Harmonies Redefined–The Trailblazers series: The Soulful Melody–Bombay Jayashri
Part II of the series on artistes, who have been trendsetters in the world of Indian classical arts, in the words of authors Shantanu Das and Sapna Narayan.
In the enchanting world of Indian classical music, where each note resonates with centuries of tradition and emotion, Carnatic vocalist Bombay Jayashri stands as a beacon of artistry and dedication. Born in December 1964 in Kolkata, into a musical family, her journey was shaped by her profound experiences. These included encounters with renowned musicians, as she traversed through diverse landscapes while resonating with the essence of her upbringing.
For Jayashri, music wasn’t just a passion; it was an inherent part of her existence. Under the tutelage of her revered parents, N Subramaniam and Seethalakshmi, her voice became a beacon of hope and a vessel for the ancient rhythms that echoed through generations past. While growing up, she was surrounded by the melodies of her father’s compositions and her mother’s singing, and seamlessly embraced the musical heritage of her lineage. There was never a moment of epiphany when she realised that music was her calling. It was a gradual acceptance of the art, nurtured by the unwavering support and encouragement of her family.
Jayashri’s musical journey unfolds like a raga, with each phase marked by its own unique cadence and emotion. From her rigorous training under TR Balamani to her captivating performances on stages across India, she honed her craft with dedication and humility.
In a pivotal moment – following the tradition of south India where the village’s name is prefixed to a classical artiste – Bombay (where she comes from) got prefixed to Jayashri’s name while she was still in Chennai (Tamil Nadu). She was thus renamed as Bombay Jayashri, which symbolises a fusion of cultures and a bold declaration of her intent to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
But life wasn’t without its challenges. She faced numerous hurdles on her path to musical stardom. One was the untimely demise of her father, which left the family grappling with financial constraints, threatening to derail Jayashri’s dreams. However, her mother’s unwavering belief in her talent served as a guiding light that propelled Jayashri forward, despite the adversities.
Jayashri’s talent and resilience shone through and she emerged stronger, more determined to carve a path for herself in the world of music. Her dedication and perseverance eventually paid off, as she began to garner recognition for her exceptional talent and unparalleled vocal prowess. One of her most notable achievements being the Academy Award nomination for her rendition of Pi’s Lullaby in the critically acclaimed film, Life of Pi (2012). This recognition catapulted her to international fame and showcased the universal appeal of her music.
Though she hails from a traditional classical genre, she has rendered several hit numbers in movies across languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. This includes her work with eminent music directors ranging from Illayaraja to AR Rahman. But despite the glitz and glamour of the movie industry, Jayashri continues to remain grounded, emphasising on the importance of staying true to her roots, and using her platform to elevate Indian classical music on the global stage.
Beyond her Oscar nomination, her list of accolades is extensive and quite an impressive one. She has received numerous awards and honours including the Padma Shri – India's fourth highest civilian award – for her contribution to the field of music. Additionally, she has also been bestowed with prestigious titles such as the Sangeeta Choodamani award and the Kalaimamani Award, recognising her outstanding achievements and contributions to Indian classical music.
What truly distinguishes this artiste is not just her virtuosity as a vocalist but also her deep-seated passion for teaching and nurturing the next generation of musicians. Her commitment to education and mentorship is evident through her numerous workshops, masterclasses, and outreach programs aimed at imparting knowledge and preserving the legacy of Indian classical music. Her teaching philosophy focusses on not only the technical proficiency involved in this art, but also the emotional depth and expression that it requires. She teaches to instill these qualities in her students, and to make them acquire a profound appreciation for the art form.
Throughout her illustrious career, Jayashri’s interactions with other artistes have been pivotal in shaping her musical journey, enriching her understanding of music and deepening her appreciation for its transformative power. Under the tutelage of legendary musician Lalgudi Jayaraman, who played a crucial role in shaping Jayashri’s musical sensibilities, she not only honed her technical skills but also imbibed the nuances of expression and emotion that are integral to Carnatic music. Jayaraman’s guidance instilled in Jayashri a reverence for tradition while encouraging her to explore new horizons within the realm of classical music.
Her collaborations have extended beyond the boundaries of Carnatic music, encompassing a diverse array of genres and styles. She has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned artistes from various musical traditions, including Hindustani classical and Western classical. These collaborations have offered her invaluable insights into different musical idioms and expanded her artistic horizons, enriching her repertoire and enhancing her versatility as a vocalist.
Sharing the stage with maestros from across the globe was another transformative experience for Jayashri. As shared musical experiences often foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among artistes, Jayashri expereinced the same and transcended cultural barriers to celebrate the richness of musical diversity while performing alongside stalwarts of Indian classical music as well as international luminaries. Each interaction and collaboration provided her with a unique perspective and deepened her understanding of the universal language of music.
Jayashri’s willingness to embrace new musical experiences and openness towards working with other artistes has been instrumental in shaping her unique artistic identity. She approaches each collaboration with humility, curiosity, and a deep reverence for the transformative power of music. Moreover, Jayashri’s interactions with her contemporaries and peers played a significant role in her artistic development. Engaging in musical dialogues and exchange of ideas with fellow musicians stimulated her creativity and encouraged her to push the boundaries of her craft. Her creative associations were characterised by a spirit of camaraderie, as artistes often came forward to work with her and create something greater than the sum of its parts.
In the labyrinth of life, where every note is a step towards destiny, Bombay Jayashri’s journey is a symphony of resilience. Her voice echoes the timeless melody of the human spirit. From overcoming personal hardships to achieving international acclaim, she has done is all to embody the true essence of perseverance and passion. Through her celestial voice, she intricately weaves a tapestry of emotions that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural barriers, while connecting hearts and minds of music lovers across continents. Her rhythmic notes have become a universal language, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the timeless beauty and profound depth of Indian classical music.
Authors can be contacted at shrd7746@gmail.com and sapna.narayan@gmail.com
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