Sanjay turns 50.

[sirsub11]

Seems like yesterday when Sanjay started performing. I asked him a few straight questions and for the most part, he presented a broad, straight bat. No edges! Read on.

http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/m ... 464449.ece

[Nick H]

There is no good reason that I don't usually attend Sanjay's concerts, just one not-so-good-reason: I am uncomfortable in large halls, and even more so when a huge crowd is packed into a smaller hall. Once upon a time, I had the opportunity to see him in small courtyard with a couple of dozen in the audience. I wish that might happen again.

I'm very much aware that he brings a great deal of happiness and musical satisfaction to all those crowds in every one of his concerts. Half a century! Wishing him health, happiness and continuing success for the next half

[Lakshman]

Wishing outstanding Vidvan Sanjay many happy returns of the day.

[sureshvv]

Additional thalaivar pic in paper

[sureshvv]

There are those who believe that the affairs of Carnatic music are conducted perniciously on caste lines, and periodic attempts are made by some ‘evangelists’ to ‘take it to the masses.’ The opposite view is that this is totally fallacious, and that certain communities are just naturally drawn to certain art forms, and there has been no evidence to suggest that the so called upper castes have kept out others from their fold. Where do you stand on this issue?

I guess the answer lies somewhere in between the two views you have outlined. Things are never as black and white as they are made out to be. As for taking it to the masses, the question to be asked is, ‘Did the masses request it, want it, demand it?’ My stand on this is that I am a performer who is paid to do my job. I am too limited in my thinking to dwell on the larger picture. I am happy if smarter people can get something done.

Answer is a bit too diplomatic for me. Wish he had addressed it in more detail.

[kvchellappa]

I like his answer. Everything is not black and white. He has been consistent in his position that CM is not the felt need of everyone. I hold a similar view. There are some other art forms which certain sections practise exclusively. If anyone is denied access to CM, it is bad. But, to carry a crusade to carry it to everyone is ill-conceived, in my view.
Sanjay has also consistently taken the position that he is a private individual and a professional musician. He is not on any mission. That is perfectly in order.
He also has not expressed himself against the efforts to broadbase it. His mind is not on the subject.
His answer expresses his mind to the required extent. I see no effort to evade the issue.

[sureshvv]

The part of his answer that does not sit well with me is:

I am too limited in my thinking to dwell on the larger picture. I am happy if smarter people can get something done.

[Nick H]

... I think that is as far as he is prepared to go into the area where it gets personal!

We, the rasikas, can do that in a public forum. I can understand that some of the artists, whatever their thoughts, or perhaps even private conversations, do not want to.

[kvchellappa]

I understand like this: "I have not applied my mind on the larger issue/ I am more interested in producing the music than in its social setting. If someone else addresses the social issue, i will be happy to see it show result." Yes, it is not an yes or no answer, and one may not feel so certain on all issues or may not care to. We have somehow come to expect that there is a straight answer to many issues or our thinking on those issues. One may not care. I do not see that as a problem. He has said very clearly in The Hindu Tamizh edition Dipavali issue, I think, that no one is crying for CM (karnataka sangitham illainnu yar azharaa?) and also that it is an open and free art. Here his stand is asked. He suggests that he is not seized of that issue. I feel most musicians are not. That is not an issue at all in my view.

[sureshvv]

There are some other art forms which certain sections practise exclusively.

But are those art forms growing in a healthy manner? Can you give some examples?

If anyone is denied access to CM, it is bad. But, to carry a crusade to carry it to everyone is ill-conceived, in my view.

Not sure if you should call it a "crusade" but it is healthy to promote it to a wider audience. It will be a slow process but concrete steps can be taken.

[arasi]

Sanjay can be serious, humorous or candid in his expressions: serious as with his art, humorous in several modes--his teasing and amusing responses to Subhashree in the MMU concerts being one, and candid in his unadorned straight forward answers about himself and his music.
It took him a long time to make a decision about his career path.Once he chose music, it seemed so clear cut to him, as we see it. It shows in his seriousness, focus and in his performances. In that, he is a no-nonsense person, committed to his art. Enough. As for his contribution to CM, though not a mission, it's already evident. Looking around in the halls, we see people from all walks of life, of all ages. On stage too! Well, a few others draw varied audience too, but the difference is, the music is not compromised. His zest for including tamizh songs is also a reason. ''ennai sivappuk koDi piDithu naDakka solgiRirgalA?" Do you want me to march in a rally protesting?--he asked Subhashree once when she asked him about unions for performers. He added, "we are happy practicing our trade. We live by your patronage and appreciation of what we do. What more do we ask for?"
That's what he continues doing: having fun in performing, and making a good living out of it
I have difficulty in understanding why it's assumed that almost all CM listeners come from the Mylapore sort of neighborhood (mostly brahmins). Again, how many among them I have found to be only film song buffs! After learning CM for years, even after living close to sabhas, they are not keen on going to concerts! So, the picture isn't all black and white.
Not just Sanjay. Several other musicians that step on the concert platform are doing it at present. It's good times for CM now. Thanks to them all, to the patrons, yes, and to us rasikAs. Who needs soap boxes at a time like this?
Carry on thalaivarE, and best wishes for many happy, fruitful years ahead

[kvchellappa]

A very sincere birthday wish from the heart enriched by good music.