7 yrs ago something from the unknown world got into me and told me to try my luck in trying to understand this beautiful instrument called violin.As I set forth to fulfill one of those mundane instantaneous charm which my family encouraged solely for the fact that it is a healthy time gripper, I began this journey of experiencing live music in its classical forms from my scholarly teacher who hails from a family of great musicians renowned worldwide.Slowly and steadily as I was keeping my baby steps into learning the intricacies of the instrument , I realised how difficult it is to pursue an art and how much of patience and keenness it requires. My respect for the violinists and other musicians relentlessly increased in tens of folds and i hold my hand together bowing my head now that I am dwelling into the materialistic world with my dream of becoming a violinist still remaining a dream....
As I write this I come across a web entry mentioning about the demise of one of the popular violinists Kunnakudi.Known for his speed, creativity and active involvement in a variety of activities from acting to stage performance, playing purely classical to light jingles, conservative style to modern 7 string combo,this dude has amazed me beyond words. Hailed from the same place as this musician my thoughts go back to the times when I used to stare at one of those doordarshan telecasts of his mixed speed performance of "ottagathai kattiko" number from the movie gentleman.Its sad that the system doesnt permit us to stagnate the cycle of life and death of these godly talented folks; Preciousness needs to be felt when its present else as they say "we miss the bus". For the amount of devotion, focus and dedication these artists hold in what they have learnt,practised and imparted to the world, they shall ever be remembered and thought about.
I have heard innumerable number of comments from my close circle of people who were blinded by his lavish looks and flamboyant body language while they missed to look at the genre of skills he possessed with the violin be it strumming, tuning and bowing and the variety of blissful tones ranging from melody to mass rap that he delivered for us.
As an ever aspiring ,always inspired student of art as I trek forward in the musical journey of exploring the beauty of strumming sound from my little violin, I shall never forget the enthusiasm and enjoyment that I saw in Kunnakudi's kumkum adorned face be it the time of joyous raghuvamsasudha or the slow varali raaga.My salutes to the soul of Kunnakudi who made a difference to the world of South Indian Music in his own charming way!!
