Anupama - Strings of Heritage

Heritage home Mayagundi

by Anupama | Dec 12, 2018 | Tours & Experiences

Kinhal finds a home at Mayagundi

Even before I enter the Heritage home in Mayagundi my eyes chance upon a beautiful Kinhal doll as big as me. Mr. Krishnamoorthy Bhat tells me that he found it washed away on the beach with just the leg showing up from beneath the sand. He had it dug up and got the doll home. It used to be part of a temple and was left into the water when damaged. Though a lot of superstitions are attached to old things, Mr. Bhat only sees the aesthetic value and the heritage it represents.

Traditional architecture style

Mangalore tiles and rafters with open courtyard

Peek into the Heritage home Mayagundi

He started collecting old materials from homes being demolished nearly 20 years back. That was when he dreamt of constructing an organic home reminiscent of times gone by. This heritage home at Mayagundi is just that. As he takes us through the different sections, he recalls what it was like so many years ago. He would go to homes being demolished in the interiors of Karnataka with a truck and people would bring antiques , old boxes, vessels,furniture and fill up the truck. He shows me a beautiful wooden chest given away. A carved panel he rescued before it was burnt as firewood and many such gems. Off course when he got them they were not as beautiful. It takes a connoisseur to recognise their value and Mr. Bhat restores them to their lost beauty.

Building materials from demolished homes

The kitchen and open dining

There are many stories and memories attached to each and every piece in his collection. The beautiful statues of the thirteen Tirthankaras are one such memory. These were part of a house bought by Muslims and guessing it must be a deity, Mr Bhat was given a call. He also has a collection of musical instruments, old books and books on art and heritage. This heritage home gives us a glimpse of life as it used to be a mere fifty to hundred years ago.

Tirthankaras

Heritage home Mayagundi. Handmade Terracotta Sculpture by artist Venki Palimar

The beauty of this Heritage home is it’s organic structure called the ‘chaukmalle’ or the central courtyard surrounded by pillars and the rest of the home. The courtyard which is open to the elements in nature is not only energy efficient but also the Brahma Sthan or the place of divinity. In traditional homes this was the place to plant the holy basil. After the porch area which is an open forum for informal conversations, there is the verandah and then the inner courtyard which is bright and airy. I can only imagine what bliss it must be to sit here and be part of nature even as you enjoy the cool home. The roof of this heritage home is made of Mangalore tiles on wooden rafters, all rescued from old homes. The kitchen is fully furnished with all the old vessels which would have been a part of our ancestors’ lives. Vessels made of stone, mud and kanchu. Having a bathroom as well, this is a fully furnished home. He tells me that during the day he invariably spends his time here, with a book and a cup of tea.

The library nook. Image credit Preethi Prabhu

As we step out onto the backyard I notice that the window has no panels and I ask about Intruders or animals getting in. Mr. Krishnamoorthy Bhat smiles and shows me how the whole set up works. The window is a complete set with a wooden bench and this can be lifted to close the window. Such a beautiful concept and so sturdy I was truly stunned.

The amazing foldable window seat. Image credit – Preethi Prabhu

We talk of the engineering concepts incorporated in design hundreds of years ago and the beauty and details which were a part of any design or work. Mr. Krishnamoorthy Bhat proudly tells us that the house was constructed without the use of cement, glass or iron. Laterite stone powdered, limestone and jaggery is mixed and used between the bricks to put them together. Preethi asks about reinforcement and he tells us that this can be used for slabs as well. The plastering was done by hand with organic materials such as limestone and jaggery. An old man who knew the work was brought in to supervise the construction.

The organic texture of the walls

Mr. Krishnamoorthy Bhat recalls how he had a tough time getting someone who knew this work to supervise the construction. It was finally a man in his seventies who would sit and oversee the work. The uniqueness of this house is in the fact that all the materials were restored and reused from houses being demolished. He goes to the interiors of Kundapur to look for such treasures. He has a business concern of such old materials, but pieces that touch his heart find a home here.

Mr. Krishnamoorthy Bhat

It is not surprising that many are unaware of this beautiful home. Mr. Krishnamoorthy Bhat always discouraged any commercial use of the property. It is only for the art lovers and those who value heritage that the doors open. A beautiful musical has also been shot here and he loves to organise classical musical evenings here. Very recently there was a live watercolour demonstration by artist Mr. Somayaji as part of the cultural art program organised by Drishya school of art. This was one of the many events which take place here.

Heritage Home Mayagundi

Heritage home Mayagundi

Heritage home set amidst nature

He also shows us the unique lock and key on the front door. As he locks the door I wish I could stay here forever. But luckily for me he says I could come again. So until next time.

Lots of Twinkles to you.

Anu

Coconut shell artist Venkatraman Bhat

by Anupama | Nov 29, 2018 | Art & The Artist

Art from waste is taken to the next level by artist Venkatraman Bhat. It was a chance encounter with Mr B R Bhat at Venki Palimar’s Chitralaya Art Gallery that led me to this artist’s home. When I meet him, he narrates the incident of Mr. P R Thippeswamy’s visit to his house in Davangere, the Chairman of Lalitha Kala Academy in 1991. Seeing his work kept at a certain height, he thought the material used was terracotta, but was pleasantly surprised when he learnt that it was with coconut shells. The artist fondly remembers that Mr. Tippeswamy was skeptical that modern art could be created with this medium. Taking up the challenge, Venkatraman Bhat gets to work and creates Shakti(strength) and Shoshithe(the exploited). Mr. Thippeswamy is impressed and the works of art feature in the 1992 LalithaKala Academy exhibits.

Coconut shell artist Venkatraman Bhat with his wife.

The depth of his creativity and thought are revealed when he explains each piece of art. Shakthi is seen as the mother of the three supreme powers, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. She inspires as the mother, the wife and the daughter. She nurtures the entire universe with her compassion and affection. He brings to life Shoshithe or the exploited, when he talks of the woman in society. Without a voice in the social sphere, the lips are locked, seen as a colourful butterfly, her beauty bewitches with no regard for her mind. A machine to reproduce at will and whim, she is constantly under fire. He sees her as without hands as she has no financial freedom and is dependent on father, husband or son. But off course, Mr. Bhat, looking at me quickly adds that this depiction is more of the past than the present!

Eureka on increasing brain power and diminishing physical strength

An entrepreneur settled in Davangere, he moved to Udupi only a few years back. When in Davangere, he has overseen a number of Community Ganesha installations at the time of the Ganesha Chaturthi festival. He shares pictures with me of Ganeshas made of silk cocoons, Almond shells, arecanuts and even cake with Om written all over. Living in a modest home with his wife, he is a happy man working at his creations. He recalls the time in Davangere nearly 46 years back when he started working with coconut shells. He would keep them soaked in water the entire day and come home in the evening after the day’s work. Hoping the hard exterior would have softened making it easier to work with. He now laughs at his own struggles and experiments. Having no mentor or internet, he experimented with sandpapers, chisels and ordinary tools. He still keeps some of his early creations and shows me the contrast on how far he has come.

Coconut shell artist Venkatraman Bhat busy creating masterpieces

He has created hundreds of works of art from the time his journey with this medium began. Some are housed in galleries and clients’ homes. But he retains other pieces, as he says that these are his life’s work and he could not bear to part with them. He works on each piece for months depending on the size and complexity. He begins with a thought and then works with each shell smoothening it. The shells are glued as per design and come together as a work of art. He conducts workshops at MIT Manipal, Prasad Art Gallery in Mangalore and Alva’s college in Moodbidri. They are patrons who encourage the artist and help him continue working with his passion. He has created Mother Mary and Jesus, the Hindu Gods and Goddesses, but he loves to give form to poetic thoughts and philosophies. Poems by Kuvempu and PuTiNa have inspired this artist to create masterpieces based on their poems. A graduate in Science, some of his artwork deals with numbers and how we take our mothers form in one way or the other. I especially liked ‘Eureka’ which is about our brainpower increasing day by day and our body power on the decline. He is currently working on Calcutta Kali and she appears divine even in this raw form. I can’t wait for her to be completed.

Coconut shell artist Venkatraman Bhat – writing of the Mahabharatha

He recently created a 3 feat tall Kamala Krishna, the Lord who arises from the Lotus. Mr. Bhat tells me that visitors to his client’s palatial house would be mesmerized by the beautiful work of art. The client has now placed Kamala Krishna in the God’s room. He keeps repeating to me…Just imagine, it’s made from discarded coconut shells. But it is adorning a sacred place. God comes to us in all forms.

Calcutta Kali by coconut shell artist Venkatraman Bhat

After all, it is this that an artist strives for. To see the thought created by him translate to a reality beyond his imagination.

Girija Hariharan @2flatbrush

by Anupama | May 13, 2018 | Art & The Artist

When I wanted to do something related to art, I just looked around me for ways in which I could include it in my life. Giving up a comfortable job, it was time to network, meet artists and conduct workshops in art, in collaboration with artists. It was in one such collaboration that I met and was introduced to Girija Hariharan by my friend, Preethi Prabhu. And we could instantly connect. Every time I meet her, I am in awe of her. You will be too, when you read of her journey and understand all that is Girija @2flatbrush. No wonder all her paintings call to me….her thoughts and emotions translated to vibrant colours and forms.

Girija @2flatbrush with her mural in the background

Strings of heritage- What was your ambition as you were growing up?

Girija @2flatbrush- I always used to wonder about children living in railway stations, pavements and under bridges when I was a kid. I had made up my mind around my tween years, to provide a safe and secure place for them to be educated and provided for, when I grow up. When I had a chance to return to India after my education and work stint abroad, I hastily started a foster home for kids and ran it for a while despite being quite naive and inexperienced.

Girija @2flatbrush Pic Credit- Preethiprabhu

Strings of heritage- What changed and how did you plan the way ahead when the orphanage was no longer feasible?

Girija @2flatbrush- In Karnataka, the orphan children are given to government institutions. Private institutions like my ‘Annai Charitable trust’, would be given single-parent kids who can’t afford good living conditions. The kids I was given by the child welfare committee for my foster home, had a mother and she simply wasn’t able to support them. As the kids started missing their mom, I realised I was making orphans in order to run an orphanage. It was during my foster home experience that I realised it was important to see the big picture and help others the way they wanted to be helped, not the way I wanted to help them. So I let go of the foster idea and sponsored the education of those kids and they were happily resettled with their mother. From then on, for the past 14 years, with the helpful donors of my trust, I have been sponsoring at least 10-12 single-parent and orphan kids each year to complete their education. I am very proud of each one of those kids. Some have moved on to jobs after their degrees and are inclined to help other kids like themselves. I have some big things planned and have been saving up for it, to launch in a couple of years.

Girija @2flatbrush Pic credit -Preethiprabhu

Strings of heritage- Was art always part of your life?

Girija @2flatbrush- Yes! Strangely enough Art has followed me everywhere, and sneaked up on me at the right time 🙂 I used to scribble a lot of colors on walls and floors from a very young age. My mom’s idea of baby-sitting was to give us (me and my brother) a bunch of sheets and pencils and color pencils and we would be occupied for hours. An artist who lived opposite our house was my inspiration to draw and paint. I used to watch him work with great focus and it was meditative. Incidentally he used to paint on walls too!
I had been painting a lot in my college, three hours a day during our cultural programs, and made some lifelong friends there. Every pleasant memory I have, is associated with some art in the mainstream or background. We used to paint humongous posters and backdrops and I was in love with big canvases and larger than life artworks. I always had a painting brush in my handbag, for as long as I had a handbag. I am not sure I ever used it, but it was the universe’s plan for me, I guess.

Strings of heritage- How did you make the transition from software engineer to an artist?

Girija @2flatbrush- It wasn’t a planned transition. It developed organically. When I did my first mural for my home I just put out a Facebook post asking for volunteers to lend me their walls for mural practice. Strangely enough I had a taker and I did my second mural and I started considering mural art as an alternate career. Meanwhile I was more and more dissatisfied with my job. When it got to be too much, I just decided to quit the company. I was thinking of going solo or start my own firm. I still love technology and I keep myself up-to-date

Girija @2flatbrush Pic credit -Preethiprabhu

Strings of heritage- Was it a planned change or sudden?

Girija @2flatbrush- As soon as I drafted my resignation, I remember going to a job portal site to look for alternate jobs in freelancing. I must have spent five minutes and I got incredibly weary of reading the same job descriptions over and over again. It was then that it struck me, ‘I could be a mural artist!’ It was a no-brainer, as I had the initiative, interest and some basic experience for me to build upon! I didn’t even have three or four pictures for my Facebook page for 2flatbrush:) when I started. It was a crazy adrenaline rush and I launched my business on Facebook. I had steered away from everything comfortable, in just a couple of days. I remember brainstorming with my friends about the name of the business. We had several favorites. There was this brush in my college that I had reserved for painting, it was an ugly flat brush which used to be blue, and I loved it to bits. And it came to my mind at the right time. I looked at the brush in my handbag, and it was size 2, Flat.

Girija @2flatbrush Pic credit -Preethiprabhu

Strings of heritage- Did you get the support of family when you decided on the transition? What were the challenges you faced?

Girija @2flatbrush- They were already used to my spontaneous decisions, I guess. My parents were used to me, but this time I had in-laws! They were super supportive as well. There were apprehensions from my near and dear ones, but there was encouragement all around. Everyone for some reason already knew I would be a good artist. Even if they hadn’t seen my works! My husband for one was so excited and there was not an iota of doubt in his mind. I have a great friend circle, and a great family who support me in everything I do.

Girija @2flatbrush Pic credit- Preethiprabhu

Strings of heritage- When you look back today, would you have done something differently with your life,education or decisions?

Girija @2flatbrush- I would probably be more polite and less rowdier I guess 🙂 Art has softened me and made me much more empathetic than I ever was. I wouldn’t revise any of my decisions or education.

Strings of heritage- How do you decide on what to paint next when it is not a commissioned work?

Girija @2flatbrush- It is not a decision, it is just coming into being, I think. I believe I am a medium, and the paintings flow through me, not from me. I have lots and lots of ideas that always come to me while day-dreaming:) I note some of them down, forget many, and forget what the note is about sometimes too! I read a lot, and I am tuned into many social issues as well, and it inspires me and gives me a lot of new ideas all the time. I want to paint every day, and I never run out of ideas. If I ever feel out of my element a quick meet up with my friends or a good book will put me right back in my studio.

Girija @2flatbrush Pic credit- Preethiprabhu

Strings of heritage- Why do you love murals?

Girija @2flatbrush- Firstly, because it shares five letters with my husband Murali. 🙂 I know it’s a tacky answer, but maybe there’s a pattern to how the universe matches us with things.

Jokes apart, I have always been an introvert, and I get intimidated by outgoing, confident and assertive people. Large paintings are a way to assert myself, it’s my little way of showcasing who I want to be. Little things blown up larger than life give us a unique perspective on things, and give us a sense of wonder. I think any artist looks for this wonder, ‘elusive wonder’ that we try and package into music, dance or art.

Strings of heritage- Your favourite subject to paint?

Girija @2flatbrush- I am forever obsessed with faces and hands. I love thoughtful paintings that add layers to it than just a visual appeal.

Strings of heritage- Any favourite medium ?

Girija @2flatbrush- Acrylic for life. On everything. (Canvas, walls, doors, skin)

Girija @2flatbrush Pic credit- Preethiprabhu

Strings of heritage- Your thoughts on experiments in art, your favourite artist and contemporary art.

Girija @2flatbrush- I am so psyched about art installations. Larger than life art installations that just literally make you walk in to the art. I love amalgamation of several art forms and collaboration of artists.
There’s no single favorite. But I love the lines of MF Hussain, the fearless Frida Kahlo, Acrylic techniques of Milind Nayak, an old man in Jayanagar who doesn’t sell his works but just wants to express himself in inks, and displays art just for pleasure, my brother who was the first portrait artist I knew, and a million others I follow on Instagram who inspire me every day. I love oil painters who have the patience to layer and glaze. I love a lot of illustrators and comics who comment on social issues relentlessly. Most of all, I love sculptures and our traditional nameless painters of Indian Historic murals of all religions.

Strings of heritage– Do you think an education in art is relevant to ones success?

Girija @2flatbrush- Success is a dicey term. It is set by one self. I don’t see art as a means to an end. Art is itself success, to be able to express yourself creatively is a success, and to package wonder is a success. Art itself is an education. Having said that,I see tremendous improvement in my work in the last three years working full time. So if art education lets you practice for years, I am all for it. I am for anything that’s a focused approach to practice your craft without you having to look over your shoulder for validation all the time. So a formal education is both bad and good in some ways.

Strings of heritage- Where do you see yourself five years down the line in terms of your evolution as an artist?

Girija @2flatbrush- I have my cake and I am eating it too. In five years, I want to be able to do what I am doing right now:) Live, love and paint! If I am able to bring about some social awareness through some public art, it will be the cherry on the cake.

Draupadi, the five elements expressing her life and emotions

Strings of heritage- Any advice that you could give from your own experience? Be it in terms of changing career tracks, to art or otherwise. This is especially so as any change comes with its own challenges.

Girija @2flatbrush- I am not a big fan of advice. Giving or taking. But these are what worked for me.

Integrity. Do what you say. Say what you do.
Build a network. You can’t sit around in your studio if you are making life changing decisions.
Trust yourself. Be your own warrior, even if you stumble.
Learn relentlessly.
If you are changing careers don’t expect comfort. If you want comfort go back to your old job.
Be comfortable with your finances. You might earn less than, or minimum wages (there’s no such thing in India, another political issue) for a long while. You should be ok with cutting down costs while you are building a client base.

Thank you Girija,for sharing so much of yourself with us.

And that was Girija @2flatbrush for you. You can follow her work @2flatbrush in instagram and facebook. If you want to contribute towards educating a child, contact Girija on her profile.

Write to me and share your thoughts or challenges you faced with transition.

Lots of Twinkles to all of you.

Anupama

Cherial Art

by Anupama | Apr 2, 2018 | Art & The Artist

When I meet artist Sai Kiran Varma, what strikes me every time is his love for Cherial art and passion to take it forward. Young and dynamic, he has chucked all other opportunities to work in the revival of Cherial Art. His degree in Fine Arts from Venkateshwara College of Fine Arts has enabled him to take this forward, innovate in product design and also spread the word for this art form which is at the brink of its survival. He fondly mentions Smt. Vani Devi, the Prinicipal at the Venkateshwara Fine Arts college, who gave him the opportunity to take up the course at the college and encouraged him. Having learnt the artforms of making Cherial dolls, masks and scroll paintings from his parents D.Nageshwar and D Padma, both state awardees, he has innovated by making a lot utility products such as pen stands, key chains, frames and stands for shades. His flair for the art form and expertise shines through as his workshops are conducted in an effortless manner. Accompanying his father from a very young age to all the workshops, he is a pro at it.

Cherial Art Sai Kiran Varma. Workshop with Strings of Heritage

Mask making

Cherial Scroll Painting-

Though literacy was not very common in ancient India, most of the people were educated. The oral traditions of story telling, plays and performance arts ensured that people in the villages were well versed in the scriptures, rules and principles of society and the religious practices. Scroll paintings played a major role in this education. Known by different names in different states, the artistic style and stories varied to suit the audience but the essence and spirit remained the same – The spread of our culture and traditions. Scroll paintings from Telangana are the Cherial scroll paintings, unique in the particular motifs, village life scenes and dressing. These paintings were traditionally 3 feet wide and 35 to 40 feet in length, opening up like a scroll or a film roll. Accompanied by some music, this was the only entertainment for the villagers. The stories such as epics of Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Puranas, Devi Mahatme were depicted in the scrolls by artists, scenes were separated by floral borders and opened up to reveal the story in a linear manner. Intricate and beautiful, with bright red background and colours made from natural sources, this was widely patronized. But now with increasing affluence, unfortunately we don’t place enough value on this precious art form. For the lack of patrons, this has now dwindled to single panels for home décor.

Cherial Art Sai Kiran Varma. Workshop with Strings of Heritage

The preparation of this scroll painting is a laborious process, where the base is the khadi cloth which needs to be prepped before painting. Rice starch, white mud, tamarind seed paste and Arabic gum are mixed to form a paste and this is then applied on the cloth. Each layer needs to be dried before the next layer is applied. This is repeated atleast three times to provide some stiffness to the material. Thereafter, it is painted.

Cherial Art -Mask making Sai Kiran Varma. Workshop with Strings of Heritage

Cherial Mask Making-

Cherial art is not only about scroll painting but also masks and dolls. From these scroll paintings, characters were adapted for masks, general characters such as man, woman, cow, tiger etc which were used in plays and for story telling. These masks are again prepared on a base of tamarind seed paste mixed with saw dust. The features are made in free hand, allowed to dry thoroughly, covered with a cloth, painted a base coat in white, after which they are painted in bright colours of green, red, blue or yellow. A fun activity for kids and grown up alike, the material is much like clay and easy to work with.

Cherial Art Sai Kiran Varma. Workshop with Strings of Heritage

Cherial dolls-

Cherial Dolls are made from the locally available light weight wood called ‘Poniki’. The three dimensional figure is created with tamarind seed paste mixed with saw dust. These are used to create features on the dolls. This is then wrapped in cloth pieces and a coating of liquid white lime is applied. This is the base over which colours are applied. The colours bring in the beauty of the work with the stylized features and ornaments.

Cherial Art Sai Kiran Varma. Workshop with Strings of Heritage. Pic Credit- Spandana

Cherial Art Sai Kiran Varma. Workshop with Strings of Heritage

Cherial art needs patrons to spread the word and preserve the art form. In the olden days with the kings and kingdoms there was also the love for art. Otherwise these art forms would have died a natural death. But now, with our prosperity we are leaving behind the artists who are preserving this legacy. Let us learn Cherial art fom artist Sai Kiran Varma, bring home these pieces of art and our heritage and spread the word.

Lots of Twinkles to all of you.

Anu

PS- Strings of Heritage conducts Cherial mask making and scroll painting workshops in collaboration with the artist, Sai Kiran Varma.

Vidya Vox

by Anupama | Mar 16, 2018 | Art & The Artist

Well, what would you do if you had a blog and loved Vidya Vox? Ask her for an interview offcourse! Un-edited and from the heart. Vidya has found her Calling…have you?

Hi Vidya,

I would like to ask you a couple of questions for my blog post on you. Actually when it comes to asking questions to a celebrity the problem is that most of it is available online. So even before i started thinking of what I wanted to ask you, most of my questions stand answered. The Q and A you did with Shankar, your interviews in Dubai and Mauritius, your blog and so on…But I write about an artist from the point of view of their journey to and through the art. So I would like to have a sense of Vidya Vox before she became a celebrity and the after effects of being famous.

Vidya Vox. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

I had sooo many questions and here are Vidya’s answers.

Strings Of Heritage – You were in India until you were 8…was the relocation and transition to a different country and culture difficult for you? What made the transition easier?

Vidya Vox – It was really difficult in the beginning. I had different terminologies for things like “dustbin” instead of “trashcan.” Most of my elementary school and middle school years it was tough being an Indian person. My mom would pack me roti and daal for lunch and while I’m so grateful for that today, I would beg her to pack me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead, because I’d be bullied for having lunch that smelled like “curry” and “gross.” I hid my Indian roots for a while and it was only the last year of high school and fully in college that I figured out how to balance both.

Strings Of Heritage – Was music always important for you? When did you start training in music?

Vidya Vox – I started training when I was 5. Music has always been my source of calm, anti-stress. Anytime I would feel stressed out by academics, I would resort to practicing scales as my stress reliever and center myself. I still do that today. And I love that it has stayed that way.

Vidya Vox. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Vidya Vox – The Diva. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Strings Of Heritage – We keep changing our dreams, ambitions and goals when young. So what was your dream when you were 8, 13, 18 and 21? Was it always music and singing?

Vidya Vox – Maybe when I was 8, my sister and I would prance around our bedroom thinking we were rockstars. But as I grew older, music was only in my wildest dreams. I started loving science and I really wanted to be an environmental engineer. When I was 18 or so, I wanted to be a doctor, that’s what I set out to do in college.

Strings Of Heritage – You were about to pursue a career in Medicine…so what happened?

Vidya Vox – I met Shankar Tucker and collaborated with him! He was definitely the turning point in my life, and showed that YouTube can be a platform for self-expression in ways that people didn’t have access to it before. He was doing it in India when not many people had turned to YouTube for music at that time. That’s when the seed was planted in my head. I started touring with him while in college, and I really saw that maybe it could be a possibility. I think its crazy that I can upload a video in LA and people across the globe can see it.

Vidya Vox -Passionate about singing. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Strings Of Heritage – How many languages do you speak? You have sung in so many languages, any plans to learn any new language?

Vidya Vox – I mainly speak Tamil, a little bit of Malayalam, a little Hindi. When I sing in different languages, I always ask a native speaker of the language to correct any pronunciation errors and the accent. I would love to learn Spanish. I took classes in high school and college but I don’t remember much of it anymore. I would also love to learn Malayalam properly! My grandmother and mom speak it fluently.

Strings Of Heritage – Of all your albums, which ones your favourite song?

Vidya Vox – Ahh! That would be like asking me to pick my favorite child. Just kidding – I really love all of the original songs that Shankar and I have written like Kuthu Fire, Be Free, Show Me Your Light, etc. The process of writing these was difficult. I think while doing covers are great, you don’t get to explore your own style or music. I’m so proud of the way the EP turned out!

Strings Of Heritage – Did you have a mentor or an inspiration for singing?

Vidya Vox – So many! Beyonce, Adele, Major Lazer, Coldplay, AR Rahman, Kaushiki

Vidya Vox. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Strings Of Heritage – You mentioned in your interview in Mauritius that after your graduation you felt that a career in music may work and you came to India for training? Could you tell me about this phase?

Vidya Vox – After graduating, I was working in a cardiology clinic and studying for my MCATs and I really was miserable. It was then I finally decided I was going to take the plunge. I needed to get back to training and practice a lot before I could even think of putting out a video. At that point, it had been a few years since I had taken a music class. I started learning Hindustani classical as well as Western vocals in Mumbai. It was an amazing time, I made some really lifelong friends there. I was still touring with Shankar in India at that time, and it was so much fun. I still learn today, I feel like I can never stop learning!

Strings Of Heritage – Your favourite memory from childhood? Something that you would like to tell us about? How were you as a child…naughty, quiet or a prankster?

Vidya Vox – I was a shy and quiet child. It was my sister who was naughty and outspoken. But that changed in high school, I became more outspoken.

Strings Of Heritage – What was your childhood like? did you win any prizes for singing, something that you cherish?

Vidya Vox – I didn’t actually. Up until I was 12 or 13, I didn’t enjoy music much so I didn’t take practicing seriously. I really had to work hard on music as I grew up, it was something that I loved, but it took a lot of hours of dedication. I do have a lot of amazing memories with my grandma, who would play music games with us when we were kids. She would keep testing us on ragas while listening to movie songs, etc.

Vidya Vox. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Strings Of Heritage – I love your sense of style, the Indo western style that you have, the chunky accessories…Who is your inspiration? Do you put it together yourself? Some tips to your fans on your style quotient?

Vidya Vox – Thank you! Yes I do, I do it myself! I love fashion. You can say so much without saying anything, and I think that’s powerful. It’s a form of self expression – I say just wear what you are comfortable in and don’t be afraid to take risks! It can be fun, even if they don’t work all the time. My style inspiration is Rihanna and MIA. I really love their attitude towards fashion – they are bold and wear what they love.

Vidya Vox – Vidya’s Style quotient. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Strings Of Heritage – Whats your favourite part? Singing or composing?

Vidya Vox – Both! I love the process of it. Singing is a part of composing, its always present. I love the feeling of taking an idea and finish it into a fully completed song. That’s a rewarding process. Sometimes the songs don’t work; however, it’s the process of writing it that leads to better ideas and eventually better songs.

Strings Of Heritage – Who are you as a person? What do you like, dislike, are you a desserts kind of person? A little about yourself…I do know you like to watch movies with pizza or tacos in your pajamas. So something other than that.

Vidya Vox – Oh man, I’m such a foodie! It’s so hard, especially on tour because you have to try and eat as healthy as possible, but that can be so hard. I also LOVE interior design. I’m constantly revamping my space and decorating my friends’ houses. It’s one of my favorite hobbies. I absolutely love dessert, especially cake. I love a fresh fruit cake, one of my favorites and I get it every year on my birthday.

Vidya Vox. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Strings Of Heritage – How was it when you started? When we start off with something new there is always this doubt…so did it happen to you? When did that change and how is it now when you are a celebrity?

Vidya Vox – It was terrifying. I spent a lot of sleepless nights, but I never doubted my path. Music felt right to me, and I was going to do it no matter what. But sometimes the path didn’t seem so clear and that would keep me up at night. It’s so weird to even see “celebrity” and my name in the same sentence. I don’t give it much thought, as things like that can change. My main focus is my music, and being able to create songs that other people can connect with. That’s the best part of being able to be a musician.

Strings Of Heritage – Why Vidya Vox and not Iyer?

Vidya Vox – Vox means voice in Latin. When Shankar and I were thinking of names for my channel, I wanted to make it something interesting, not my name, and not something like “Vidya’s music” etc. When recording my vocals, Shankar names my vocal tracks as “Vidya Vox” and he suggested that could be a cool name for the channel and I loved it.

Vidya Vox. Photos used with Vidya’s permission

Strings Of Heritage – I have asked quite a lot of questions….hope you will answer them all. Last one…what would be your advice to youngsters who want to make a career in music? Something that you learnt in your own journey?

Vidya Vox – I realized the importance of efficient practice when I was in high school and I think that’s really important. Even if scales seem basic, it’s important to always be practicing them as they are the foundation for everything else. Also, never give up! Every career path is tough, but if you love it, it won’t feel like work at all. Cheers!

And that dear friends is Vidya Vox for you….thanks a ton Vidya for taking time to answer my questions.

Follow your heart!

Lots of Twinkles to all of you.

Anu

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