Excerpts from the Video Interview:

Your tryst with Mridangam?
I was initiated into Mridangam by Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar at a very young age. He introduced me to the veteran Mridangist Pazhani Subramania Pillai at Trivandrum. From then on I was under his tutelage.

When did you shift to Chennai?
In the early fifties. My sister was a good singer and I too learnt vocal which enhanced my career as a Mridangist.

About your guru?
He is a veritable treasure house of music. He helped me to get a deep insight into the percussive world and guided me a lot. I used to accompany him to the concerts which was very educative and informative.

How did you conquer the western audience?
They are entranced by the ethereal Nadam of Mridangam and I initiated the taste in them. I also teach in many American Universities and have a horde of disciples.

Mira
Dec 11th 2008

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