‘Bombay’ Jayashri Ramnath—a versatile singer-composer and Oscar nominee for the score of Life of Pi—is a global icon for Indian classical music. As she readies for the December music season, the accomplished musician opens her heart to Chitra Ramaswamy about what truly moves her.
The nondescript room at Chennai’s IIT Club in East Abhiramapuram suddenly came alive with her arrival. ‘Bombay’ Jayashri—as she is lovingly known owing to her musical beginnings in the city —smiled at us, serene in an orange-and-black handloom sari and simple silver jewellery, her expressive kohl-laden eyes reflecting warmth and honesty, striking the perfect note for a three-hour tête-à-tête.
A singer, composer and teacher with a career spanning over three decades, Jayashri is one of the most sought-after musicians on the Carnatic music firmament today. That said, from Hindustani, Sufi and Arabic music to Western symphony, devotional music and movie numbers, she straddles every musical genre with élan. Whether highlighting the angst of Meera in Bhaire baaware or rendering verses from the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, her silken voice has a meditative quality that brings music to life. Indeed, as I savour each composition in her mellifluous voice, a profound feeling of calm embraces me and I break free of all rigidity and prejudices. This subtle awakening is undoubtedly experienced by fellow aficionados and connoisseurs of music when they hear her evocative renditions.
This story is from the December 2017 edition of Harmony - Celebrate Age.
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This story is from the December 2017 edition of Harmony - Celebrate Age.
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