Biography

N Rajam is a professional instrumentalist based out of the finance capital of India, Mumbai. Starting her musical career as a child prodigy, Dr Smt Rajam has attained a status of a legend in the field of music during her 50 years' reign as a brilliant solo violinist. N Rajam was born in Ernakulam (Kerala) in 1938 to a musical family. Her father, Vidwan A Narayana Iyer was a famous Carnatic musician. Her brother, TN Krishnan, is also a famous violinist. Rajam started her primary practice in Carnatic music under her father. She also trained under Musiri Subramania Iyer and learnt development of raga from Pandit Omkarnath Thakur. Ever since she ascended the stage as a Hindustani violinist at the age of 15, a revolution took place in the North Indian music arena, particularly in the field of the violin. She succeeded at that tender age what was thought to be almost impracticable, even by the renowned musicians and musicologists, that is, tempering the western instrument for a Hindustani vocal style of music. She introduced ‘Gayaki Ang’ on the violin with such perfect skill that most musicians, particularly violinists, were amazed at the results. Her contributions to violin method are held to be on par with what Late Shri Pannalal Ghosh had done to flute, late Shri Bundu Khan had done to Sarangi, and Ustad Bismillah Khan to Shehnai. It was on account of this excellent technique and rendition that the doyen of vocal music, Late Pt Omkarnath Thakur and made him accept her as his disciple. Teenaged Rajam’s violin performances were so captivating that many violinists dropped their ‘gatkari’ style and changed over to the Gayaki Ang. This style is one that was achieved by a lifetime of training, hard work and arduous research that, today, 'Gayaki Ang' and Violinist Rajam as synonyms in the world of music. She has earned herself the distinction of being the pioneer in this respect. The mystery of Dr Rajam's genius lies in the fact that a strong foundation was well-laid by her father, Vidwan Late Sri A Narayana Iyer, a man of great foresight and an excellent teacher of music. He invented a unique violin method for Gayaki Ang based on vocal and veena techniques. Her tutelage under the doyen amongst musicians, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur, was a great boon to her. His robust and emotion packed style, gave a further fillip to research into a hitherto unexplored area of violin playing and surface with a masterly and brilliant technique best suited to the representation of different styles of Hindustani music. Her total engagement with the music and relentless pursuit of perfection, impeccable adherence to classical purity, and accuracy of notes make her concerts stand out as unique in the festivals she participates. Her tuneful renditions, as well as her elegant manners and serene involvement with the accompanists, have captivated and endeared her music lovers from all over the world. The violin jugalbandi is with eminent musicians including Pt Ramnarain, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr N Ramani, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Prof TN Krishnan, and others were all noted for their serenity and sublimity. She wears her deep knowledge with all humility and a passerby would not even suspect that is a repository of four rich traditions, i.e., her technique of violin, the scholarly and passionate gayaki of Pt Omkarnathji, the Thumri folklore of Banaras from Late Pt Mahadev Mishra, and the Carnatic tradition from the purist Late Musiri Subramaniam Iyer. Dr Rajam is not only an exponent 'par excellence' of violin playing but is also a brilliant academician. PhD in Music, MA in Sanskrit and recipient of innumerable awards, gold medals for university first positions, Dr Rajam is a noted scholar and had been serving the cause of music education at the Banaras Hindu University for more than four decades. The University has conferred on her the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of her outstanding abilities and service to music. She is also the recipient of the Malaviya Award from BHU. Dr Rajam has played an active role in promoting and popularising classical music in Varanasi through Pandit Omkarnath Music Foundation, of which she is the founder Chairman. She has served the UCG and the Government of India in various capacities including that of the Chairperson of the UP Sangeet Natak Academy. Dr Rajam is a recipient of the coveted Padma Bhushan, Sangit Natak Academy Awards from Central and State Governments. Today, Dr Rajam's technique draws no parallel in the world. Many professional violinists from foreign countries regularly seek her guidance to improve their capabilities. Despite her busy career involving extensive travelling to distant countries like Canada, USA, Russia, Czechoslovakia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, and so on, she took ample care to refine her daughter, Smt Sangeeta Shankar. Like her mother, Sangeeta is not only one of the excellent violinists but is also a gold medallist in her educational career, and has acquired PhD in Music.