Somewhere in the mid-1960s, I felt that Hindi music was experiencing a lull—a dull period. It’s possible that having moved to Madras, I was more exposed to Tamil music. Hindi films were still regularly screened here, but apart from occasional hits, I couldn’t recall many movies or songs from that time. However, within five years or so, it suddenly picked up again, and great hits began to entertain music lovers. Tamil music, meanwhile, was rising by leaps and bounds, with the release of many musical hits. It soared further in the late 1960s with the arrival of Ilaiyaraaja, and 20 years later, A.R. Rahman.

There were some great music directors, but being a music fan and always eager to discover new talents, I was constantly on the lookout for new music directors and singers. If I noticed a fresh talent in a movie, I would rush to buy the cassette. In my mind’s gracious thinking, I felt I was encouraging new talent. Some music directors that come to mind are Hamsalekha—popular in another language, I think—Vijay Anand, Suresh Peters, Praveen Mani, and Ranjit. It was during one such search that I stumbled upon A.R. Rahman’s first album.

I had asked my wife, who was going shopping, to get some new cassettes. Knowing I was a big fan of Ilaiyaraaja, she hesitantly handed me a cassette of Roja by A.R. Rahman when she returned. I looked it over, a bit skeptical, and set it aside. But when I finally listened, it was mind-blowing—a new kind of music had arrived. My wife was relieved! ARR followed up with a succession of hits and has since become another legend. This was the same way I discovered Harris Jayaraj’s cassette Minnale, and the song “Vaseegara” will forever be etched in our memories.

After listening to so many songs, I realized I was just enjoying the melody and had never concentrated on the instruments used. They registered in the mind unconsciously. These nuances became clearer only after I decided to learn music. I still feel sorry about this. How can you separate music into parts and appreciate just one?

The computer age has opened our senses and sensibilities to unheard-of sounds and rhythms.

So, what turn did my musical journey take?

To be continued... 49. Musical Musings - Part 5.