Malladi Brothers--The Puritan Revolutionists

Swapna Ashok

Hyderabad with its confluence of various cultures continues to buzz around with activity related to classical art forms. While the audience for these events is specific and defined, their loyalty to attending and promoting such activity is inspiring. The South Indian Cultural Association commenced its music festival right in the heart of good old Hyderabad. The festival began with conferring the title of Sangeeta Chakravarthy on the eminent young vocalist duo Malladi Brothers, followed by a soulfully ecstatic concert by them. The title is much deserved considering their contribution and dedication to classical music for over 25 years and the illustrious journey they have had world-wide, making them the brand ambassadors of classical music from the Telugu states. While music itself has known no barriers of language we must understand that classicism is not an easy path to stay committed to, in the Telugu states, considering the diversity and distractions that interfere with creating a nurturing environment for such art-forms. It is no wonder that music enjoys a special niche in Chennai and other major cities of while we could be characterised as part-time connoisseurs. The truth is that while a Chennai acclaims a music academy concert as an achievement, our gen-next considers rendering a popular film number or winning a TV reality show as a point of arrival. With no bias against popular music, we must understand that the nature of such music itself lacks stability and a direction. It gives instant gratification but rarely  channels talent in a structured manner. At such times it is indeed impressive to see how Malladi Brothers have stayed on their path and made heads turn towards our state reclaiming its lost glory and culture. " Talent, tradition and taste are the three T's required to make a good musician" shares Sriram recalling his guru Nedunuri's words.

What is impressive about Malladi brothers' style is the way they continue to stay puritan and dedicated to the core spiritual value of Indian classical music while adding the worldly charm of presentation. " This was the very essence with which Saint Tyagaraja wrote such divine compositions and whilst performing is one aspect of music, one must not forget that the primary aspect of our music is to go inward" , said Sriram Prasad sharing his response to the occasion. What makes their music unique is their command on the ragas along with ease in improvisation which makes the concert experience a "here and now" creation based on the mood of the moment. This is not surprising since they are from the lineage of stalwarts like Dr. Sripada Pinakapani and Sri Nedunuri Krishnamurthy. Ably mentored by their father Vidwan Sri Malladi Suribabu, Malladi brothers are highly respected and loved across music circles world-wide. Thus began their performance with popular compositions of the most recognized Vaggeyakara or poet-composer Annamacharya. Compositions of this saint were at one point deemed fit to be sung in the latter, lighter part of traditional concerts but Sriram Prasad and Ravikumar effortlessly made it one of the main pieces with elaborate Hamsanaadam aalapana that stirred the soul, thereby breaking barriers that were invisibly created. They blended in compositions of the Trinity--balancing the concert with a variety of ragas and enthralling the audience with several flourishes here and there. The main piece of the concert was a soothing Sankarabharanam infused with energy and creative embellishments. Sriram also presented a very soulful Reethigowla alapana in a fresh manner and the overall impact was evident in the pin-drop silence and engaged audience even on a week night. The accompanists Vithal Rangan, KV Prasad and Shyam Kumar were at their best- and added an able performance in the concert.

The concert somewhat rekindled a hope that we will perhaps realize what we are moving away from and bring back our treasure-- the rich legacy of music and the environment to which it belongs.

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The author is the Executive Editor of Sakshi TV