The Temple of Fine Arts presents Unnikrishnan and Uthara live in Malaysia. The legendary singer Unnikrishnan and his daughter Uthara are set to perform together for the first time. Three events will feature this talented father-daughter duo. The press conference for this spectacular event took place yesterday at The Temple of Fine Arts, attended by Unnikrishnan, Uthara, members of the Temple of Fine Arts, and representatives from two esteemed media partners, Mannin Mainthan Malaysia and Varnam. The renowned host, Muthukumaran, presided over the press conference.
The first of the three grand events, the “Carnatic Utsav,” is happening today, 24th May 2024, at 7:30 PM at the Shantanand Auditorium, The Temple of Fine Arts. This event will feature a lineup of Unnikrishnan’s and Uthara’s Carnatic songs. The next event, “Fusion Fiesta,” will take place on 26th May 2024 at 7:30 PM. In this event, Unnikrishnan and Uthara will perform their famous film songs with a Carnatic touch, offering a unique experience for the audience. On the following day, 27th May 2024, a workshop titled “Manodharma Sangeetham” will be conducted by Unnikrishnan. During this workshop, Unnikrishnan will elaborate on and guide participants through the techniques and essential elements of Carnatic singing.
Yesterday, at the press conference for the event, Unnikrishnan expressed his gratitude to the Temple of Fine Arts for inviting them. He said it has been a beautiful journey working with the Temple of Fine Arts, especially in collaboration with Mr. Amalan. He praised the meticulous coordination involved in organizing the event and expressed his pleasure in working with the musicians from the Temple of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, Uthara expressed her excitement about performing for the audience. This is her first time in Malaysia and her first time performing with her father. She hopes everyone will enjoy the three-day event they have planned.
Unnikrishnan also delighted the audience by singing his timeless classic, “Thenmerku Paruvakatru,” which transported listeners back to cherished memories of the past. Uthara captivated the audience with her rendition of “Narumugaiye,” delivering a soul-stirring performance that highlighted the emotional depth and beauty of the melody. Their performances added a nostalgic and heartfelt touch to the press conference, setting the stage for the upcoming events.
Varnam was granted the privilege of a close-up interview with Unnikrishnan and Uthara.
When asked how significantly Carnatic music has influenced his singing career, Unnikrishnan explained that Carnatic music is a comprehensive system that encompasses various scales, known as raagas, and involves intricate rhythms. He emphasized the importance of Thaalams in Carnatic music. Learning these intricacies in Carnatic singing makes it easier to adapt to different genres and enhances overall musical understanding. He concluded by stating that mastering Carnatic music truly helps one grow as a musician.
In response to a question about his initial aspirations, Unnikrishnan shared that he had initially been drawn to the idea of pursuing a career as a playback singer in the film industry or venturing into Carnatic music. He explained that his early interest lay in singing for movies, influenced by his upbringing immersed in film music. However, he eventually expanded his musical horizons to include Carnatic music as well.
When asked about his perception of the interest or knowledge in Carnatic music among today’s younger generation, he remarked that only a few people are inclined towards Carnatic music due to its demanding nature. He observed that many youngsters nowadays seek shortcuts, preferring to quickly learn singing and participate in competitions, concerts, and shows. However, he emphasized that mastery of Carnatic music requires dedicated training and cannot be achieved overnight. Unnikrishnan expressed the importance of more youngsters understanding the value of learning classical music, highlighting its role as a continuous learning process. While acknowledging the popularity of movie songs, he stressed that a foundation in Carnatic music is essential to support and enhance one’s journey in the music industry.
It’s been some time since you last recorded songs for films. Are there any specific reasons for this hiatus?
In the entertainment industry, such breaks are quite common. Every singer has their time in the limelight. As time passes, our voices may change, making it challenging to sing for younger actors. Moreover, there is a constant influx of newcomers in the industry, and the baton is inevitably passed on to the next generation. Everyone eventually gets their opportunity; that’s just how it goes.
Moving forward to Uthara, when asked about her interest in singing, Uthara shared that she developed a liking for listening to and singing songs, often singing in cars. However, her grandmother tricked her into attending Carnatic classes. At the outset, she wasn’t particularly serious about it. However, over time, her interest grew, and she began to take her Carnatic lessons more seriously. This marked the beginning of her journey, and from there, she continued to grow as a singer.
When asked how she feels about attending concerts and performing alongside her dad, Uthara expressed that it’s always a learning process for her. She learns many things from her dad with each performance, and there’s always something new to discover at every event. Uthara also mentioned that she is excited about performing in the concerts.
The session with Unnikrishnan and his daughter, Uthara, was truly engaging and insightful. As they prepare to present a visual and auditory feast during this three-day event, anticipation mounts for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Each evening is poised to captivate and mesmerize the audience, leaving them spellbound by the talent and artistry on display. With the combined expertise and passion of both Unnikrishnan and Uthara, attendees can expect nothing short of excellence. This event is not just a concert series but a celebration of music, heritage, and the enduring bond between a father and daughter sharing their musical journey. Indeed, it’s an event that music enthusiasts and aficionados alike won’t want to miss.
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