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        Padmashree, Kalaimamani, Sangeetha Choodamani, Nada Nidhi and this December season it is the Sangeetha Kalanidhi from the Music Academy for Mridangist Palghat R Raghu.

        A child prodigy, he was inducted into the art at an early age and his first lessons were from Tinniam Venkatarama Iyer and Tiruchi Raghava Iyer. Later, he came under the tutelage of Mridangam maestro Palghat T S Mani Iyer.

Palghat R Raghu

Raghu shared memorable moments of his early life, his association with his Guru Palghat Mani Iyer and his art in an interview to News Today.         Q: How was your early life?         A: Till my twelfth year our family lived in Burma. My grandfather was very knowledgable in music and taught children.         I used to drum the mridangam even then. Many musicians used to visit my grandfather and once in my seventh year Thinnam Venkatrama Iyer spotted me handling the Mridangam and invited me for lessons at his home in Chennai .         During the second world war after being evacuated from Burma we came to Chennai and I started my lessons.

        Q:How was your tutelage under Palghat Mani Iyer?

        A: He appreciated my knowledge, style and the level I had attained even at my first meeting. He advised me to further develop my talents by listening to other artists.

        However, he taught me fingering techniques for three days and for two days, I was asked to accompany a vocalist as a part of the training. Thereafter he never taught but only listened, corrected, refined and motivated me. My accompanying sessions with vocalists at his home exposed me to the intricacies of vocal music and trained me as a good accompanist.

        Q: Did you aim at becoming a professional percussionist?

        A: At home, studies were compulsory but still music was given predominance. My grandfather however was adamant that it should remain only a hobby.

        When I came to Palghat, I had started performing and offers were pouring in. By the time I was in my intermediate I had lost interest in studies and used to skip exams for performances. My lecturers also encouraged my leaning towards music and soon it became my first preference and then my profession. Nevertheless, I completed my graduation.

        Q: Can percussionists retain their individual styles when performing as accompanists?

        A: Yes. They should change their techniques to suit the vocalists within the parameters of their individualistic style.

        Q: Have you evolved a style of your own?

        A: Yes. Over the years I have been attracted by certain styles and presentations. I have incorporated these with my Guru's style as foundation and evolved a distinctive style.

        Q: What is your advice to youngsters?

        A: Good quality is sure to be recognised. Youngsters should work towards quality and be confident of their capabilities before beginning to perform. Musical discussions and postmortem sessions of concerts by artistes should be practiced for knowledge and improvisation.