<p>The students of Bengaluru-based music stalwart Lalith J Rao are organising a tribute event for her this weekend. It is called ‘A life in music’.</p>.<p>A Hindustani classical singer belonging to the Agra gharana, Lalith turned 80 on November 6. Metrolife spoke to Lalith, who is active in teaching and research. </p>.<p>For her, teaching is humbling, and comes with immense responsibility. “You have to be very sure of what you teach,” she begins.</p>.<p>Plus, it keeps her ‘young’. “When I interact with my students who are much younger than me, I feel young and I also constantly learn from them,” she adds.</p>.<p>She was introduced to classical music at the age of three and started learning at nine from Pandit Rama Rao Naik. But taking up music professionally or full-time was never on her mind.</p>.<p>“At one point, I had completely stepped away from music because of my studies and work as an engineer. I took up music full-time at 25 on my husband’s encouragement,” she recalls.</p>.<p>There was no looking back once she forayed into the music world. She has performed concerts across India and toured in the USA, the UK, Canada, Switzerland and France. </p>.<p>The year 1993 was difficult. She “lost” her voice and could not sing for the next two years. It was after this incident that she decided to become a teacher. Life lessons imparted by her teachers helped. “My ustad, Khadim Hussain Khan, had once said ‘Har ek apne raste pe theek hain’ (Everyone’s journey is acceptable). That helped me develop a broader perspective on life,” she says.</p>.<p>Over time, she has been bestowed with top honours, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, and Karnataka Kalashree. </p>.<p>Lalith encourages her students to be creative, says 55-year-old Bharati Pratap who has been training under her for 22 years. </p>.<p>“She opened up a new world of classical music for me. I was able to visualise music, it was an immersive experience. She encourages students to build their individual identities, and be spontaneous,” she says.</p>.<p>A much sought-after vocalist, Bharati lauds Lalith’s ability to adapt to the male-dominated gharana (school of music). “Lalithji managed to maintain the purity and tradition of the gharana while adapting it to the female voice,” says Bharati.</p>.<p>The tribute event will have a musical performance and a felicitation ceremony. </p>.<p>* ‘A life in music’ on December 3, at 5.30 pm, at Havyaka Sabha<br />Bhavan, Malleswaram. Entry free.</p>
<p>The students of Bengaluru-based music stalwart Lalith J Rao are organising a tribute event for her this weekend. It is called ‘A life in music’.</p>.<p>A Hindustani classical singer belonging to the Agra gharana, Lalith turned 80 on November 6. Metrolife spoke to Lalith, who is active in teaching and research. </p>.<p>For her, teaching is humbling, and comes with immense responsibility. “You have to be very sure of what you teach,” she begins.</p>.<p>Plus, it keeps her ‘young’. “When I interact with my students who are much younger than me, I feel young and I also constantly learn from them,” she adds.</p>.<p>She was introduced to classical music at the age of three and started learning at nine from Pandit Rama Rao Naik. But taking up music professionally or full-time was never on her mind.</p>.<p>“At one point, I had completely stepped away from music because of my studies and work as an engineer. I took up music full-time at 25 on my husband’s encouragement,” she recalls.</p>.<p>There was no looking back once she forayed into the music world. She has performed concerts across India and toured in the USA, the UK, Canada, Switzerland and France. </p>.<p>The year 1993 was difficult. She “lost” her voice and could not sing for the next two years. It was after this incident that she decided to become a teacher. Life lessons imparted by her teachers helped. “My ustad, Khadim Hussain Khan, had once said ‘Har ek apne raste pe theek hain’ (Everyone’s journey is acceptable). That helped me develop a broader perspective on life,” she says.</p>.<p>Over time, she has been bestowed with top honours, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, and Karnataka Kalashree. </p>.<p>Lalith encourages her students to be creative, says 55-year-old Bharati Pratap who has been training under her for 22 years. </p>.<p>“She opened up a new world of classical music for me. I was able to visualise music, it was an immersive experience. She encourages students to build their individual identities, and be spontaneous,” she says.</p>.<p>A much sought-after vocalist, Bharati lauds Lalith’s ability to adapt to the male-dominated gharana (school of music). “Lalithji managed to maintain the purity and tradition of the gharana while adapting it to the female voice,” says Bharati.</p>.<p>The tribute event will have a musical performance and a felicitation ceremony. </p>.<p>* ‘A life in music’ on December 3, at 5.30 pm, at Havyaka Sabha<br />Bhavan, Malleswaram. Entry free.</p>