‘Faith is the key to live happily!’

Vikku  Vinayakram’s study-cum-meditation room has several cartons of awards that he has received in over 60 years as a performer. He wants to show us his Grammy memento – which he had won in 1991 for playing for American percussionist Mickey Hart’s album, Planet Drum , but Vikku can’t find it. What he then tells us is deeply spiritual and awakening, “Parava illai ! It’s here somewhere for sure. What is important is that I enjoyed myself playing for Mickey Hart and with the other artistes. The joy of playing the ghatam overrides any recognition, that I have got.” And the recognition is tremendous; he’s credited with putting the humble ghatam on the global stage. He’s always played with all-time greats in Carnatic and Hindustani music. He’s among those few Indians who then ‘dared’ to play world fusion music. In the 1970s, Vikku played with English guitarist John McLaughlin’s Shakti. And then came the Grammy for Planet Drum. But Vikku is untouched by all this glory. 

“The ghatam has been around from the time of the Ramayana and Ma habharata. It is the only instrument that is made from the earth – one of the five elements, the pancha bhoothas . Who am I to take credit for making the ghatam famous or for all this glory that has come on account it? I am most content playing good music with good people for good people to enjoy and energise themselves. I consider myself to be a postman, a messenger, a mere instrument for music to reach people. How can any instrument take credit for the music?” he asks. Isn’t life as a musician, despite all the highs it offers, unpredictable? Inconsistent income, advancing age – and the question of staying relevant in an ever-changing world. How does Vikku deal with these factors? 

“Nambikai (faith) is the key to live happily. With faith comes nimmadhi (inner peace). With inner peace comes anandam (happiness). I have always had total nambikai. So even when worry arises or sadness comes, I invoke my faith. Desires ruin happiness. Drop your desires and all you will be left with is anandam and brahmanandam (happiness and total bliss)!” And Vikku exemplifies the philosophy of a desire-less state that he talks about. He’s a rockstar alright, but one who’s obsessed only with his music, and never with the trappings of rockstardom – the Grammy included!