Hitherto, artistes would diligently pursue and stick to their own field of calling/interest, be it music, dance, painting or writing but now we find most of them pursue a parallel interest, sometimes doing justice to both which I feel is a real achievement on their part. A glance at the artiste’s profile, whether of a male or female shows they range from medical practitioners, IT and Legal professionals, Engineers, jewelry designers and Consultants of all kind. Probably only the last has the advantage of persons with flexi timings which contributes to their growth in the chosen art.
The list of musicians of old begins with the trio M.S.Subbalakshmi, D.K.Patammal, MLVasantha kumari and a few male artistes which includes vocalists and instrumentalists (their number is perhaps more than their female counterparts) who are remembered for their traditional approach and purity of performance.
The other day, a person sitting next to me at one of the day concerts, remarked present day artistes are giving tradition a go by and are playing to the gallery which old timers like him find it difficult to digest or accept.
I wondered if pursuing a parallel profession is the culprit!
n.meera raghavendra rao
