There is a quiet vulnerability for an artist to revisit their past creations, especially when life has changed their perception of the world. Konark Reddy knows this feeling closely. He wrote a song called ‘Look for Me in the Stars’ many years ago. At that time, for him, it was just a generic farewell tune. The lyrics were coloured with a vague sense of goodbye. However, last year, the meaning of the song changed. The meaning of his life changed.
Last April, a play composed by Konarak finished being staged in Germany. He and his family were looking forward to returning to their farm near Bengaluru, where they conduct creative residencies and workshops. However, amid this anticipation, a discordant note disrupted their plans. Konarak began to feel uneasy. He had symptoms of colorectal cancer. After reaching Bengaluru with his family, the oncologist confirmed his worst fears.
“The treatment consisted of two phases: first, I took chemo for a few months. Then there was radiation, a series of 32 sessions. Thankfully, after this combined treatment, tests showed that the tumor was gone, presumably destroyed by the radiation.”
A two-sentence summary of his ordeal suggests that it was a minor inconvenience. Clearly, it was the most challenging time of his 69-year-old life – not just for him but also for his family. “The three of us, my wife, daughter and I, became a team. We faced it for a whole year,” he says over the phone from Bengaluru ahead of his upcoming concert, Bangalore 1974, which celebrates his half-century journey in music.
“Knowing I wanted a distraction, my wife Kirtana suggested a concert. At first it felt crazy – neuropathy (nerve damage that can cause weakness, numbness, and pain) after radiation made it difficult to play. Then, though, music started drawing me back. I started composing, creating visuals with AI, and remembering the joy of playing music.”
Konark performed his first show after cancer at Unboxing BLR last December, followed by a second show at Jagruti in March. However, the upcoming Bangalore 1974 concert will be a defining moment for him. ‘Look for Me in the Stars’ will be its highlight – a song that will probably be reborn with him.
Konark Reddy in the 70s. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Music, his inspiration
Konark, strangely, also feels a sense of gratitude for his cancer. Because, it changed his entire relationship with music. Gone are the days of performing stadium shows, drawing huge crowds and the constant pursuit of technical perfection. “Now, my wife and I are looking forward to travelling to beautiful, hidden corners of the country and playing music for a connected audience. Maybe by the river in Srirangapatna, under the stars, without any fancy setup. That’s what excites us,” he says.
Now he sees himself as a medium, expressing emotions and creating a space for shared experience. “The audience is not just there to listen – they are an active part of the experience. We are all connected, sharing something special. As an artist, I am simply transmitting something universal. And the audience understands it, creating a beautiful space where we can all connect,” he says.
Music is no longer about achieving technical perfection for him; it has become a spiritual practice. “It has become more intimate, more personal. As you move forward with any art form, you get closer to it and connect more deeply. That’s where I am now, completely immersed in the process.”
Konark Reddy | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Beyond the Notes
According to Konarak, this spiritual connection, the ability to create something tangible from an abstract space, is what differentiates humans from artificial intelligence (AI). At 69, he is no Luddite. Even for the Bangalore 1974 concert, he has used AI tools like MidJourney to create images. “It is a powerful tool,” he admits.
“Orchestration, composing, adding lines and drama – the repetitive tasks can be really difficult. And AI can help with that. But being a musician, an artist, means connecting to something that’s beyond that, a spiritual element that you want to reach,” he adds.
Konark’s musical background includes classical guitar, rock and the nuances of Indian music. He recognises that these influences have left an indelible mark on his work. However, he sees a fundamental difference between Indian and Western music. “One thrives on melody, the other on harmony,” he explains. He warns that a forced fusion could undermine both forms.
His 50-year career has equipped him with a vast musical vocabulary. “Now, when I want to play something new, I don’t have to start from the beginning,” he says. He can draw on his knowledge and past explorations. This gives him a more spontaneous approach, giving him the freedom to weave techniques from his vast musical arsenal.
The upcoming concert is not just a celebration of Konarak’s longevity and cancer survival; it’s also a message of inspiration for others. “This whole experience has been a powerful teacher. It has shown me the importance of focusing on the things that really matter: my art and my family.”
To other artists in the arts who are battling serious health conditions, he says, “If you have a dream, a calling, do everything in your power to achieve it. But do it with respect, kindness, and an awareness of the interconnectedness of all things. We are all here for a reason: to do good in the world. So, keep moving. Keep breathing. Keep creating. Because the world needs your light.”
Bangalore 1974, a celebration of 50 years of Konark Reddy’s music, part of the Guitar Book of Revelation Concert Series, in collaboration with BLR Hubba. May 29 at 7 pm at Bangalore International Centre.
