The Gen Gap

I don't know what's with the old generation comparing the quality of today's music with their's. After watching a lot of interviews I decided I should write about what I think about this argument which has been happening for quite some time. Why should one even compare two generations? If it is mandatory then do it on fair grounds. Music recorded in the 80s are extremely commendable and I doubt if any of the young singers today can record a song in one take.We have lot's to learn from the olden style of recording.But I totally disagree with the notion that today's music is not golden enough to be heard on a repetitive basis and that few month's after a song's hit status it is discarded . Now you see why this problem arises is only because today we have a lot of sources for the promotion of a song. In olden times how often could one listen to their favourite song? Maybe if they are lucky to catch it on the radio that is if they own one. And that is exactly why they value the song each time as they get to hear it exclusively. And today we have a hit song being played 24/7 on the Television, Radio, Ipods, and even Jukebox where you can request you favourite anytime you want to listen to it. So just think how many times you get to listen to your favourite song? Almost 300 times before the movie releases. So basically you get to listen to the song and watch it's video quite a number of times before the movie comes out in the theater. By the time the movie releases the next hit number ranks the list and everyone moves on to that. But in the olden times you get to listen to you favourite songs 300 times maybe ages after the movie releases. It's the wait for your clock to tick to tune in your radio hoping that tonight they will be playing your favourite number. That is why they never got bored of those songs as they hardly ever got to listen to it. I do accept that there a lot of rhythmic numbers which we soon tend to forget but there are so many wonderful melodies produced even today. Music has become so big that we have lakhs spent over a 4 minute promotional video for a movie which is soon forgotten with it's bon voyage from the theaters.

Another reason could be the range of music people used to listen in older times. In Kerala film songs were subjected to very few artists such as Yesudasji, Janaki amma, Susheela amma, etc. At those time we had 3-4 exclusive singers singing in almost similar genres for a period of time and today we have 5 new singers singing in 5 different genres for just one movie. Music listened to at those times were limited and the attachment to the existing ones kept growing. Music created was also raga centric as situations provided to them were also matchable. You never had a situation of kabhi kabhi aditi or a Blue at that time.


For example I love McD burgers. But if include them in my daily diet I will eventually end up hating it or will probably get bored of it. I love Devarajan master's Rajashilpi but if I only listen to it on a daily basis I will end up hating the song, the voice and everything related to it. Same applies here. We listen to different kinds of music in different languages and genres to enhance our knowledge and this way we never get bored of it. Where was the interest and opportunity provided to listen to different genres and world music at those times? Technology grew and so did man's quest to deepen his knowledge in World music. The change is so evident in the sounding of today's songs. Be it the mixing or the contemporary singing or be it the inclusion of fusion or be it the unplugged style or even the programming. Where does one have the time to recollect a beautiful melody created a year ago when everyday millions of songs are being produced worldwide and all available just a click away ? An analyzing of today's songs not being able to create a historical magic is subjected to each one's personal liking. But on the whole I would say it's very wrong to compare the music created in older generation to the present as it's not being done on fair grounds. The foundation is still the same and in fact has become more stronger but technology, medium and the like have upgraded to an incomparable position. Let Old be gold and let's help the new ones from not getting rusted. Lets accept the fact that our tastes have changed and that today every musician is much much brighter than the older times because of the facilities provided today. Instead of pin pointing on what's wrong let's see the glass half full ...

A Day at the Legend's

I was in Chennai for a while and got the great privilege to meet Music Director Devarajan master's family. Thanks to Lulu aunty, Head Mistress, Asan Memorial school because of who we got to meet them. We spoke a lot about his music and unrecorded works. She even asked me to sing...and I sang my favourite Om Namah Shiva. After I sang she said that master must have definitely heard my voice and that she can feel it! Apparently her grandson only talks about space and galaxy but her granddaughter who is hardly 2 years old is inclined a little towards music.

She said that master would have never encouraged reality shows if he was alive. She asked me to touch his feet and take his blessings... and I feel things will take a good turn in my life with his blessings. These are those moments when one feels thoroughly blessed with a reason to fulfil his dreams...

Vex Revolution

Regarding the incident that occurred yesterday near the Kerala ashramam,Mazhuthankuzhi. Totally appalling! Can't believe what man has made of man ! The gangsters could'nt recheck before killing the guy or what? And the matter cannot even be resuscitated. What a shame! I always assumed that before they are on their mission, they are given atleast a hint or even proofs of the victim's structure, features..but the gangsters just have it their way. Like in RDB hope people fight for justice, it's high time we rejuvenate humanity that is now fatal. The sound that echoes often ,the sound that is ignored, the voice that is never heard, the vexatious heartbeats that delay a proficient mindset... the voice of humanity...

*RIP sire*

"Smelly cat smelly cat
What are they feeding you?
Smelly cat smeeeeeeelly cat
It's not your fault!!"

Smelly Cat's Courtesy: Friends

A kuku from the woods...

Saint Chinmayananda said that once a boy came to seek his blessings and according to Indian customs he was going to touch his feet. Just when the Saint said that "by the boy touching my feet, only one thing is going to happen. My hands are going to become oily after touching his hair through my blessings." When you are a celebrity you have to follow all the customs and traditions of calling a senior by his work and age , 'ji' and by touching their feet. Especially one's guru is to be given utmost care at any occassion. Everything from the guru's arrival to his food choices to his departure in a function is to be given primary importance. Infact I am asked to eat and rest only after these duties are carried over accurately. But more than anything I believe respect should come from within. I've seen many who do these things for being impressive or to be diplomatic or for the sake of being a some one. But what's the point when it doesn't reach out from the heart. I hate being diplomatic but many a times I have to for making sure I don't hurt anyone's feelings. Since I have now learnt to be a diplomat I can easily find out those who behave the same with me. It irritates me. But that's the rule of the society. The society which is me and you and the society which me an you are scared of. You can't always be yourself. The other day I was boasting about how good a singer I am to my cousin brother and he said I am just over doing it. I can't obviously walk around telling how good I am ...atleast I deserve the freedom of expressing my thoughts on my singing to my dear ones. When can I show off? Or am I suppose to be ignorant on how good I can sing. I am stressing on 'good' only coz there are millions out there waiting to catch on one tiny weeny mistake. On the other hand there are people who go on bragging and bragging on how good I am. It crosses the limits of dishonesty. Fake. Ah ... but who am I to comment? Me just a small little kuku struggling somewhere in the woods where darkness befalls forever and a ray of hope for a glimpse of the sun's rays clings onto my mind. A hope that is like the setting sun which never extinguishes but is only clouded.

My sister...

Once Nish starting working life became different. Getting used to not fighting with her and watching a movie without here, eating pizzas without her and faking a laugh at slapstick comedy in her absence are some of the worst and compelled things I had to go through. But I never missed her. We miss people we forget. She used to comeover for Onam, X'mas and Vishu. And we never got along when we used to live together, even if it was for a couple of days. I want my things to be put back from where they are taken. And she hardly cares. Not deliberately. She does that with her things too. So we kept quarrelling and having verbal fights. Verbal to the extent of calling each other donkey, monkey, ox, buffalo and would multiply into infinite times. People used to look at us as though we are doing the circus. We could fight just anywhere. At the middle of a shopping mall, at an restaurant, at home (obviously), at a friend's place and even at a party. 24/7 she kept bragging about her work at Infosys and her badge which peobably was a proof that she worked there. And oh sorry! there's an error that I made here. She would go yapping about not her work but the canteens (which owe 50% of the profits to her ) and the romantic storied that commenced from the green plains of Infy. But the day she used to leave to get back to work, I was totally irritated. Maybe coz I couldn't get sleep without abusing her atleast once a day. Old habits die hard. Today she called and told me she had fever. She asked me to put her to sleep. She is a fragile girl. Emotional and has mastered the art of crying crocodile tears. She fakes it half the time. She can just get anyone to fall for it. And she is good. Coz she got a hard hearted person like me to fall for it several times. I sang for her maa from TZP then Thode Badmash from Saawariya and Yu Saja Chand, a Ghulam Ali ghazal. She still didn't fall asleep coz the sing-in-phone-in session was interrupted by a stupid caller. All I want to convey is ~I Luv u Nisha~.

I got blasted by Nital for not meeting any of them who are on a vacation here. Everday I meet a couple of them online and I keep arguing about why I can't meet them cos of my rehearsal schedule and shopping and dinners ,etc. But yesterday she lost it. She was yelling at me. I don't care, I don't call, I don't want to meet any of them, I'm lazy and blah blah. So finally I decided if it's not now then never. Called them over though they could hardly spend 60 minutes ,it was worth it. We all were sharing our ragging experiences. And Kami was more interested about what kind of subjects they teach for my music course. There is an alumini party in school on the 1st of June but sadly won't be able to make it cos I'll be in God's own country tomorrow. Not even in a mood to study. God knows what am I going to pen down for my English and Sanskrit exam. I wish I were in school. Maybe kindergarden. Just finished the packing and if my exams weren't advanced then I would be coming with dad a week later. A week is like ages. So much more get togethers, more shopping, more singing, and more of sight seeing. But destiny is rather mean to me. I am not a shopaholic. I can spend time on getting clothes but otherwise I am extremely impatient. But I love talking. Talking about anythings and that's why I love holding get togethers and meetings. Not a party person so prefer small parties of suttle nature. More of food and talking. Sheeeeesh I am just going to miss everything all over again. Oh ya... the Gonu rumours are just rumours according to today's edition. Me of to some last minute packing and some serious sleep cos I'll be travelling all day long. From Muscat to Cochin and then to Trivandrum .

As of now all *GLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

The 1st home

I am not too emotional types. Anyways..while boarding the flight I did feel a lil teary. First time on Jet Airways and my height as usual throwing the tantrums. The flight roof is either to short for me or I keep growing in minutes. C'mon I really can't help it ...my hormones just won't listen to my suggestions or orders. Just keep growing and growing and soon I shall beat Ishant Sharma. In school I was known as giant squid! but I love my height ,I mean I attract a lot of attention .I kept thinking that it was my singing that attracted attention but then the eyeballs proved me wrong. All gave me the head to toe look and that's when I realised ..yups..for a girl.. am a lil too tall :) But.. I don't regret it. And to make my day better my doctor-friend exclaimed..'oh you've grown taller!'..I was like really?? You know I could look taller just cos I lost a lil weight... hmmm that's what I do to convince myself... *sigh*

Coming back... I got to watch a romantic english flick and Saawariya of which the former I got bored and the in the latter I dozed off seeing all the sets which had no sun rise!!The night sets created a very cozy ambience :D But the songs.. my! Monty is sure a thing at 40..50..err 60? Aaah who cares! After the bye-bye to the flight crew the first step on the concrete base of my first home ..the feeling is priceless. Oman will always be very special to me for a zillion reasons. And one funny thing happened in the journey was when I and mom were done with emmigration it was pretty late .So we got an immediate call from one of the officials who announced ' .....and all passengers assemble at gate 3 and 4 with their respective body guards'.. ooppsy... boarding pass! I don't know why I hear it wrong.. but it was funny..was laughing all the way to the flight. After landing as dad drove us back to home, the memories...they came right flashing back... AS of now full of work and happy :) The photos will soon be uploaded..keep watching this space till then .. Ciao

P.S. The one problem all the ladies at my place have is (with my height ofcourse)..if they will ever succeed in finding my Mr. Right. Any Ideas?? Pls keep it yourself :D

On my way to my hometown, I passed this wild place...well atleast it looked like the wild cos I had just woke up after my sleep which I think was longer than the one Kumabakaran had taken. Anyways.... and this wild place of which I just had one glimpse reminded me of King Kong movie. The scene where the tribals celebrate over their sacrifice of another human. That wild also looked like one of those kinds. You never know, they could be canibals or maybe they were nude people rejoicing over some kind of cultural feast or something. I saw a lot of fire being a burnt and all. I know I know..... it was just a glimpse... but I did catch a lot of it. Educating the tribals is as good as teaching a lion to sing. They are so content with their life. When younger , history textbooks spoke about the various tribes India owned and blah blah.. and have always wanted to be a tribal person assuming they have no boards to attend or any math tuitions to go for..oh BTW..I love math..that shows in the 96% I scored in my 10th. Math was loads of fun especially when you know how to tackle it... Ok.. aren't all the subjects simple if you know how to tackle it? Except History... my ! what a terrific subject!...Dates and dates and dates....I mean why?? I don't remember any of them. But I loved the history of Sir Rajaramohan Roy... maybe cos he worked a lot for the upliftment of women. I liked the history of India ...the Jalianwala Bhag incident then the sepoy mutiny and all that. I disliked ..no... I HATED world war.. the world would have been such a simple place if we had just the 7 continents...avoiding the state names and capitals and all that would have made history so much more simpler... oh-uhhh.. I guess I deviated from the main topic.

Coming back....I got this forward about what would Titanic look like if it was made in India. The last and final bumper point was ... that the ship would have few seats reserved for the SCST/O.E.C./ etc... what a shame right?? we are actually making fun of our country... but I must admit.. it was funny :D I don't believe in discrimination done due to caste/creed/race/religion. Soooo against it. But what's the point?? Still , till today people believe in it ..and just by one person the mindset will never change. Leave alone tribes!! Excuse me , but it's very hard not to think of how they must be managing with the raw meat they cook for all the three times. Oh cook? sorry...no cooking everything fresh! There must be some one ... some hitler somewhere who could probably bring a change in the tribes. Maybe we should take a closer dekho at it as soon as we find a solution to the poverty problems among the non-tribes here.

Yesterday, I had gone to my new home where the construction is still on...gone for an what is known as 'inspection'. One of the architects Arul introduced us to this very cute lady who is apparently an architect from Botswana, S.A. He was trying to explain her that me and mom are leaving for Muscat in 2 days..and she was a little confused..but did get the point when he mentioned Sharjah. Let me clear something. Sharjah is NOT Muscat. They are both induvidual countries representing the Gulf region. Sharjah is in Dubai. Dubai is a country and is five hours (by car) away from Muscat,another country. Everyone in the world thinks that both are the same places. Some don't even know such a place like Oman exists. This time when I go there, will definately take lotsa pics and will show you what Oman is like. I have some already in Snapshots

Blogging will be taking a back seat for maybe a week or so.. will try to update ASAP...keep watching this space.

Nyanapana

A very interesting quote from the Nyanapana:
randu naalu dinamkondoruthanne thandiletti nadathunnathum Bhavan
Malikamugaleriya mannante tholil maraapu kettunathum Bhavan !

Though I cannot give the precise translation of this Malayalam quote, I have tried my best. Here it goes
'It's God who can tranfer you from the streets to a King, and it is God only who brings an elevated person to the world of pain ' .This again reminds us that if ego is in, God is out and if God is in then ego is out. Like I have always beleived that we are puppets in the hands of God, success , fame or money should never give us the head-weight label.

Lesson I learnt

After my music lessons I had to visit my relative's place where a lot of guests had gathered for no specific occassion. Since visiting their place was not there in my evening schedule, I dressed very simple as it was only the music class that was listed on it. So against my schedule I broke into the dining where the ladies were busy ghup-shupping. So I stood there like a nice girl waiting.... God knows for what. But for some reason one of them noticed me and asked me why am I so badly dressed. Now, I have always been a simple girl.. not too fancy ..neither too plain. I dress according to the occassion. And I am very particular about not having any fancy accessories on when I adorn western cloths. But people out here accessorise pretty much the same way for any kind of wear or occassion.My crime was that I didn't wear any bangles or gold or flowers. By the look at their face I could even be hanged to death. Like I mentioned earlier, I wasn't prepared today so I replied saying it's just a music class and not a party or something to look gordy. But then they had to go on and on. And on.

Then the topic shifted into what are the things I know...to be precise 'girly' things. If you still didnt get it , refers to cooking, cleaning, etc. Honestly I can't even make tea. I can't 'thoothu varal' .. if that is the kind of work you categorize as 'girly'.. then I don't really deserve to be a girl. And all the hype they created out of all this! They even threatened my saying they'll send me to their granny's house .. who will make it a point to send me back as a girl. Maybe she is hitler... but who am I to comment? Next, they targeted my neice who is 9. They have already taught her to hold a 'choolu' now for the rest.. I guess hitler will do. I told my mom about this and she said girls ,then and now are not taught to do this primarily..atleast where my mom was brought up that was the case. She said that my granny never let her help her in any household chores coz she felt childhood was the age to groom one's talents and interests and most importantly education. She said that mom would learn to manage the house after marriage, it's an inborn thing apparently. And hence my mom has never enforced any kind of work which is not required for me. I was too busy for all this. Singing, dancing, painting, sporting all the way through my childhood hardly gave me time to even watch cartoons. I must say, a chilhood like mine is rare. On the other hand, education was given primary importance in my family. Dad always says 'The only thing that money can't buy, theifs can't steal is a man's knowledge'. He always told me that money making shouldn't be the only aim in life and that by educating yourself, you increase the literate. In my case I educate a family cos I am a woman. Yet, once again I have to thank God with so much gratitude for blessing me with parents who mean the universe to me. They haven't left out a thing in mine and sister's bringing up. Everything from going for sleepovers to not missing any tutions. From touching the elder's feet to worshipping almighty. From the late night walks at the beach to wake up as an early bird the next morning. For everything...... thanks.. mom and dad.

Tourist horror

Scarlett's case has been pretty appalling. And it feels bad to have a fifteen year old teen get strangled into a web of awful incidents. Everyday with new people starring in the news headlines, including the latest entry of her Indian boyfriend, Julio Lobo, spectators have got a new dekho for timepass. And for Fiona ,it's a bundle of problems lined up which will take a helluva time to deal with. Recently , I have been seeing a lot of tourist promotion ads of Goa, after the negative limelight it has attained. Scarlett wouldn't have even thought that her thrilling holiday would turn into a nightmare, especially when she had a big family to take care of her. All this makes me a little suttle when I think about what life has kept for us in the near future. And also makes me thing about how safe are girls in the future. That does freak me.

RIP sire

Rains...and I

The unpredicted rains in Kerala have again brought the farmer-suicide issues back. And it feels obnoxious to have all this start over again. Not getting into the geographical side, it is indeed an irritation to do anything at all in the rains. Especially when they are least expected. Spoiled my shopping the other day and messed up a lot of things I was looking forward to. But I love the rains .. totally! maybe cos I was almost rain deprived in that desert I used to live in. That's why each time it rains , for me it's like a lap of luxury. But for some it could be perplexing.Now there is absolutely nothing I can do about the rains .. so listening to Soona Soona from Classically mild.. I am just going to enjoy my cup of coffee.

Small things I care about !

A lot of people seldom notice things which I am gonna write about today.As a singer I do check up on all the music credits given of each movie.Songs like Ajeem-O-shaan-shehenshan are chorus pieces.And I am not exaggerating but I did bother reading each name of the singer who is a part of that song. And every song.. wishing that someday , someone would bother reading my name in that lil nestle of the music credits, that too that one of an A.R.Rahman movie :)Aaah..big dreams, big hopes, all's in the hands of the Almighty. I am just a puppet.

There are so many people whose influence might be small but the outputs are something we may have to be thankful to them forever. Even a small electrician who comes to fix a powercut is so helpful that all the ladies who spend all their evenings crying over tele serials should thank him for 'making' their day. Like they say Small things matter the most. Even while watching a movie.. you will perhaps notice the importance of a spot boy when your not able to have a precise view of your favourite hero or a stunt scene.Even a house helper who is responsible for the cleanliness at your place needs to be thanked for making you more immune.We hesitate to clean our own home cos we find that job unfit for our status or perhaps *dirty* That's one thing we Indians have to learn from the West. There is a loooong list to thank..beginning from public sanitation cleaners to the salesperson at your doorstep who commences with his/her evergreen smile to your service 24/7.From the sweeper who sweeps of all the trash you throw recklessly at your workplace to your mom for a cup of coffee.To every RJ for playing my favourite songs and to every counter person who bothers to pack my groceries for me after a tiring day. Thanks to everyone who has made a small but evident difference in my life.Your service will always be etched in my heart forever. And someday returned.

P.S. Happy Valentines Day to everyone whose single and ready to mingle :)

Confessions of a teen

Compromise or sacrifice.. not too sure about which word I am supposed to use.My career does not demand lab tests or mapping. But it does require loads of mathematics,mental construction,talent and ofcourse practice. I am sure many of you might be dumbstruck by the importance of maths in music.But if anything works it's only cos of simple maths and some can even get complicated.And music is also used as a medicine.If it wasn't for my voice,I would be studying Mass Communication somewhere in this world.And today I realise my greatest asset.God gifted in other words.To be God gifted makes me feel special.Infact so special that now I have to take the responsibility of nurturing it.And here comes the worst part. Advices from seniors..boring lectures, mandatory attendance to each class. Passing phase in every life.But when I was asked to give up cold items that too stuffs like ice cream and curd I was in doubt if I was really lucky about being gifted.Then I realised that kuch paane ke liye kuch khona padta hain .So precise!And trust me this isn't a sacrifice but a compramise with God for all the success in the coming future that is awaiting me.And no, I havent given up ice creams :) but I know my limits. I had read somewhere that Rahul Dravid had to compromise on a lot of things he loved to be cricketer. That list included his best of friends.

I am sure each one of you must have compromised something or the other to gain something you have longed for.Weird is life and it's ways and so are we.One thing I am very proud of is my positive attitude towards anything.Being an optimist always keeps your mind happy and confident to face a storm.Sadly I have seen a very small count of optimists. Neverthless, in a half glass of water learn to see it half full.

Taare Zameen Par

Every child is special.And Aamir Khan has potrayed it so well in the movie.It's funny when we realise small things through movies. Many a times we fail to sync with the minds of people who are close to us.You really can't blame parents for the failure of their children.They invest so much into their child's upbringing that the efforts put by them are priceless.But for few parents, the equation does not balance because they ignore or forget to mix the right combination of elements. To tap out one's hidden talent is one of the most difficult task of today, worse than mugging up historical dates.

When I showed a spark in singing at 4, my dad felt I required a bit of polishing.And hence I joined for music lessons. Knowledge was being imparted, sustained, practiced and performed. Then came a phase where I was given a choice to choose my career line.My parents were very keen on me choosing music as my main stream .Just like how a doctor gets his MBBS deg. and an engineer his Btech, I decided that mine demanded one too. With the blessings of my gurus I stepped into the world of divine music.And if I wouldn't be a singer I would have been a journalist cos I love writing.And that's the precise reason for 'Musically yours' being alive today :D

Hope parents are able to receive the shadows of their child's talents cos we can't keep having Aamir Khan to show us the stars shine above ;-)

Human Gods are becoming very prominent and an influential part of a common man. People have become blind in human induced powers.They preach and capture the minds of people and the rest becomes history.I don't really know how much of it is non fiction.But it's very hard for me to accept a human God.It's not about the evidence of the presence of supernatural powers , but the fact that they are just humans , like you and me.My mom had told me that when we are in despair , we tend to believe in things that can give us relief when we are indubitable about medical/ financial failure.I met this person who had a marriage failure get into the school of kalki cos of his depression.In a way it was good that he chose that cos once he joined he happened to wed again, gain a promotion and is now a father.He believes it all to be the blessings of the kalki representative or in other words God.

People have many alternatives when they are surrendered to depression.Some choose alcoholic pleasure, meditation, the others decide to venture heaven and few leave it to fate. But with the commencement of Human Gods into the society , irrespective of the levels,the trend is gradually changing. Like how coffee has beaten the alcohol trend Human gods have begun to encroach upon the hearts of millions. Not getting into the pros and cons of the matter I wonder if this will continue to be a perpetual attraction.

As of now ..just landed in Oman (Muscat)- the place that shaped my childhood.Will be here for sometime.With a running nose..I think updating my audio blog will take another week's time. Merry X'mas

Immortal issues

Well,I really dislike debating over common topics but there are some issues you just cant ignore or rather are too provoking.Well I've witnessed so many arguements on whether love marriage is more applicable than arranged. Another famous topic for discussion is whether uniforms are to be initiated in colleges. Then we've got the Nobel award winning topic: If men are smarter than women.
I was wondering the other day if men are more egoistic than women.I don't know if i am right by saying that half of the time,women compromise because they have digested the fact that men can never get emotional and can never fall at our feet (implied only majority and not all ).And yes,we have seen the upgrade of the women community by eminent leaders and all but still don't you think somewhere we women -atleast indian women do follow our tradition and have learnt to adjust and compromise on the silliest of the matter.The point i want to stress here is that women compromise first.This does not refer to just romantic relationships,could be something between siblings,parents,or even friends.