He finds music in every instrument

He sacrificed his career due to his financial woes.-Photo by Ashwani Kumar/Khaleej Times

One can spot Krishna Kumar around the UAE performing various instruments, in fact, five of them with ease. 
"I play tabla, flute, harmonium, saxophone, guitar and keyboard. I don't know how but I can instantly play any instrument. I have never had any formal training. I also sing ghazals while playing guitar. It is God's blessing," said Kumar. 
The 52-year-old, who hails from Guruvayoor in Kerala, had also recently made a tribute piece to late actress Sridevi.
Financial woes are what made him choose a life here. Following his marriage and having two children, Kumar sacrificed his musical career in India and reached the UAE shores in 2012. 
"For the past few years, Kerala has become expensive to live. Luckily my wife is too from a musical family and understands my situation. It is the financial needs that brought me here. Fortunately, I am still associated with music. I perform at a restaurant and at stage shows by cultural associations. Also, whenever Indian playback singers come here for stage shows, they call me to perform. I am earning better than I used to while in my hometown," he said while his mobile buzzed with Kenny G's Summer Time ringtone to change the gloomy mood.
Kumar's passion came from an early childhood with musician parents. "My father Krishnankutty was a nadhaswaram (double-reed wind instrument) player and performed at Mysore Palace. My mother is a singer, and four sisters and a brother are also associated with music. I had an instant liking for tabla. I am a big fan of Kenny G and that's how I took to saxophone," said Kumar.
School competitions provided a platform for Kumar to learn and grow, and he started getting offers for stage shows. However, parents wanted Kumar to have a secured life. "They realised it was difficult to earn a living as a musician. I was forced to join Industrial Training Institutes to bag a technical job. I couldn't even complete the course."
Taking things into the hand, Kumar joined musical groups.
"I started with Kalasadan orchestra group in Thrissur district. My big break came when I became part of Tharangini Records in Thiruvananthapuram."
Tharangini was founded by music legend KJ Yesudas in 1980. The centre was first recording and distributing music label in Kerala for Malayalam films. Kumar had the opportunity to get in touch with many top singers and composers at Tharangini. "I started my career playing tabla for the song 'Nanda Kishora Hare' from 1991 film Ekalavyan. I worked with composers like G. Devarajan Master, MG Radhakrishnan, Rajamani, Raveendran Master, Johnson Master, Vidyadharan Master, Mohan Sithara and more." 
He fondly remembers working in much-applauded songs like 'Manjakiliyude Moolipattunde', 'Moovanthi Thazhvarayil', and 'Perariyam Makayiram Naal Ariyam'. "I have also played instruments during stage shows of singers Unni Menon, G Venugopal, M Jayachandran, MG Radhakrishnan and others. 
"I still wish to learn new instruments. It is an endless process," Kumar added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE
• Dubai

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com