Violin to Vocals

Ranjani and Gayatri

On the eve of Women's Day, sisters Ranjani and Gayatri brought their show Raga by Rasa to Tata Theatre, NCPA in Mumbai, which they describe as a “hallowed space”. The musical evening, organised by Pancham Nishad, saw a packed house of music lovers. The sisters delve into the journey from violinists to vocalists in an interview with ‘The Perfect Voice’. Excerpts…  

‘Rasa by Raga’ explores the emotional essence of ragas. How do you curate the selection of ragas and compositions to create an immersive experience for the audience?

Music without emotions is merely a sequence of sounds. Its true appeal lies in its ability to touch the listener, making emotional connection essential to a musician’s success.

Each Raga offers a vast canvas for musicians to imagine and explore. While Ragas are traditionally linked to certain emotions, some musicians believe that every Raga has the potential to evoke any emotion, depending on the artist’s interpretation and creativity.

Indian classical music provides boundless opportunities for exploring melody, emotions, and artistic expression. Rasa by RaGa delves into the emotional depth of Indian classical music, presenting timeless Ragas, concepts, and songs in an innovative format that blends tradition with modernity. The project, curated over several months, stems from over four decades of dedication to the art form. It celebrates a deep-rooted love and unwavering belief in classical music's ability to embrace diverse genres while remaining authentic, timeless, and relevant.

Your journey from being violinists to renowned vocalists has been remarkable. What inspired this transition, and how has it shaped your approach to Carnatic music?

After a decade of being established violinists, the odds weren’t great to be successful in vocal too. Even though the violin had always been our medium of musical expression, we played in a vocal style. However, our guru, Sri PS Narayanaswamy, upon hearing us sing, not only encouraged us but almost commanded us to share our voices on stage. The overwhelming love and encouragement from audiences far exceeded our expectations, inspiring us to explore this new path.

Our journey from violinists—rooted in our early years in Mumbai—to vocalists was entirely unplanned, a twist of fate that led us to an exciting journey of self-discovery. It was our guru’s unwavering belief in our singing potential that nudged us towards our debut vocal concert, even when we were known primarily for our violin performances. It took us a few years to truly embrace our own voices—that "Eureka" moment—but once we did, there was no turning back.

Singing has profoundly shaped our musical journey, deepening our connection to both music and our inner selves. It has challenged us to explore Ragas, interpret grand compositions, master diverse repertoires across languages, and absorb intricate musical nuances—transforming us into the musicians we are today.

What aspects of Carnatic music draw you to it, and how do you keep innovating while staying true to its rich tradition?

In the realm of Carnatic music, we are insiders. Much like the instinctive love for one's mother or the innate trust in one's father, our bond with Carnatic music is something we feel deeply rather than rationalize.

Our journey began with simply immersing ourselves in the art form, and its magnetic pull has held us ever since. It’s difficult to detach and view it objectively because the connection is so profound. This reflection arises because the question itself stems from an outsider's perspective.

At its core, classical music is a time-tested framework—like a highway that allows each musician to navigate their journey in their unique style. While it has defined rules, boundaries, and compliance, it offers immense freedom for individual expression.

One of the most remarkable features of Carnatic music is its equilibrium between structured compositions (kalpita sangita) and spontaneous creativity (manodharma sangita). Mastering this art demands years of rigorous sadhana, challenging musicians across every dimension—be it voice, instrument, intellect, expression, or imagination.

Beneath the vast layers of compositions, Ragas, Talas, and improvisational techniques like alapana, neraval, kalpanaswara, and thanam, lies the spiritual essence of music. The journey of learning and performing becomes a path of self-discovery, revealing life's deeper purpose. Once this realization dawns, innovation flows naturally without the need for forced efforts—rooted firmly in tradition while pushing the boundaries of creativity.

What have been the main challenges in your journey to becoming renowned vocalists, and do you think these challenges are more pronounced for women artistes? 

For those from non-connected backgrounds, the journey to acceptance and success may be longer, but it builds resilience, strength, and character. We are no exceptions. The effort and time it demands, makes the rewards even more fulfilling, leaving a lasting impact.

For women, especially those whose only credentials are their art and hard work, the journey comes with unique challenges. While gender biases may add hurdles, they also inspire us to strive harder, pushing us to be twice as good and more determined to carve our own space. As women balancing multiple roles—mothers, daughters, and nurturers—this path tests our limits, but it also empowers us to rise stronger, proving that passion and dedication can break barriers.

How do you think young audiences can be drawn to classical music, and what efforts are needed to make it more accessible?

Indian classical music, particularly Carnatic music, has everything in it to draw the younger audiences- energy, freshness, appeal, enchanting melody and peppy rhythms. This music’s communicative power has to be leveraged by musicians, to create an impactful concert experience for audiences. Also, taking classical music in little steps to schools, making this a part of the soundscape of children is key to inculcating love for good music in the very young. Governments and school managements have a very important role to play in this.

What steps can be taken to nurture the next generation of musicians?

Providing opportunities to talented musicians creates a nurturing environment for future generations to thrive. Along with imparting this rigorous art form, ensuring financial security is equally essential. There are no shortcuts—mastery in classical music demands a lifetime of learning, relentless sadhana, and navigating the social pressures of building and sustaining a career.

Musicians must balance their dedication to the art with the demands of social media, evolving digital platforms, shifting tastes, and modern realities.

Maintaining an unwavering focus on music’s essence while innovating and connecting with the world is a significant challenge. Students need comprehensive support—emotional, financial, and musical—at every step of their journey. When the classical music ecosystem provides such encouragement, it paves the way for deserving musicians to emerge, upholding the values of this timeless tradition.