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KJ Yesudas - chat transcript

Deepthi: Sir, Can you remember me, I came to your home to see guru Pallavi Narashiman Iyengar?
Yesudas: Hello Deepti, when you talk about Pallavi, I do my pranamam to guruji

Deepthi: I have one sister, we both sing vey well, we learnt many songs from your audio cassettes, so you are also our manaseega guru. We are learning Carnatic music for the past 8 years, our family likes you very much.

Yesudas: Everything starts with paraguru and then guru. You have reminded me about one of my greatest gurus. I am happy to start this chat with my guru.

Deepthi: Can u give u r mail ID guru, plz
Yesudas: Deepti, what is your sister's name? I appreciate your sincere interest in learning Carnatic music, your learning process is good, but a good guru is important. Only a guru can correct your mistakes, listening to CDs and tapes are a good step, but a guru can correct you and improve you. This is for all music learners, my e-mail ID is: yesudas@tharangni.com.

Rajesh: Every year I used to come to R.R.Sabha and watch your kutchery and present you an Ayyappan calendar bought from Sabarimala. This year also during December kutchery I gave you an Ayyappan calendar, sir.
Yesudas: Rajesh, I consider this as a blessing from Lord Ayaappan. You are a messenger to hand over those blessings from the Lord. I hope that God will give you strength and life for you and everybody.

satya: How r u sir,
Yesudas: Satya, Satyamave jayathe, Satya, a good name, keep it up all your lifetime.

kjyfan: How important is voice culture for playback singing?
Yesudas: What is your name? kjyfan, to keep good blessing from God, to get voice culture many janma puniyas are to be done to keep it, that is also a blessing from God. When you do something and keep it up, then your almighty will look after you very well.

Guest80: How do you react to the praise of people?
Yesudas: My realisation at present is that when you are born you don't realise, experience gives you more realisation. Every scripture, especially Hindu, Islam, Christian, there is an ultimate. Christians call him Jevoha, Muslims call him Allah, Hindus call him Parabrahma. When you get praise from anybody, children to adult, the credit goes to the ultimate, transfer that praise to the ultimate, by respecting Him and the gift that He has given to you and me through all his creations.

Satya: How do you adapt between Carnatic music and playback singing?
Yesudas: Keep the question in mind, Satya, when you get a chance to ask me this question in TV, ask me or e-mail me at yesudas@tharangni.com. 

kjyfan: I have a lot of doubts regarding the right way of singing?
Yesudas: There is a scientific method to show this difference, I will sing in the end of this chat to explain you the difference

Rajesh: Thank u, sir. I am a great fan and also like a devotee of you, sir. From my childhood I am listening to your voice.
Yesudas: Hello Rajesh, I am very happy to hear that. Appreciation and singing, both requires knowledge. This will enhance your singing and listening pleasure and you can criticise sometimes and appreciate at the same time. Go to a good music teacher and enjoy the journey of music.

Guest33: Subbudu has once said that u pronounce the Sanskrit slogas even better than the rishis - how do u react to this?
Yesudas: Guest33, I don't have any comment, I am not sure if he heard the rishis, if he has heard, then I am speechless.
Deepika: Hello sir, my name is Deepika. You have sung numerous songs, nearly 30,000! My humble wishes to you, sir. My question is that everybody in the cinema industry says that only a proffessional Carnatic singer can handle songs well than a person singing a song without knowing at least the basics of Carnatic music. How far is this true?

Yesudas: Deepika, hello, a big question. Do you believe in janmas? Not an explaination, search for that in the scriptures, including punar janmas, punar janmas means, a person takes many janmas to reach a certain level. Deepika, continuing with whether we can sing without learning Carnatic, the journey for learning comes from many janmas and life.

Kumar: Good evening, sir, I feel much happpy to chat with you, what was the reason for you to become a playback singer?
Yesudas: Kumar! Nobody knows what you become in life, it is a really good question. We are believers and we believe in the power behind us, we obey that power. Some learn and go behind sports, some music, some art, business and if you continue believing, you will become a success. Some don't believe and then don't succeed. We are not in a position to say how the choice came about, but the belief lead me to this.

Deepika: Sir, your dedication to singing made lots and lots of people feel their life and forget their world. Have you ever felt that you've reached the destination of this birth?
Yesudas: Deepika, are you the same Deepika? You are asking great questions, become a journalist! A real artiste realises that music is an ocean, nobody can reach near the ocean. Once if he or she realises, they know that there is more and moving to destination.

Benny: Dear Yesudasji. Do you like classical songs very much or Carnatic songs?
Yesudas: Benny music is only one, exactly like the colours. When you mix it, they change.

kjyfan: How did you develop your deep and most distinguished voice?
Yesudas: kjyfan, please give me your name.

kjyfan: Koshy.
Yesudhas: Thank you Koshy, I am happy to know your name.
D: Good evening guru, Who is your favourite music director sir?
Yesudas: Hello D, this is a question I can answer when music directors reach the position of God. They are still humans, jealousy is a factor.

Rajesh: Why nowadays you are not singing in Tamil films, sir?
Yesudas: Rajesh a good question, I am so happy to answer. The answer should come from the producer, music director, lyricists, because they have the answers, since they chose.

Benny: I love very much 'Ye padal ondru' from 'Priya' also a good voice combination of you and Janaki amma.
Yesudas: Thank you, Benny.

Rajesh: I am having your collection of Ayyappan songs from the first one to latest, sir. Especially your song during the year 2000 casette 'Ayyappan porpatham', Ayyappan Charithram with your voice in 5 minutes is excellent sir.
Yesudas: Rajesh, thank you for the support.

D: In every interview, you are appreciating the music of Ilayaraj. Are you a fan of his music?
Yesudas: D, of course, if anybody does great work, I appreciate them, some songs are superior. I have the feeling to appreciate his compositions, each and everyone has their capacity and creativity. Each are good.
Rajeshbrother: I am Srikanth, Rajesh's brother, the guy who worships you as God and sees you in R.R Sabha every December and gives you Ayyapan calendar

Yesudas: Coming with your brother! Don't worship humans, you only respect them and worship has to go to the God almighty.
Kaviyarasan: Vanakkam, sir. It is a pleasure for all of us to chat with you. How many songs have you sung in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi?

Yesudas: Kaviya, by the grace of God, better when I stop I will count and tell you.
Senthil: Good evening, sir. Can you tell us what is the difference between Carnatic music and film music in your silver jubilee experience?

Yesudas: Senthil, thank you for your blessings. You are welcome to come to my studio any day. If I get the time, I will explain it to you.
Kumar: Is there any unforgetable incident in your life?

Yesudas: I have to remember one of my greatest gurujis. Chembai Vaidyanadha Bhagavathar, he called me once and told me that you have to bring your car and take me to your home, nobody except me. Then I drove my car and took him home and even my wife went out. That was very unforgetable and something he was advising and talking. I can't remember what he blessed me with but whatever happened after that in my singing life, happened. The relationship between master and student is a unique experience.

Sampathkumar-chennai: I once heard a cassette of yours, a live recording in 1989. Your voice was so good. Are you in the habit of listening your old concerts?
Yesudas: To improve my knowledge, I listen to others musicians, to realise what I need to improve, I listen to my own, but I can't appreciate it. Of course, if there is a song, as a human being I do enjoy it.

Kaviyarasan: Sir, I live with your songs. From morning till the time I go to sleep. No one can separate your songs from my life. But nowadays you have stopped singing. Why is that, sir?
Yesudas: Kaviyarasan, it is a very, very bad habit. Select my songs for a certain time. Your parents might want you to do other things too. You are good person, but I have not stopped singing, enjoy it within a limit and take care of yourself.

Senthil: Sir, in your musical career, you succeeded many records but can you specify any record that is more special than other records.
Yesudas: Records or awards, Senthil?

Rajesh: The Tamil audience really miss your voice. But I have been listening to your Malayalam film songs.
Yesudas: Rajesh, you know my taste, by the grace of my Carnatic music I can sing any song. Don't mistake me, nowadays you may be aware of the songs, happiness within me is important plus the politics of the Tamil industry, but you have given me a feeling to produce good melody songs and lyrics and we will shortly produce a Tamil album, one person I know will buy it and that is you.

Bagyalakshmi: Sir, I'm an Australian-born Tamil native. Everybody in my family is a very great fan of yours, sir. I've cum to India for the third time of my birth. Unfortunately, I wasted my years without learning music. Now I want to learn it. Is it possible learning in the age of 20?
Yesudas: Hello Bagyalakshmi, you are very young and still can learn music. I tell you a story of a old man whom I know. He joined the Madras Music University at the age of 80. You need not worry and can start anytime to become a great singer.

Kaviyarasan: Sir, which is your last song in Tamil movies? Is the one 'Roattoram Paattu sattham ketkuthaa , ketkumpothu sogam vanthu thaakkuthaa'.
Yesudas: Kaviyarasan: Pithamagan is the Tamil film I recently sang in by Ilayaraja and actor Vikram.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, as you said 'Kaviyarasan Hello' I felt that ennoda piravi payan adaintha perumai. Thanks, sir. I really love you the most in my life. I live with your songs.

Yesudas: Thank you, Kaviyarasan.
Viswanath: Sir, where is your studio in Chennai?

Yesudas: Viswanath, my studio is in Chennai.
Rajesh: A singer like you is a great gift to Kerala.

Yesudas: Thank you, Rajesh.
John: There is much speculation about your voice, that it is not suitable to Bollywood heroes of this generation? Whom do you credit your singer stardom, any personality that shaped you, or family or almighty?

Yesudas: Almighty is the question, John.
Ashok: Are u working for any new albums in Carnatic music?

Yesudas: Yes and we will have it on our website www.tharangni.com, in the process of making the Pancharatna kritis.
John: Yesu sir, your son just entered the tinsel world. You feel that he will be able to withstand the cut-throat competition like you?

Yesudas: John, healthy competition is very good, if he has the capacity and the grace of God, he can overcome it, like me.
Senthil: Sir, you have sung many songs in MSV's music and Ilayaraja's music. Do you find any difference in their composing?

Yesudas: Definetly, MSV is unique and Ilayaraja is unique. When you hear and recognise that, that is their individuality.
Rajesh: Sir, you are the only singer whose voice is very pleasing, irrespective of any language and your pronounciation is excellent.

Yesudas: Rajesh, thank you... thank you... thank you...
John: Do both your sons like Carnatic music or are western trained?

Yesudas: Hello John! I got three boys, they love music, respect it and live in music, all forms are appreciated by them.
Senthil: Sir, your son Vijay has sung many songs under maestro's music, can you tell us your comments on it?

Yesudas: Senthil, yes and he is very fortunate for that opportunity.
Satya: Who is your favourite music director in cinema?

Yesudas: Already said, Satya.
John: Do you have multi-voices for various heroes like SPB has?

Yesudas: John, not really.
Rajesh: I saw the Harivarasanam lyrics in Mahabalipuram Temple and came to know that it was written by you. In which year did you write that, tell me that experience, sir.

Yesudas: Rajesh, nobody knows who wrote the 'Harivarasanam' song. It is a divine, traditional song.
Tony: Dear sir, where are you staying now? I am very interested to listen to your voice. When are you going to sing for new movies???

Yesudas: Tony, I stay in Chennai permanently, keep up with the website, but have been singing currently in all the movies.
Rajesh_Chennai: Which will be difficult for you, is it with A R Rahman or Ilayaraja...

Yesudas: Rajesh, pass, the true answer is if you go to Raja sir and ARR you will get the answer.
Senthil: Sir, please tell us your records then your awards?

Yesudas: visit www.tharangni.com. 
Kaviyarasan: Sir, It's a very delicate question to ask. Can I have your e-mail address? I know it is very difficult for you to answer if a lot of people send you e-mail. 

Yesudas: yesudas@tharangni.com 
John: How do you compare today's music and yesteryear that you have sung.

Yesudas: I will try to answer to my best.
Tony: Sir, I am one of your fans. I love your voice. I have one question. Now I am 30 yrs. I want to learn Carnatak music. What is it that I have to do?

Yesudas: Tony, don't worry about your age. Age is not a factor. Dedication gives you the youth to learn music from a good guru, select a good one.
John: How do you compare today's music and yesteryear that you have sung so far.

Yesudas: John, change is the most important thing for a human, exactly like choosing your food, some like modern, some classics, that depend on your taste. I don't mind to take any type of music or food if it does not spoil my voice.
Rajesh_ManMar: Sir, we persons chatting are very proud to chat with you today.

Yesudas: Thank you, Rajesh Manmar.
Rajesh: Sir, your combination with Gangai Amaran is excellent for Ayyappan songs. All are hit like 'Vaannukku oru magara villakku'.

Yesudas: Thank you, Rajesh.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, a sensitive question. Do you feel bad that they did not allow you into the Guruvayur Temple? Guruvayurappan's blessings will always be with you. We all pray the Lord almighty to give you a long, long life.

Yesudas: You said Kaviyarasan Guruvanyurappan's blessing are there always, then why enter the temple and give trouble to others?
John: Sir, regarding re-mixes of the original ones, I think it is to make money these days, your comments please?

Yesudas: John, re-mixes are old food. If you fry or reheat, you don't get the real taste.
Senthil: Sir, in Rajesh chat he said that you are a gift to Kerala. It is not so, you are a gift for this entire musical world.

Yesudas: Senthil. nee engayo poyitay..
Bagyalakshmi5: Sir,do you think that new singers can withstand in the field for a long time like you?

Yesudas: Bagyalakshmi, we can't predict, but if they are dedicated, they can withstand it.
Rajesh: Tell me the experience in 'Sindhu Bhairavi', you have sung all the songs especially that first 'Adhithya Hridhayam'. It is excellent, sir.

Yesudas: Rajesh, thanks goes to the producer. He gave me a chance to prove and with that I thank the music composer also director Balachandar, sir. Adada Adada is the song.
John: Sir, you being a great singer, which singer do you admire the most and listen to his or her songs very often.

Yesudas: John, my favourite singer is Mohammed Rafi saheb. All singers are respected also, each and everyone has their own unique style and capacity, I respect that too.
Rajesh: Sir, my favourite song of yours in Malayalam films is 'His highness Abdullah', in Chenkol 'Maduram jeevamrrutham'.

Yesudas: Thank you, Rajesh.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, who is your favourite lyricist in Tamil?

Yesudas: Kaviyarasan! Lyricists? Kavya you are asking about the kavithai, you want me to get a hit from the lyrics writer?
Vish: Sir, now are you staying in Chennai or Kerala?

Yesudas: Vish, staying in Chennai.
Rajesh: Sir, if you find free time how do u spend?

Yesudas: Rajesh, if you have got free time please give it to me. Mostly learning music.
John: Sir, are you in the race for any national awards again in the near future?

Yesudas: John, we can't predict like that. What all awards I obtained or got, it was a surprise and informed in the morning about the news that I had been selected by the judges.
Vish: Sir, I like your voice, particularly Ayyappan songs.

Yesudas: Thank you, Vish.
Senthil: Sir, can u tell us your views on present trend in film music, particularly Tamil film music?

Yesudas: Senthil, what is your opinion on Tamil music? I don't mind to hear anything if it is good.
John: Sir, in what way you will shape your sons' future? A singer, an actor or just leave it to them to decide?

Yesudas: John, I remember the request of my wife, that I continue as a singer. I hope that Vijay's wife also asks that.
Rajesh_ManMar: Sir, is it possible to meet you anytime?

Yesudas1: Rajesh, it is possible.
Vish: Sir, I am hearing your voice for the last 15 years. But still the same voice. How? Do you take any diet?

Yesudas: Vish, the thing is keep off all the food that is against the voice, and then try to practice very well, keep on thinking about my diet, it is a secret. Get it from me, then you will run away from me.
John: Sir, who do you feel is the most comfortable female playback singer for you?

Yesudas: John, everybody has their own style and ability. I enjoy singing with everyone.
Rajesh: Even though fans like us pray for you, you are blessed daily by Lord Ayyappan of Sabarimala everyday twice.

Yesudas: Thank you. Rajesh.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, people say that you have settled down in US (New York), sir, please come back to India and be with us in India.

Yesudas: Kaviyarasan, please tell everyone that I AM IN CHENNAI only. Never left India since 1994. But other say this.
Rajesh_ManMar: Sir, do u have any idea to direct a movie based on musical story?

Yesudas: Rajesh Manmar, yes, if you are the producer.
John: Sir, is there any special reservations for the songs which are penned for you?

Yesudas: John, any song that I sing should have a musical value, lyrics value. I try my level best to sing those.
Senthil: Sir, you are a gift for this musical world, we pray for you for a long life, long live yesu sir.

Yesudas: Senthil, thank you and take care.
Bagyalakshmi5: Sir, do u think that a dedicated singer of any gender can equally attain the fame and reach their placement in Carnatic music?

Yesudhas1: Bagyalakshmi, anybody can do it, no count for gender in music. MS Amma, Pattamal, MLV, were all successful.
Guest: Sir, what made you go closer to Mookambikai?

Yesudas: Guest, Mookambikai, the belief that the Goddess for music is Saraswati, There is that unique temple in south, oldest of them all, in Mookambika.
Rajesh: When I hear the song 'Maduram jeevamurtham' mind all get some peace and very satisfactory.

Yesudas: Rajesh keep it up and listen to more music that pleases your mind.
Rajesh: Sir, when we send you mails do you would find time in replying them?

Yesudas: Rajesh! I will try my best through the office.
Guest81: Can you tell us more on Ilayaraja?

Yesudas: Guest81, Ilayaraja... I have lot about him to be said, e-mail me.
Santush: Das yettan, I do not know if you have received my message sent a while ago it is about me meeting you at your home in Cochin.

Yesudas: Santush, thank you for the e-mail.
John: Sir, with this our great history in Carnatic music will we be able to compete in Grammy awards also..

Yesudas: John, depends on our messenger.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, my favourite song sung by you in Tamil is 'Yezhisai Geethame Enakkoru Jeevan Neeye'.

Yesudas: Thank you, Kaviyarasan.
Guest16: Can you tell us about the great Chembai?

Yesudas: Guest16, there is so much to say about him. He is a great guru and a very caring person, love with music is one explaination about GURUJI.
John: Sir, which younger generation singer you feel and admire the most that he or she will make a great personality like you?

Yesudas: John, this is actually a very secret observation that it can't be pulished. But I wish everyone to work hard, good singer they are hard work is important.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, still you feel angry on Kavignar Kannadasan who criticised on singing 'Therukkovile.. Oadi Vaa'. But he really cried hearing you singing his song 'Kanne Kalai Maane'. What is your experience with him?

Yesudas: Kaviyarasan, Kannadasan sir was not there during the recording session, but of course assitants were there and the situation was tense, nobody properly attended to my wrong pronunciation. I openly say that it was a wrong pronunciation, no anger against Kavignar at all.
Rajesh: In Tamil, your voice easily suits for Rajini, Kamal, Satyaraj and aptly suits for Sivakumar.

Yesudas: Thank you, Rajesh.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, do you visit Tiruvannamalai and Ramanashramam? What is your feeling? Why you did not sing any song on
Ramanar? Is there any plan to make a cassette like 'Ramana Maalai' by Ilayaraja?

Yesudas: If he permits, Kaviya.
Saadhagam: Namaskaaram KJY sir. Why is it that no matter how hard you try and no matter how dedicated you are there are always enough people finding fault than appreciating the value of "good" music?

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Yesudas: Saadhagam! Namaskaram, both are there and freedom of speech, even then if one wants to appreciate, he has to prepare to understand. Critics are many, satisfication in the few are the jewel of music.
Kaviyarasan: Sir, sorry for asking such a question on Kavignar Kannadasan. You are a great artiste, accepted, your mistake on pronouncing bad. I admire your humbleness, sir.

Yesudas: Thank you, Kaviya
Saadhagam: Sir, have you had time to teach Carnatic music and do you have really good performing artistes as disciples?

Yesudas: Saadhagam, wait for my school.
Bagyalakshmi5: Sir, now many new people are entering the field of music but goes away like passing clouds. Are they worth for the field?

Yesudas: Bagyalakshmi, I don't have any comment, but if they properly maintain their stand, by practising, knowing the depth of music, then they will stand in the ocean of music.

Yesudas: Thank you everybody and remember God is love.

Published on 12th April, 2004