If you’ve been residing in Karnataka for a while, and are into watching Kannada soaps, you would know what we are talking about when we say there was a time when people would finish all their work by 9:30 pm, and sit in front of the TV. All this to watch “Moodala Mane”, directed by the legendary Vaishali Kasaravalli. The authentic voice that sung the heart-warming title track of this series got people glued. Most of you would probably still have these lyrics on the tip of your tongue- “Rembi kombiya mela gooda kattidava rekke balida hakki”. (Translation: On the tip of a twig, a bird that has just learnt to fly has built its nest). We are listening to it again ever since she sung for us during the interview!
For a star who has built a permanent nest in the hearts of her audience with her Bhavageethe, Bhaktigeethe, Daasavani, Vachana Sahitya, Jaanapada, and film songs, simplicity comes naturally to her. She was blessed to have gotten the opportunity to sing on her birthday, which is coincidentally also the Saraswati Pooja Day, at the famous Mysore Dasara. Here’s presenting an interview of a star who is a recipient of several awards including Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, a prodigy who was once described as a ”Wonder in Music” by Sangeet Samrat Naushad Sahab when she was just 4 years of age, and now living up to every musical dream, Hindustani Classical Vocalist, “Sangeeta Bharati”- Sangeeta Katti. [Do Read Sangeeta Katti Biography]
Looking Back at Those 40 Years: The Journey
I was initiated to music by Naushad Sahab in Dharwad. People have accepted me. I owe my success and journey to them. They have not let me down
or got bored of me in the last 40 years. There is nothing much I can give to them other than my music. I always keep in mind what my gurus have taught me, a line from Bharatha Muni’s epic Natya Shastra- “Art should cater as a medium of education and entertainment”.
My guru, Padma Bhushan Pt. Basavaraj Rajguru always used to tell me in his typical Dharwad Kannada dialect- “Daughter, Music is an ocean; it looks beautiful, calm and blue. How much can you collect in a bucket?! There is no end. Keep exploring and practicing.” His words still resonate with me. Till Naushad Sahab passed away, I used to visit him regularly. He used to perform Namaaz and come to me to listen to all his songs. He used to bless me and it has always stayed with me.
The Ability to Adapt and Experiment
I speak 7 different languages. Language is just a medium and music doesn’t require syllables to express feelings. We should respect cultures, and I feel that musicians are ambassadors of innovation when it comes to exchange of cultures. Music has evolved from classical and street play to stage play and cinema.
I composed Sangeet Ninaad at the Hampi Utsav, which was a fusion of different facets of classical music and different styles of classical dance. I also did Parampara, a show that depicted the journey of music in our country- from court singing and devotional songs to ghazals and folk. Apart from devotional singing concert, few of my other shows have been on Bendre Yaatre, tribute to Mukesh, and tribute to RD Burman. My film music directors were also great experimenters. Ashwath gave me landmark songs.
I didn’t Attend My M.Sc Final Exams
I made my debut as a playback singer in cinema in 1991. I did 25 movies that same year. I was at the peak of my film career, when I chose to go back to learn classical in Mumbai. That was in the year 1993. You won’t believe that I didn’t attend my M.Sc final exams, which I had topped till then. I went to my guru, Kishori Amonkar who is 84 years old now. I trained with her till I got married in 1998, meanwhile doing just 2 movies- Nagamandala and America America– which turned out to be musical super-hits.
After my marriage, I settled in Bangalore. People, regardless of where I am, treat me dearly and show respect. I am what I am today because of them. We artists are public property. They have given us the place in their heart and it is our social responsibility to be humble and dear to them. Dr. Rajkumar is the finest example of this and even today, people remember him fondly.
Key to Success
Junoon or passion to learn is very important. The entire month of April, I don’t do concerts so that I get a chance to go to my guru. Even with the advent of technology and internet, music is one art where you can only become good with a Guru’s guidance. The urge to learn will lead to dedication. I never rate myself as the best, I always find faults in myself, which lets me improve.
Has the Music Trend Changed?
Music can never be bad. Music is small world of 7 notes in the space of infinity. It comes from nature and goes back to nature. If you give good music, anyone from any generation would listen to you. I don’t believe that trend has changed or music has changed. Don’t blame the audience!
Your Favorite Line for the Youth –
Keep reminding yourself- “Man Main Hai Vishwas, Pura Hai Vishwas. Hum Honge Kaamiyaab, Ek Din”.
Your Prized Procession –
I was delayed by 2.5 hours for a temple concert at Kundapura, since my car had broken down on the way. The concert got over at 12:30 pm. A very old lady, who begged in the corridors of temple, came up to me and took out 2 Rs coin from her handkerchief to give it to me. She blessed me and said- “You sing beautifully. Let the Lord always be with you”. I still have it with me!
For the first time, we at KnowYourStar.com have released Sangeeta Katti interview in Kannada version. Like always, please encourage us in this new endeavour.