CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

NAME REGISTER NO.

KASTHURI. S 13019101034

JYOTHIKA B.R 13019101033

RAKESH KUMAR. R 13019101036

REJOY OOMMEN THOMAS 13019101037

COURSE CODE: EN 1645

DISSERTATION

Submitted to the University of Kerala in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of

BACHELOR OF ARTS
IN
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE
MAVELIKKARA
MARCH 2022
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
 CONTENTS

PAGE

PREFACE

CHAPTERONE INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTERTWO CELEBRITY INTERVIEW 6

CHAPTERTHREE CONCLUSION 21

WORKSCITED 25

APPENDIX 26
 PREFACE

Celebrity interview is a formal face to face meeting or conversation in which one or

more person questions, consult and evaluate the celebrity. An interview is considered to

be a media qualitative research. It is a technique used to understand the various

experiences and ideologies of the celebrity. This is a means of conversational talk where

one can explore the hidden perspectives.

Our group choose the topic ‘Celebrity Interview’ as it was an opportunity to meet a

remarkable human being and learn from them. The celebrity we chose to interview was

Kavalam Sreekumar. A very talented and genuine person, he gave us a warm welcome

and we were very comfortable to interact with our celebrity, Mr. Sreekumar. He

responded to all our queries with genuine interest.

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Chapter One

Introduction

Kavalam Sreekumar is a classical musician, Malayalam film singer and music

composer from Kerala, India. He is the son of the noted Malayalam poet and dramatist

Kavalam Narayana Panicker and J. Saradamani. He was born on 3rd March in the year

1959 in Alleppey in Indian state Kerala. His recitation of Ramayana is also famous. He

has also rendered more than 60 famous Malayalam poems. At the tender age of five years

Kavalam Sreekumar started receiving his training in Classical Music Vocal (South Indian

Music). He has however bagged the honor of being trained under the legendary gurus like

Ambalappuzha Sivasankara Panikkar, Trichur Vaidyanathan, Mavelikkara Prabhakara

Varma and Ambalappuzha Thulasi. He worked for All India Radio from 1985 to 2007.

Later on he received his advanced Carnatic music training under the expert tutelage of

illustrious Violinist [Link] of All India Radio, Trivandrum.

By his educational Qualification he is a Master degree holder in Commerce from

Kerala University. He is married to Smt. Lekshmy, and the couple has two children: S.

Krishna Narayanan & Gouri Sreekumar.

Kavalam Sreekumar was such a talented performing artist that he has been

conferred the first prize for the consecutive 5 years in Classical Vocal in the University

Youth Festival. Kavalam Sreekumar has performed in all most all the Music Concerts all

over Kerala, in music Sabha’s in Madras and some foreign countries. He has also bagged

the honor of visiting Russia and Japan in connection with the festival of India. Apart from

that in order to execute he has visited places like London, Paris, Singapore America and
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Gulf countries. In November 2004, Kavalam Sreekumar as part of Surya Music Festival

visited Europe and Gulf, to perform classical music concerts.

Kavalam Sreekumar possesses a unique style of delivering classical music. Thus,

his voice can be attributed as the voice that is enriched with tremendous voice culture,

expression and clarity of lyrics. His execution has been characterized as `soulful, clear,

authentic and powerful`. He has enriched the depiction of Ramayana, Bhagavatha,

Lalitha & Vishnu Sahasra Namam, Soundarya Lahari, Dhyana Slokas etc through his

execution. These all have fetched rave reviews and acclamation throughout the world.

His performance of Adhyatma Ramayana for one month during July – August is telecast

every year in popular Malayalam T.V. channels like Asianet and Amritha. Kavalam

Srikumar has also lend his voice for Malayalam films like Agnisakshi, Ashtapadi,

Thambu, Ilakkangal, Aalolam, Kanalaattam, Panchajanyam, Madhuchandralekha, Suryan

etc. Acknowledging his talent he has been conferred many accolades like Akashvani (All

India Radio) Annual Award for the best musical feature produced in the year 1989 &

1990 (“Gurussakshath Param Brahma” on Adi Sankaracharya and “Parayipetta

Panthirukulam” – national Integration Feature); Honored by Malliyur Thirumeni, a doyen

in the field of Bhagavatha Sapthaham in Kerala and received a title by name “Ramakadha

Shukan” from him in the year 1998; He has anchored for 4 years a very popular music

programme entitled “Ragolsavam”, based on classical ragas, in the Kairali Channel T.V

Kavalam Sreekumar needs no introduction. He is reputed for his rendering of the

Ramayana, in addition to folk music, bhajans and Sopana Sangeetham. Son of eminent

theatre personality Kavalam Narayana Panikar, Sreekumar has been working with All

India Radio since 1985. Here is Sreekumar in his own words.

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Folk music

What is being churned out today in the name of folk music is nothing but a pale

shadow of the original. So, the original forms are in real danger of being lost forever. All

original works were folk-based. Take the raga Anandabhairavi, Arabhi, or Neelambhari

for that matter. Some of these can be discerned in our pulluvan pattu. To teach folk music

to future generations, we have to base it on ragas and structure it to know the roots, as

was done in the case of Carnatic music. As is the case with Punjabi folk songs, we can

include some elements of modernity too. All this requires a lot of money. That will come

only if gifted and popular singers take interest in this field.

Training

Sopana Sangeetham has always been there in the family. I used to listen to

masters like Njaralethu Rama Poduval and Guruvayur Janardanan, their astapathis,

thianis and so on. Indeed, I was fortunate to sing with Njaralethu. I started studying

Carnatic music at the age of six. My gurus included Ambalapuzha Sivasankara Panickar

(disciple of the famous Ambalapuzha brothers) and Thrissur R. Vaidyanatha

Bhagavathar. Later, in Thiruvananthapuram, I began to study under B. Sasikumar,

violinist (AIR). Even after 20 years, I am still his student.

`Practice makes a man perfect.’ This is Sasikumar sir’s belief. Sometimes the

class starts in the evening and goes on late into the night.

The rendering of Adhyatma Ramayana during the Malayalam month of

Karkidakam gives me a lot of pleasure. It is not mere recitation; the right emotion like

sorrow, anger or joy has to be conveyed.

 4

I also enjoyed recording Vishnusahasranamam, Soundaryalahari,

Mookambikasahasranamam and Lalithasahasranamam.

Outside Kerala, I have given recitals of Sopana Sangeetham in Bhopal under the

auspices of the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi. In 2001, at the invitation of the French

Government, I participated in the Latitude Festival in Paris. It was sort of an informal

gathering and the audience comprised people who enjoyed music. So, instead of

remaining unresponsive as it often happens here, they respond to the pieces that we

present. That gives us a lot of inspiration. Then, in 2004, as part of the Soorya India

Festival, I performed with music director M. Jayachandran in London, Italy, Germany,

Switzerland, Bahrain, Muscat, Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai.

Keraleeya Sangeetham

I include Malayalam kirtans in my concerts. But that is not Keraleeya

Sangeetham. For Keraleeya Sangeetham, the right instruments like the edakka should be

there. Otherwise, the right gamakas as the andholika gamaka will not come forth.

Commitment to music

Dr. Balamuralikrishna, Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi are some of the

great singers now. Musicians like Balamuralikrishna are great composers too. Hindustani

singers practice rigorously. `Shruti shudham’ – that’s what they aim at. They study and

practice one raga for 10 to 15 years. Hariharan practices 10 hours a day, Parveen Sultana,

for nearly 20 hours. Sadhana releases positive energy.

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Awards

• 2012 Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy Award.

• 1989 - Gurusashat Parabrahma - All India Radio- Annual Award for the best

musical feature.

• 1990- Parayipetta Panthirukulam - All India Radio- Annual Award for the best

musical feature.

• Won first prize for consecutive 5 years in Classical Vocal in the University Youth

Festival.
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Chapter Two

Celebrity Interview

Q1. During the lockdown period you are very different comparing to other artists

with lots of beautiful works. Could you tell something about this?

Yes, there was drastic stress and loneliness for everyone because of the covid lockdown. I

own a studio in front of my house and it is a great blessing for me. I spend most of the

time in my studio composing poems and sharpening my skills. I didn't get bored of the

pandemic as I was engaged in my favorite activity and this period helped me a lot to

concentrate on my music-related works and I got a lot of time for composing new tunes

and to improvise my skill and my children also accompanied me to do my works.

Honestly, we have spent a greater time in that lockdown period and we used that time

more creatively and efficiently. I do not compose tunes by stacking for a long time. Some

of my students also accompany me. I compose tunes and I sing it to my students and

make corrections together.

Q2. How proud are you of being the son of Sri Kavalam Narayana Panicker sir?

I am forever indebted and thankful to God for being born as my father's son. From this

you can see that how much I love my father and how proud I am to be born as my

father’s son.
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Q3. Despite the musical tradition, can you tell us about your life so far through it?

Music is my life and legacy that I can confidently pass on to future generations. When I

was a kid, I used to hang out with my father's friends who frequently visit my home for

music-related things and in brief, I can say that my music career has been started from

my earlier childhood itself.

Q4. You 've been confined only to classical music until your college days and later

turned to different genres of music, can you give us an idea of this?

My childhood was in Alappuzha. Later I came to Thiruvananthapuram while I was

studying in the pre-degree. In early days of my music career, I have a great interest

towards Karnatic music and later it spread to all spheres of music thinking not to be

confined only to classical music.

Q5. Can you share your memories of your father Sri Kavalam Narayana Panicker

Sir for us?

Yesterday an old movie named kummatti was re-assisted and re-telecasted in rest story

resolution. While working in the line-up of this movie my father's voice was always there

in my ears. During the filming of that movie, I have enjoyed the folk songs of that time

like "Karkare karmukil" and most importantly in the old version of this movie my father

has dubbed for the main character and it makes me more nostalgic while working on this
 8

movie. Now, this film is available on YouTube. My father was a versatile talented person

because of those my father’s memories come to me no matter what field I'm working in.

Q6. When you were a student, you were an Integral part of the State School Art

Festival stage (kalolsava), Can you share your memories of 71 - 74 Kalolsava with

us?

In my childhood at school festivities, I have usually focused and attended Karnatic music

later I started singing light music, folk songs etc., at that time I was studying in 9th

standard, the people who were in the judging panel were the most respected personalities

like Dakshinamoorthi sir, MG Radhakrishnan [Link]., Nowadays, the school kalolsavas

are not good as they used to be.

Q7. Can you share what your college days were like?

The college days were beautiful. SD college and MG college were the colleges that gave

me the best memories. Some beautiful days when music and study were all intertwined.

Q8. Why do you say that inspiration from your school days helped you to reach the

pinnacle of your music career?

When I was in school, the teachers used to call me and made me sing songs most of the

time. They used to praise me a lot by listening to my songs. It was a great recognition for
 9

me. So, the only thing I say when I go to any school as a guest is that teachers need to

find the talents of the students and bring them to the forefront. It eliminates their fear and

gives them the courage to move forward in their artistic careers tomorrow.

Q9. Who would you be if you were not a musician?

No guessing, because I was not such a big brilliant in my studies. All I know is music.

But after [Link] I was offered a job in Idanjur Nss. If I had gone, I would have become a

teacher.

Q10. Which song / poem / work did your fans most want to hear on your stage?

No matter which stage I go to, whether it is a classical program or other, everybody

always asked me to sang the song ‘Aalaayaal Thara Venam Aduthorambalam Venam’.

The song was a very old folk song but since now some people believe that it is the song

from our family.

Q11. Can you tell me what is your favorite ‘ragam’?

I like a lot of ragam. But the one I like the most is Revathi and Rechiyapriya. Probably,

because I heard Balagopi sir’s songs. So, I like these ragam’s more.
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Q12. Can you tell me which was the most memorable venue in your music career?

I cannot say that it was an unforgettable venue. Because there was not one but a lot. In

the early days I was not satisfied at all. Then I’ve got everything in common in many

many venues. The mic system is a big factor in making a program better.

Q13. Are you successful in bringing both art life and family life together?

The bigger the music the bigger my family is to me. I value both my music and my

family. They are two sides of a coin. I find time to spend with my family even in the very

tight schedules of my work.

Q14. What was it like working on All India Radio from 1985-2007?

I have enjoyed working with poets since my time at All India Radio (AIR). Doordarshan

had a program when selected poems of eminent poets like late O.N.V. Kurup sir,

Sugathakumari teacher and Vishnu Narayanan Namboodiri sir, were recited in their

presence. I still cherish the joy on their faces as their lines were recited. That is my

greatest reward. I remember the indescribable expression on Sugathakumari teacher’s

face when I recited her famous work ‘Rathrimazha’. The time on radio was one of the

times I enjoyed the most. People took over me and probably must have been on the radio

too. Even though my job was administration, I was most involved in the music program.
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Q15. The Karkitaka month of Malayalees isn't complete without your recitation of

Ramayana, how did you come up with this unique way of recitation that has

attracted so many people?

The rendering of Adhyatma Ramayana during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam

gives me a lot of pleasure. It is not a mere recitation, it's the right emotion like sorrow,

anger or joy has to be conveyed. Working with my father and reading the Ramayana has

helped me with the correct articulation of words, which is important while reading poetry

aloud. When I was working in All India Radio, my job was not to sing there, but

administration. However, in the early days of my stay there, I decided to recite Ramayana

for 5 months. The organizers needed my leadership because I had studied music. To be

honest, that was the first time I tried to recite the Ramayana. It was then that, as my father

says, I kept my own personal mark on the recitation.

Q16. What do you consider to be the most valuable gift you have ever received in

your music career?

The best memory I never forget in my entire music career was the moment that I have

received "The Ramakathashukan" award from the hands of Ulliyoor Thirumeni. It was

the proudest moment. After receiving this award, I started publishing audio cassette of

Ramayana Parayana.
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Q17. Can you share with us an unforgettable memory with your guru Sasikumar

Sir?

Of all my teachers, still I am indebted to Sasikumar sir. I have learned many things from

him and still, those I've learned are very much beneficial to me in building my music

career. I was his student a few years before I joined All India Radio. He is very talented

in teaching every student according to their tastes and talents. He is the perfect and a

great example for the term Guru.

Q18. Can you tell me what's your favourite among your father's dramatic works,

which combines both folk culture and folklore?

I cannot help but think one of his favorite creations. My father had a special interest in

blending culture and folk customs. He is also a person who works hard for every creation.

He has also searched for centuries-old folksongs from tribal communities. Perhaps it is

because of this effort that all his works, including his Sanskrit plays, are still remembered

today.
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Q19. Singer, Lyricist, Music director, among these roles which one you enjoy the

most?

It's definitely composing. I often satisfy myself with composing. Most of the time I've

been experimenting with new composing in the studio. Especially during the covid

period I spent all my time in composing.

Q20. Which songs are your favorite songs among your entire music career?

So, there is nothing in my songs that I like or dislike. When I do something, I only do it

when I totally like it. Whether it is composing, singing a song or writing lyrics, I enjoy it

to the maximum.

Q21. You have been studying music since the age of 5, can you share your childhood

music learning memories?

Studying music as a child was one that brought back fond memories. I spent most of

those times with my dad's friends. Born into a family with a musical heritage, I had a

passion for music from a very young age. At first classical music was taught to me in my

home and after that I started working in many fields of music and All of this was helped

by the advice my father gave me.

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Q22. Can you share how happy you were when you received the 2012 Sangeetha

Nataka Academy Award?

The awards in the past time weren't like our current awards, in old times awards come in

search of the most talented persons and everyone works their level best to win such

awards. Nowadays award functions are getting more popular and everyone else is

supposed to do work to win the award neither hardworking nor keeping any quality in

their work.

Q23. In your opinion, as an artist 'What are the characteristics an artist needed'?

From [Link] I have learned how an artist to be. He loves everyone wholeheartedly

and never keeps any wrath or jealousy towards anyone. He never maintains evil thoughts

and envy to anyone. His personality is as unique as his legendary works. Gentleness in

speech and demeanor is something I've learned from him. We should respect everyone

and every individual is worthy of respect regardless of their age, class, profession, color,

or gender. Respecting and being Respected is an intangible wealth that one possesses. A

person who Honors others is very much loved and cared for by all people.
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Q24. All your childhood friends are From Alappuzha? Still in touch with childhood

friends?

Yes, most of my friends are from kavalam, Alappuzha and I am keeping a strong

relationship with my childhood friends. We the pre-degree, [Link], and [Link]

batchmates conduct annual meet-ups every year. We are keeping a good bond together.

We should nourish and keep good and healthy relationships and it aids in improving our

mental and social growth. We should always make good friends. "There is no better-

looking glass than an old friend"(changathi nannayal kannadi Venda) it's a proverb

stating the true benefit of a good friendship. So, value good friendships because they are

a lifelong treasure.

Q25. Can you share your childhood memories of Kavalam village in Kuttanad?

I was born in Kavalam village in Kuttanadu, it's a place belonging to Alappuzha District.

I was studied in Alappuzha SD college for a year and later shifted to Trivandrum.

Whenever I get free time, I come back to my home town. After we shifted to Trivandrum

it was my father’s elder brother and his family in the tharavadu house and I reside with

them on my vacation time. I have a strong mental connection with them. I spend most of

the time near Ashtamudi backwaters and I got relaxed on the shores of the lake. I sing

songs write poems and do things that make me happier. Recently there was a

performance in Kumali and before going to Kumali I stayed in my tharavadu in Kavalam.

 16

Q26. Can you share the joy of being able to bring Abhijnana Shakunthalam drama

to the stage through the unique and talented artist Manju Warrier?

It was my father’s dream work and was during the last phase of his legendary life and he

trained Manju Warrior for Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Manju had already endowed

herself with dancing and acting skills, she was well aware of what is required in theatre

and my father had to just guide her with the dialogue rendition in Sanskrit and mould her

into the character of Shakunthala. The fact that she was an established actor helped her to

adapt herself to his concept. Without my father’s support and encouragement, it wouldn't

have been able to take up the challenge, which is in Sanskrit. It was his wish to bring

Abhijnana Shakuntalam to the stage again. After he passed away, we felt that it is on us

to fulfill his wish and to stage the play again as he wanted it as our tribute. I can always

feel his presence and blessings with us. We are all set to continue his legacy in the theatre

and in performing arts and have been producing Sanskrit plays since 1978. It is our

privilege that Manju Warrier who is one of the best-loved actors in Malayalam film

industry is within our effort to continue with the experiments in theatre and celebration of

art that my father has started.

Q27. Could you please tell something about your family?

Wife's name is Lakshmi. I have two children Gauri Sreekumar and Krishna Narayanan.

My daughter now lives in the house where we used to live earlier. Most of the time she

comes here and spend a lot of time with [Link] daughter has a one-year-old baby.
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Q28. Is your daughter and son are artistically interested?

My daughter Gowri is a good dancer. Although she studied both classical dance and

classical music, she always prefers to dance. She also gained so many prizes in Kerala

state kalolsavas and other prominent programs. Narayan also loves music and sang songs

nicely.

Q29. Could you share your experience with your masters like Ambalappuzha

shivasankara panicker, Thrissur vydyanadan and Mavelikkara prabhakara varma

with us?

All 3 of them are my mentors who have always been close to my heart. To be honest,

these are the people who brought me to this point. Ambalapuzha sir is a bit strict but he is

a very loving person. Not only Ambalapuzha sir but everyone is loving. Sasikumar Sir is

also my dearest mentor in my life. Together they made me who I am.

Q30. The friendship between your father Sri Kavalam Narayana Panicker and

Dakshina Moorthi Swami is very famous. Can you comment a few words on their

friendship?

They have a very good bond between them. If Dakshina moorthi Swami visits a morning,

he will leave only the next morning, both of them make new songs within minutes. As
 18

soon as my father writes the song, Swami composes the tune. Both of them very fast

when it came to songs. They both always chose topics related to bhakti. i grew up

watching them creating songs within minutes, i always thought it was an easy job to write

and compose music. But soon I realized that was not the case.

Q31. The first thing that comes to mind when we think about Sreekumar sir's music

is the 'karukare karmukil' from kummatti. If you think about it, the song itself is

more popular than the movie. Can you please share with us the happiness it brought

you to have had the chance to sing such an iconic song in your career?

The song karukare karmukil was directed by M.G Radhakrishnan and written by my

father. This song is the one that brought me my fame and popularity and is the biggest

song of my career. Also, this song was born from a legendary music partnership.

Q32. When we hear your songs, we are able to do picturization in every line.

Everything is connected with nature. Can you explain something about it?

When I wrote songs, my mind was filled with the memories of old Alappuzha. In the

past, Alappuzha was a land of many fields and rivers. Later, as part of several

development programs all of this beautiful sights and greenery slowly disappears. Duck

flocks, coir workers, and streams were the regular sights in my homeland back then.

Probably the coolest scenes like this are the basis of not only my songs but also my

father's.
 19

Q33. A child who is learning music stops when he sings a playback song. Is cinema

really the goal of the current generation?

Yes sometimes I do feel like that. When I go to judge on many realities shows some

children are late in recognizing me. On the contrary, if a person sings a song in just one

movie, he will be looking for fame and fortune today. One such trend is the reluctance of

the new generation children to enter the classical folk realm. In earlier days wherever

classical music is performed, I was amazed to see so many people there. But today, things

are changed and classical and folk lovers were declining day by day.

Q34. Can you say a word or two about the Sopanam theater troupe?

Sopanam Drama Troupe was the lifeblood of my father. It is hid dream and biggest

venture.

Q35. Can you share some memories of your mother?

My mother's name is Saradamani. Amidst my father's name and fame, no one has ever

asked me about my mother. Everyone needs to know about my father's experiences. My

mother is the one who wrote life for my father and for us. If I start talking about her, I'm

going to be vocal because we have such a big bond. From the age of 5, my mother

wanted me to practice music more than my father. Surely, she is the woman who has

been a strong pillar in my life.

 20

Q36. You are a man who has made a fame not only for folk songs and recitating

Ramayana, but also in light music. Could you please share your experience or

memories of Light music programs that you performed in metropolitan cities like

Dubai?

When we for light music programs, the audiences who come there will be the ones who

has the taste of light music. Always those who came to listen to my light music programs

are always special to me. This was the time of cinema songs and fusion so, that is why I

told you that the audience who came to listen light music was special to me. One of my

favorites and most loved light music is the song "Khanashyama Sandhyahridayam" sung

by Dassettan make hit at All India Radio. It was a regular song in the 80's art festival

venues.

Q37. Can you share the latest music with us, sir?

Now I’m not revealing anything about my new work, it will be a suspense for everyone.
 21

Chapter Three

Conclusion

As per the requirement of the course, our group of researchers selected the topic

celebrity interview as part of our project work. We got a chance to interview the talented

musician and playback singer Kavalam Sreekumar. We had never thought of meeting

such a great personality and conversing with him for nearly an hour. It was a bit

challenging for us to take a face-to-face interview during the pandemic. But he on

hearing our requirements, agreed to give an interview without hesitation. In the midst of

his busy schedule, he made time for us and it wa convenient for us and we met him at

Thiruvananthapuram.

He had to attend a program after interview. In between his busy schedule he gave

us time. Waiting for him in the guest room was really a tough time and we once again

went through the questions we had prepared to ask him. We gained confidence and

courage by consoling ourselves that he was a very calm person and he loves conversing

with students. His smiling face gave us a sigh of relief and we became excited. When he

started to talk and began the interview with his smiling face it became evident that he was

a cool person. On seeing his shining eyes, we were all excited, happy and honored to

have met him.

We started the interview by asking about his childhood life and his memories

about his father, Kavalam Narayana Panicker. We deliberately chose light questions in

the beginning to calm our nerves. We shuffled the questions of interview about his

official experiences and the personal experiences. He had his own style of answering
 22

each question. He cooperated with us by answering all the questions in detail without any

hesitation.

He shared with us his passion towards music from his childhood days and his

memories of his father, the famous artist Sri Kavalam Narayana Panicker sir. He also

shared his commitments and relationships with the famous celebrities like

Pathmarajan,Bharathan, etc.

The most interesting part of the interview was when he shared his memories

of his birthplace Kavalam in Alappuzha district, and his childhood days. He recalled

those days and commented that sometimes he really wants to go back to his old days in

his village.

He also tells us about his college and school life. He studied both in Alappuzha

and Thiruvananthapuram. Memories of SD college at Alappuzha and MG college at

Thiruvananthapuram was quite interesting. Then we talked about his unique style of

rendering the "Adhyatma Ramayana" during the malayalam month of Karkidakam. He

says that he got a lot of pleasure during the time of Karkidaka month, because of the

rendering of Adhyatma Ramayanam.

When we asked him about his unique way of rendering adhyatma ramayana he

says that he got a lot of pleasure during the month of karkitaka because of this

"ramayanaparayanam"

He shared his experience of composing music. According to him he does not

compose tunes by stacking for a long time, but shares the tune that comes to his mind to

his students. The studio that located in front of his house was a blessing according to him.
 23

He shared about his childhood music learning memories. He has been

studying music since the age of 5. Studying music as a child was one that brought back

his fond memories. He spent most of those times with his father’s friends. He was very

proud that he born into a family with a musical heritage. So, he had a passion for music

from a very young age. At first classical music was to him in his home and after that he

started working in many fields of music and all of this was helped by the advice of his

father.

He also shared with us his experience with talented personalities at All

India Radio. He recalled those days. According to him, it was the golden period in his

life. He was walked as an administrator at All India Radio. But he always maintained a

close relationship with all the musical programs that was running on radio during those

days.

He tells about his unforgettable memories with his guru Sasikumar sir. He

is very indebted to Sasikumar sir than all other teachers. He has learned many things from

Sasikumar sir and still those he has learned were very much beneficial to him in building

his music career. Sasikumar sir was very talented in teaching and he was the perfect and a

great example for the term guru.

Our journey was not easy, as we had to consider our health and his health.

We had to be very cautious and had to regard his age, and the pandemic. Any kind of

mistake from our path would have spelt danger. We were aware of the intensity of the

situation and we took all the safety measures and precautions needed to be taken and

made sure every single person who came with us or interacted with him also did this. We
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made sure that everyone participating in this was healthy and coming from a safe

atmosphere.

At the end of our interview, he sang the famous song ‘Aalaayal Thara

Venam’ for us. It was really a memorable experience for us.

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Works Cited

Kavalam Sreekumar. “Kavalam Srikumar, Indian Classical Vocalists”. Indianetzone,

7 January 2009, [Link]

“Exclusive Interview with Kavalam Sreekumar | Tharapakittu EP 332 | Part 01 |

Kaumudy”, YouTube, uploaded by Kaumudy, 28 June 2020,

[Link]

“Kalolsavam 2018 : Interview with Kavalam Sreekumar”, YouTube, uploaded by

asianetnews, 6 December 2018,

[Link]

Kavalam Sreekumar. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Nov 2020,

[Link]
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