‘Instead of cultivating a media image, spend time on yourself,’ says maestro T.V. Gopalakrishnan

Mridangist, vocalist, violinist, PhD in music and guru to many, 92-year-old T.V. “After the concert, he told me that I would be his choice, after Palani Subramania Pillai and Palghat Mani Iyer.” Bond with Mani Iyer TVG shared a special bond with Mani Iyer, who played the mridangam for 50-60 of his vocal concerts. “Frequent repetition is essential for perfection, and for every note to adhere to sruti,” says TVG. “While freshness should be infused with a new piece or two, the repertoire should never be completely overhauled,” says TVG, who is also a trained Hindustani musician. The decibel level has to come down significantly, and even in that lower volume, each syllable should ring clearly.” Known for his nuanced, song and instrument-appropriate mridangam playing, TVG says, “Noise is injurious to the mind, psyche and ears, and diametrically opposite to aesthetics — yet today, that is what generates applause.” The master musician cites inadequate mridangam maintenance for percussive cacophony.