music for the cultural programmes at the last National Games held in Bangalore.

Do you think Indian music is appreciated more in the West than in India?
Not exactly. The foreigners are educationally good. They understand music better. Even when I get a sound applause, I'm not concerned about it.

How do you feel when you share the dais with renowned singers, say, who are a cut above you?
I have never felt hesitant, even during my younger days. I was talented, you know. Actually, they would not introduce me at all, fearing I would dominate the concert. I was brighter…

Tell me more about the Ubhayagana Vidushi title. How did you attain it?
It was Sir M.Vishveswaraiah's birthday. He had come to Town Hall where I was performing. He was a friend of my father. I was 12 or 13 years then. After the performance, he called me and said that I was bright and all that. He then bestowed me with 'Ubhayagana Vidushi' title and said from then on I should use only that title before my name and nothing else. And that is why, even to this day, I prefix the title to my name.

Your inspiration?
Inspiration… you mean to say the mood to sing? Well, mood is not outside - it's within me. I am disciplined even on stage. Never bossing. I'm completely aesthetic and philosophical in my approach. Once I start singing, I forget my surroundings. Sadhana reaches supremacy over everything else. I'm dedicated… once the mind is clear; you try to bring out the best.

Your favourite student/students?
My favourite student… well, there are five… all are gems. First is Dr Sonia Kantu, who is presently staying in New York. Then, Anjana Prabhakar of California. Anand Kumar, an excellent tabla player, Vageesh Bhat and the smart, handsome boy, Ganesh Desai.

Does one need to have a music Sampradhaya to sing?
No. Everyone in the world has a voice. Once they practice, they can become good singers.

How are Indian musicians able to perform better abroad?
As they say, in Rome, be a Roman. They are doing well.

Is filmi music, really music?
In the 60s and 70s, filmi music was melodious, sequential… and good. There were stars like Mohammad Rafi, a Muslim who brought out Ram, which no Hindu could bring out. Now, it is hard sound and beats - just noise and nothing else. Listen to some Kannada songs. The music directors first compose a tune and then fill the tune with some rhyming, cheap lyrics. So vulgar… Some, only some tunes are good. Choli ke peeche was an excellent tune, fine composition - I see nothing vulgar in it. It's the way we perceive things. People say nasty things about Michael Jackson. You know, he has grace - he is excellent.

Who is the best singer, according to you?
Great Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan saab, Ustad Aamir Khan. In Carnatic music, we have Chitti Babu, M.L Vasanth Kumari. Pandit Jasraj is also good.

The Nightingale of India - Lata Mangeshkar?
Yes, she is indeed the nightingale. But any day, I will rate Asha Bhosle to be better than her sister, Lata. Yes, the two sisters have made immense contribution to music.

What about S.P. Balasubramaniam?
S.P is S.P. No one can equal him. He's the master. He's like an ocean. So vast is his experience in music, he can sing in any language with excellence

What differentiates Shyamala Bhave from others?
As a composer of tunes, I take not more than five minutes. It's a sort of drive…
I am not satisfied if I take more than that time. I compose tunes of Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, Tulsi Das and other classical and Hindustani masters.

To whom do you attribute your success?
My parents' blessings.

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