Child prodigy
Music came naturally to me. My mother says I would play some swaras when I was just 2 years old; that’s when my father thought I could pursue music.
Amith Nadig’s learning started at the age of four under his father, B. K. Anantha Ram, a noted flautist, son of renowned vocalist, A. Rajamma Keshava-murthy. After six years of rigorous practice under his father-guru, Amith gave his first performance at the age of ten.
A regular performer at the Thyagaraja Aradhana at Thiruvayyur, Amith has so far given hundreds of recitals and has won many awards. On one occasion, Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Swamiji, much impressed, honoured Amith with a gold bracelet and a shawl. On another occasion, when Amith played to a select audience of noted scientists, overwhelmed scientist, Dr. Kasturirangan hugged Amith and wished him further fame.
Amith is all set to outclass his father-guru. Says Anantha Ram: “It will be my happiest day when I see my disciple-son outperform me.”
To be a good musician, an upcoming artist needs talent and good support from the family and society and the guidance of a good guru.
I have had great support from my family. Without my father who is such a fine flautist, it would have been difficult for me to establish myself in this field at a young age. Having a musician father has helped me as I always have him with me to clarify all my doubts and improve my skills.
Mahalingam and Shashank are his favorite flautists.
He refers to music books written by Prof. Sambha Murthy and Dr. Sathyanarayana.
He likes reading, especially fiction; he is fond of the Harry Potter series.
HIS ALBUMS: Arithamrutha is his solo album. Others are with his father – Mohanavamshi, Pibare Ramarasam, Flute & Rhythms, Lilting Flutes.
Constraint of having a father-guru
He takes most of the decisions for me when it comes to music. Even otherwise, sometimes it is a constraint. I don’t get that much freedom but then I look up to him and think that whatever he decides is good for me.
Personality
I am a totally different person on stage and offstage. I am very mischievous and playful at home, but once I am on stage to give kutcheri, I am very focused and serious.
Education
Equally bright in his school and college life, 20-year-old Amith is studying in the 2nd year of the B.E. Electronic Engineering course at the CMRIT Institute.
I have been practising the flute very hard for the last 15 years; it is not very easy to earn your living in the music field. That’s why I plan to take up a good job in software, earn well and then return to music.
No, I will not give up music, I will certainly be a regular performer.
Future plans
I dream of a good building for our academy, Vamshi Academy of Music Trust, well-equipped to promote the rich heritage of our state in classical music. I want to teach music to poor students. Interest in classical music is going down; I would like to work on strategies to try and build interest among people. We need to go to schools to educate children about classical music and build up interest. The presentation of concerts should change – concerts should be more interactive with the audience.
Run by Anantha Ram, Vamshi Academy of Music Trust activities are: conducting cultural programmes to promote classical music (both vocal and instrumental), training in music, music appreciation, music competitions, music conferences, symposiums, workshops, lecture-demonstrations, release of cassettes, honoring music organisations, veteran musicians and others serving music.
Contact: 080-23472956