When
did you first start singing? I was involved with music from a very young
age. My mother was a singer. She sang for AIR. My
father and my aunt, Padmini Krishnaswamy are violinists.
I was encouraged to sing by everyone at home. Most
of my family members are inclined to music. It's
the samaskara…
When did you receive your first lessons? I started singing when I was 2 years old. My
first guru was B M Shivappa, who is also blind.
That time I was in Mysore. I received vocal lessons
from Vidwan H R Rama Shastri. I gave my first concert
in Mysore when I was just ten years old. Shyamala
Bhave, my Guru, is very supportive and encouraging.
Were you blind from birth? My parents came to know that I was blind when
I was a year old. It seems the optic nerves were
not working. Even my younger brother lost sight
when he was nineteen.
Has your handicap limited your capabilities as
a singer? Being handicapped is not a problem. I'm not
worried about the limitations. I don't feel inferior
at all. My friends have never looked down upon me.
Voice has no handicap and even knowledge for that
matter. I believe in the motto: Where there's a
will, there's a way. You need to practice to achieve
perfection. Only when you carve on a stone will
you get a statue.
What's
your definition of music? Music is such a big ocean. Your heart should
be pure and you should be dedicated to learn music.
You should have implicit faith in your guru. Concentration
is a must. You may have a good voice, but your interest
comes first. Your entire life should be dedicated
to music.
Tell me more about your performances? I have performed all over the country. My gurus
have supported me and made me what I am today. They
have showed me the world through their eyes!
How do you look at life? If you keep crying, you cry alone. If you laugh,
ten people laugh with you. I try to forget my sorrow
by laughing. I won't cry. I haven't cried because
I have thousands of eyes not just two. I hate sympathy.
I like encouragement. And I hate the word papa
(pity). My aunts Padmini and Mandakini are very
supportive and look after me well. They are like
my parents.
How do you accept criticism? If you want to come up, you have to accept criticism.
You have to be like a lotus and bear both the rain
and sunshine.
Do
you play any musical instruments? I know how to play the violin, harmonium and
keyboard. I haven't specialised in instrumental
music.
Presently, what are you doing? I am a 'B' High artiste of AIR, Bangalore. I
sing Bhava Geethe. I also teach music to interested
people. Some of my students are successful. Recently,
Hamsalekha, one of the best music directors of Kannada
movies, has selected one of my students, Yuktha
Rao to sing in a forthcoming film.
I notice, the bindi on your forehead is exactly
at the centre of your eyebrows. How do you stick
it so precisely? Feel of the hand. I get an idea to stick it
in the centre of the eyebrows. Four days you stick,
the fifth day it comes automatically.
Your inspiration? M L Vasantha Kumari encouraged me to sing. I'm
a wee drop in front of Shyamala Bhave. She's a tremendous
force of encouragement and has immense faith in
me. I find solace in her presence. She's my saviour.
My friend Sathyarayana, a mrudangam player has also
given me great encouragement. I am presently learning
Light Music from Shyamala G Bhave.
Achievements, other than in music? I got the Best Nature Award in a car rally organised
by the Karnataka Welfare Association for the Blind.
The game is called Tulip, wherein a direction slip
is given in Braille, and we have to communicate
these instructions to the driver.
Your other interests… I like animals, particularly dogs. I do bead
work and make wire baskets.
8:23:30 AM 
What's
your definition of music?
Do
you play any musical instruments? 
