His voice has charmed millions of music lovers across India and around the world. And, today he completes a milestone in his singing career.
Exactly 50 years ago on this day, K. J. Yesudas let out his mellifluous voice to sing Jathibhedam Mathadwesham written by the sagely Sree Narayana Guru. These were first lines of his magnificent film career which the legendary M.B. Sreenivasan composed for the film Kalpadukal.
From that modest beginning began the musical journey of Yesudas covering thousands of songs in different languages. Yesudas terms it as a “roller coaster ride”. The Almighty has been there with him all through. Yesudas in conversation with Vinod Nedumudy.
How do you remember your launch in 1961?
My father Augustine Joseph who was keen that I pursue a career in music took me to music director M.B. Srinivasan. I am happy to say on this occasion that but for my father I wouldn’t have tried my hands at varied forms of music. He was really broadminded.
When I arrived for recording in Chennai the song assigned to me was a rocking number Kanumbol Jnanoru Karirimbu but I suddenly fell ill and that chance slipped away from me. Later, the music director gave me the sublime sloka Jathibhedam Mathavesham. I am lucky that I had such a great launch.
Why do you hold Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar as someone special among your gurus including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyengar and Vechur Harihara Subramania Iyer?
Chembai had humble beginnings like me and he was always aware of it. He faced several hurdles like me. He shifted to Thanjavur from Palakkad and then to Chennai. He was a true devotee of music and had no caste considerations. I was drawn to his philosophy as much as to his music.
You perform Carnatic music and Popular music with equal ease unlike several other singers. How do you it?
A cook who knows his art will dish out different items using the same ingredients in different ways. The same way I vary the sound that comes out through the larynx and any singer who knows this can perform bhajans, popular songs and Carnatic music with equal ease.
How do you think the lyrics make an impact on singing?
I was lucky again to work with greats like Vayalar, P. Bhaskaran and ONV Kurup. As the saying goes, a stone smells of jasmine when pollen falls on it.
What do you think of your role as social worker?
My singing career, no doubt, was a great success. But I cannot say the same about my social role. Despite several initiatives, I feel that I have not succeeded. I am aware of my humble beginnings and I don’t want anybody to face hardships in life.
How do you describe your musical journey?
I will say it was a roller coaster ride. There were ups and downs, but at this point I am happy.
What do you think of the new trends in film music? There are allegations that duets are sung by singers independently.
One need not find faults with any shift in trends. This is inevitable and the way of the new generation. Once we used to grate coconuts at home, now we can buy packaged grated coconut. This is change and we have to accept it.
You were titled Gana Gandharvan by the late poet G. Sankara Kurup. How do you recall it?
Like several other happenings in my life, I was lucky to receive the title from such a legendary figure.
How do you rate the female singers you sang with?
Each one had her own specialty. Latha Mangeshkar, Janakiamma, P. Suheela, Madhuri, Asha Bhosle, P. Leela and Vasantha, all were good. There is no need to compare them.
How would you describe your foray into other languages?
I did not face much difficulties as I knew a bit of these languages.
