Thrichur Brothers – Srikrishna Mohan and Ramkumar Mohan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Barkha Ritu, the 23rd edition of Banyan Tree’s annual monsoon music festival, will feature the Thrissur Brothers – Srikrishna Mohan and Ramkumar Mohan (Carnatic) and Sanjeev Abhyankar (Hindustani). They will perform classical ragas and jugalbandhis dedicated to the monsoon.
Srikrishna says, “Indian classical music is connected to nature – inner and outer.” Raagas Which can invite rain. The great musician Muthuswami Dikshitar is said to have invited rain through his raga ‘Ananda Amritavarshini’., It is also said that music regulates emotions through the melodies, which can help you sleep, calm down, etc.”
Speaking over the phone from his home in Chennai, Srikrishna says he doesn’t want to reveal much about his performance to the Bangalore crowd. “That would take away the surprise element.” Devoted to music since childhood, Srikrishna believes that performing classical music in its original form is the best way to connect with audiences, regardless of their age.
“We connect with the youth through social media platforms before our concerts and their response and attendance at our concerts show that the youth are listening to classical music.”
Srikrishna says that for the past three years, to make the concerts more interesting, they have been involving the audience in singing at least one song. “We hum a few phrases from a song. melodyAnd asked the audience to follow the song. The audience sings along really well.”
Srikrishna says that they have the biggest fan base in Bengaluru and the largest following on social media. “Simply put, our love for Bengaluru is a hot topic in the Carnatic music world. Also, we believe Bengaluru is a place where you will find the best mixed audience. Whether it is a Carnatic, Hindustani, Jazz or Rock and Roll concert, the crowd will be there to enjoy it.”
Srikrishna says Bangalore is poised to become a hub for classical music. “People in Bangalore are very educated and familiar with most aspects of fine arts. A four-hour concert, which is a rarity today, will work in Bangalore.”
Despite knowing each other for years, this is the first time the two brothers are working together with Sanjeev. “Because of the way the Indian classical system works, three to four artistes can assemble on stage with barely a few hours of preparation and perform spontaneously. Ninety per cent of what happens on stage after the initial few minutes is improvised.”
Srikrishna says it has been great to sing with his brother. “I don’t think there is any personal or professional divide here. What you see on stage is just an extension of our behaviour at home. Though we have different personalities, when we come together as singers, music becomes the driving force. We communicate even without seeing each other.
Sanjeev Abhyankar Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Srikrishna quit his job as a chartered accountant to become a full-time musician and credits his father, Thrissur R Mohan, a renowned mridangam vidwan, for encouraging him to take up his passion as a profession.
Sanjeev, who is thrilled to perform in Bengaluru, praises the city’s receptive audience. “I have been coming to Bengaluru since 1982, when I gave my first concert as a talented child,” he says, adding that he will be offering the audience a variety of music, including monsoon tunes, jugalbandhis and bhajans.
The singers will be accompanied by Thrissur R Mohan (mridangam), Ajinkya Joshi (tabla) and Abhishek Shinkar (harmonium).
The rainy season is on July 20, Chaudiya Memorial Hall at 6.30 pm. Tickets available on BookMyShow
