What can be common between a mridangam ambush and a Marxist leader? music.
Friendship between Umelpuram Shivraman, who describes herself as a staunch traditionalist, yet Ultra-Modern, and Ma Baby-Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary and Karnataka music connoisseur for decades. The two came together to share their stories in a special conversation session Hindu Office, where n. Rama, former editor-in-chief, explained how an unusual union blooms in a permanent friendship.
It was imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, that the world of Karnataka music opened its doors for the first child. Then a student, who almost went underground and later arrested, found an unexpected way for music.
Ram said, “His elder brother advised him to visit a temple and participate in concerts.
Baby participated in the music programs of the previous masters and corrected her taste in music, which was often with Shivraman on Mridangam. To date, he remembers the songs presented on the performances and the way Shivraman’s artistry elevated each concert. He used to travel to listen to him even once because he was with KV Narayanasamy, after seeing an announcement about the concert Hindu“That day, KVN sang ‘everymata’ in Kamboji. The expansion of the raga, the rendering of the work and the taile avatar which is then unforgettable,” said Baby.
Shivraman’s entire child with Bani is that when he was a Member of Parliament, he once asked Arun Kumar, after listening to him, if he was a disciple of Umelpuram Shivraman. When Mridangam Mestro was fully impressed when he heard about it.
Mridangam Mestro Umelpuram Shivraman traveled to Memory Lane at the event. , Photo Credit: Thomodaran B
Recalling the incident, Shivraman said, “Later, I got a call on my landline – I still don’t have a mobile. At the other end of the line, the person said, ‘I am a child. I want to meet you.’ So I invited him, and when I realized that he was the person who mentioned Arun.
Appreciating the child’s sensitivity to music, Shivraman shared how Baby could identify the style of most artists, singers or instruments. This is a rare quality.
Baby, who has organized several concerts, played an important role in bringing Chanda Melum Export Matanur Shankarankutty Marner and Shivraman together for a performance. He even arranged later with Birju Maharaj, the exponent of Kathak.
Burusel of calling Nayyatihinkar Vasudevan for a Pallavi song at the inauguration of the Union of Kerala University students fulfilled Shivraman’s decision. “When Vasudevan saw Shivraman going inside, he had tears in his eyes.”
Referring to myself as a honeybee, Shivraman said, “Wherever there is good music, despite caste or religion, I offer to go with the artist.” Experienced has also composed music for a fashion show.
Sharing his experience with Stallvarts, Shivraman explained how each had mastery in his respective field. “Your imagination should come through your play. It’s hard work that helps you reach the top. But to maintain that situation, someone must continue to improve continuously,” he said. On the subject of creativity, Shivraman said, “Don’t think that everything is old, or everything is new, bad. People with knowledge always choose the best and new.”
The conversation also showed Shivraman’s friendship with actors Shivaji Ganesan and MG Ramachandran. He played for Shivaji Ganesan-Starrer Mridhanga chakravarti“Shivaji used to call me Vathiyar (Teacher). Before every shot, he will ask me if he is playing right. This was his humility. ,
Shivraman at the Sangeet Academy. MGR and Devraj Urs also recalled the presence of Balmural Krishna’s concert. That year, the singer was honored with Sangita Kalanidhi. “I went with him. After the concert, we both went to meet the Chief Ministers. MGR came to me and said,” You played well. He had prepared Pallavi at home, but you played on the spot .. “Will anyone say how deep his music knowledge was!”
Published – July 16, 2025 04:31 pm IST
