In conversation with Aparna Shivapura
A conversation with Sangeetha takes me back in time. A time when, if musicians sang, it rained. A time when, seasons changed, a time when music was transformational. Music was life giving. A time, when Sangeetha truly believes, music could create the magical touch.
Santhavani – An effort in revival of an ancient tradition
Sangeetha is rehearsing, practicing and preparing for an upcoming Music Festival in Chowdaiah Memorial Hall between the 17 Jan – 21 Jan. She will be presenting, THE SANTHAVANI – a collection of Marathi Abhangs. Abhang or Abhanga, as we know is a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of Lord Vithala, also known as Vithoba. The word ‘Abhang’ means ‘unending’ or ‘uninterrupted’ – in other words, a rendition which is a flawless, continuous process. These are exuberant expressions and definitely involves a community of believers, along with it.
Varkari Sampradraya
While discussing the theme for the Festival, Sangeetha was clear she wanted to do something different. She wanted to create a new experience and showcase an ancient lineage to people. That is when, she decided to present THE SANTHAVANI. The most fascinating thing about this is the ancient tradition to which it belongs. The Pandarapura Vithoba chants were written by Tulasidas, Namadev, Gnanadev, Gyaneshwar and many more saints. All of them sing praises in the name of the Lord Vithoba. The complete rendition focuses on the Bhakti Bhava or the emotion of devotion.
In recent years, almost 40 years back, the music legend and doyen Pandit Shri Bhimsen Joshi propagated this tradition. Since then, there has been a decline and almost a lacuna in this space. Sangeetha is committed to promoting this, developing and showcasing this to people again. “It is essentially a community art – for the people and by the people.’ She believes, as professionals in the music space, we should definitely work on this tradition and do our bit to revive it and promote it – essentially take it back to the people where it truly belongs. This belongs to the VARKARI SAMPRADAYA or THE VARKARI tradition.
The presentation that Sangeetha and her team are working on includes the primary vocal rendition by Smt Sangeetha Katti, leg harmonium by the great Ravindra Katoti, Tabla – Sri Udayaraj Karpur, Base Table – Shri Keshav Joshi, Manjira and special effects – Sri Venkatesh Purohit, Sri Rajesh Padiyar and keyboard by Shabbir Ahmed, accompanied by a Chorus team. The key thing to note in this is that this will be a live performance with musicians performing manually along with the Chorus.
There are musical traditions that are weaning, that are disappearing. It is the artistic responsibility to seek them, go after them, rediscover them and bring them back to the masses, to people where it truly belongs. These were created by our great ancestral past, these art forms have contributed significantly to the development of our heritage and it is important that are taken forward to the next generations.
Message for youth icons and next-gen musicians
My conversation does not end with The Santhavani. When I ask Sangeetha what her message is for youth, upcoming artists and next-gen musicians, she says, and artist requires:
- A deep passion, dedication and commitment towards the art
- A focus away from glamor, glitter and any short cuts
- Do not rupture the classics in the name of technology or populist methods
- Don’t hunt around for quick opportunities and platforms which are only and purely commercial – seek art and it will fine you!
- Thirst, hunger and passion that should only increase with time
Sangeetha, in eternal quest of Sangeetha
Earlier, I was like a child of music, today, especially after the passing away of the great legend, Smt Kishori Amonkarji, there is a lull, a void, deep inside me. I miss her, I look for her and seek her guidance even now. Today, I feel I have just about woken up and my journey begins from here. My seeking, my quest is eternal, and it continues, there is an infinite world out there. Even a lifetime may not suffice to know it all, she says with utmost humility.
‘Ragas can create energy levels at different planes and realms.’
And then, in her quintessential style, Sangeetha sets off on a musical journey. She sings some old tunes, an ancient alaap, a Mira bhajan…each piece resonating a different emotion and the place we are sitting suddenly begins to transform. Her unique and deep voice really takes you to a new experience, a new plane, bring in an emotional experience, that is truly magical. Stay blessed, Sangeetha and may you reach many higher milestones.