‘Virtual kutcheris will have a better reach than physical ones’

December is the favourite month of Dr Shankar Krishna. A Carnatic music enthusiast, he has never missed any Margazhi concerts in the past many years. "Nobody expected that the world will come to a standstill for months because of the pandemic. I will be watching virtual kutcheris this year. There is a huge difference between watching a cricket match from the playground and watching the same on TV. Likewise, there is a difference between watching a physical concert and seeing it on our mobile phone or TV. Attending and enjoying music or dance performance has its charm. That will be missing in virtual events. Margazhi festival is close to every Chennaiite. This is the time when music and dance buffs meet each other and do sabha hopping. Also, the sabha canteen food is something we all look forward to. Unfortunately, we will be missing all the buzz and excitement this year," says Dr Krishna Shankar, chief anesthetist trauma, Miot Hospitals. 

A few senior Carnatic musicians only perform during the December music festival and Krishna is upset that he won't get to watch them because many have cancelled their performances. "Senior artists like Rama Ravi, Suguna Varadachari, etc, have cancelled their concerts because of the fear of the pandemic. It is not advisable for senior citizens to step out during this time,” he mentions. Arts consultant Shreya Nagarajan Singh is another person who never misses Margazhi events. 

She tells us, "While the fervour of sabha and canteen hopping isn't there, the fact that there is even the slightest option of attending live concerts is very appealing but I have taken a personal decision not to attend physical events this year. I want to stay extra careful, especially for all the elders in my family. To add to that, sitting at home for eight months without going outside seems like a foreign concept to me. However, watching top artists in the comfort of my home on my TV with my cats and dogs next to me is a completely new experience and for the moment, I love it. But, can I do it forever? No, but I am certainly enjoying this new version of Margazhi. I hope the future holds a good mix of digital and in-person events for the season. I truly believe that it's integral in building the Chennai arts scene, the December festival and its audiences." 

Krishna Kumar Rangachari, a rasika, observes that there are both positive and negative sides to virtual concerts. "Rasikas will miss the spontaneity of enjoying a concert — be it vocal or instrumental. The energy and vibe you experience while attending a physical concert are different. The positive aspect of a virtual event is its reach. Irrespective of which place and time you are in, if you are a Carnatic music buff, you can watch the online performances. You have easy access to the pre-recorded performances at any time. Another good thing is that people from all over the world will get to know about Chennai's famous Margazhi music and dance festival. Also, artists will get a wide reach and more visibility in online events. I think in the coming years, organisers of Margazhi events will look at combining both the models — physical and virtual. The audience will get the best of both.” Alserv, a tech start-up focussed on assisted living services for the elderly has launched the second season of The Ever Last. 

The Ever Last is India’s first online initiative designed exclusively for senior citizens and their families. Keeping the current situation in mind, the second edition of The Ever Last will bring the concert and sabha experience straight to the homes of seniors. 

Jagadish Ramamoorthy, co-founder and director of Alserv says, “Margazhi month is a time when the elderly like to attend concerts. As that option isn’t available due to the pandemic, we thought it would be good if we can bring that sabha experience to their homes. We have an excellent line-up of Carnatic artists and musicians to create the most compelling and memorable experience this Margazhi season that is open not only to our consumers but to the public as well.”