TETE-A-TETE WITH NARAYAN PARSHURAM
An accomplished music composer, founder of Karadi Tales , part of a band-Three Brothers and a Violinist and a Children’s Film Producer.
The World this Week is honoured to have the opportunity to interview him.
TWTW- Namaste. Can you please tell us about your childhood ?
N.P- I am the youngest , amongst my 3 brothers and a sister. Growing up in Bombay, as far as I can remeber, we were surrounded by music. Waking up to Suprabhatam, having our music teachers coming home to teach us Carnatic, Hindustani music and Dance, Mridangam, Ghatam and Vilolin. We grew up in a very rigorous learning music”paramapara”. Our parents always ferried us to the numerous concerts happening during the music season across town. I would fall asleep soon, but the music stayed with me. The music of great Vidhwaan’s and musicians have guided us all through my formative years.
TWTW- Do you still play the Ghatam daily ?
N.P-Unfortunately No !! Infact, very recently I realised even though I have a Manamadurai (a place in Tamil Nadu, that makes the best Ghatam ) Ghatam of Alangudi Ramachandran, a great musician. Earlier, I used to play it with my siblings regularly and have used it in some song and music recordings too. Every instrument has to be nourished, so I gave away my Ghatam to another artiste called Shridhar Parthasarthy a Mridangam player. Looking at him playing, I know my Ghatam is in a happier place.
TWTW- What made you produce a children’s movie ?
N.P-We do not look at any content as children’s or adults content. Storytelling is more than a 1000 year old tradition. Katha Kalakshetram, Kathakali, Kaawad and other such dance and art performances showcased our culture and literature beautifully. A movie or an audio book may have its own limits, but a far reaching effect. It encourages children to express themselves through art. Goopi Gawaiya, Bagha Bajaiya was our tribute to the legend of Upendra Kishore Ray and Satyajit Ray.
TWTW- Any upcoming movies in the pipeline ?
N.P – We haven’t planned anything. But, one never knows.
So, Keep Reading. Keep Dreaming and Practise Daily !!