Any award I get is not for me, it’s for veena, says exponent Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh

CHENNAI: There is something very melodious about the air in Chennai, which hums with the sacred syllables of Carnatic music. But if there is one instrument which has struggled to reclaim its lost glory is the saraswati veena. Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh – renowned exponent of the saraswati veena, and a proud recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – has dedicated her life to reversing this decline. Her fingers sway across the frets with divine precision, weaving stories that transcend time.

Though Jayanthi is now settled in Bengaluru for over 25 years, her roots remain deeply embedded in Chennai. “I am originally from Chennai. My connection to the city remains strong, as I keep coming back to perform, three to four times a week.”

Her strong musical heritage can be traced back to six generations. Jayanthi began her musical journey at three, under the guidance of her mother, Vidushi Lalgudi Rajalakshmi – a respected Carnatic violinist. She later left home to live with her guru Vidushi Padmavathi Ananthagopalan under the Gurukul system for 22 years.

“My uncle Lalgudi Jayaraman, and my mother were violin maestros. My aunt was the only veena player in our family, and largely self-taught. Under her tutelage, I learnt, observed, and absorbed music at every moment.”

Her playing technique was further enhanced under the mentorship of veena virtuoso S Balachander, and she later went on to perform with him as well.

“My learning from them was to think beyond the limitations of an instrument. All the great musicians from my family had one thing in common – they were hard work and adherent to tradition and aesthetics. Each of them brought the boundary of creativity.”

When she began her career, the veena was already being overshadowed by vocal concerts, though legends like S Balachander and Chitti Babu’s veena concerts commanded packed halls. But then came a lull. “People stopped going to veena concerts, or any instrumental concerts for that matter.” She recalls journalists asking her the question if veena was a dying instrument. To which, she would always have an unwavering ‘no’.  

“Everywhere other than Chennai, people listen to instrumental concerts. But in Chennai, vocal music still dominates the scene. It’s because of the language, and the intertwining of religion with art. In vocal concerts, devotional lyrics – phrases like “Oh Rama” – certainly strike an emotional chord. Listeners may not understand the entire composition, but a single sacred word can move them.”  

Instrumental music, however, demands a different engagement. “In instrumental, it’s just the art form and the sound. But the new generation is appreciating it more.”

Jayanthi was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – one of India’s highest artistic recognitions – from the Honorable President of India, Draupadi Murmu last year, for her contribution to Carnatic instrumental music for the year 2022. Yet, she deflects the glory. “Any award I get is not for me – it’s for the veena. My wish is for more people to listen to it.”

Inside the hallowed halls of Narada Gana Sabha on May 18, Jayanthi will bring to life an amazing weave of Carnatic music, through music, visuals and an interactive experience, starting from 6 pm.

“The show is inspired by my web series Cup O’ Carnatic. It’s not a lecture or a typical concert. It will be a story that is narrated through different multimedia, where at the end of it, children will feel proud of our heritage. I aim to remove the shroud that classical music is only for the elite. I want everyone to enjoy it.”

A message to audiences? The art of listening. “Come to the concert with an open mind. A performer brings years of sadhana (dedication) on stage. Savour the artiste’s expression.”