Hitting the right notes
Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh has produced noted personalities in various fields in the past and has been continuing the streak. The place has given us artists, dancers, singers, politicians, literature, freedom fighters, educationalists, sports personalities and many more.
To continue the legacy and tradition and to carry forward it to the next generations, a young upcoming classical singer from Vijayawada, Bhattiprolu Ashrita, who is pursuing graduation in commerce, is dreaming big to promote classical singing. Hailing from a classical musician family Ashrita took up singing right from childhood under the guidance of her Guru Modumudi Anjana Sudhakar.
Speaking to the Womenia, Ashrita said the basic notes in classical singing were taught by her mother Rajeswari (Veena teacher) from a very tender age. Her father Srinivas (Violinist) is a government employee in the judicial department. Her parents used to take her to many classical music and singing concerts organised in and around Vijayawada.
This laid a strong foundation for her to take up singing. Noticing her interest in classical singing Ashrita's parents sent her to Anjana Sudhakar, a noted classical singer and A-Grade artist in Light Music.Ashrita said, "Right from childhood my parents took me to various classical singing concerts. Since then I inclined towards classical singing. My mom used to teach the basics of singing and my parents have been motivating and supporting me to reach great heights in classical singing.
My mom took the responsibility of taking me to the singing classes, which was included in her daily busy schedule." She said that it has been about a decade she started a vigorous practice of two hours a day under the guidance of her guru.
The singer said that her role model and inspiration were Trichur Brothers and she was a big fan of them. She wishes to take the passionate art of classical singing to the next level. She advised the budding singers to take the art of singing as a passion. However, if the voice does not suit to sing, never give up the desire, opt for any instrument and carry forward the dying art, she added.
She said after completing her graduation she would pursue LLB and continue classical singing. She said that she has given about 200 stage performances in both the Telugu-speaking States and won awards, rewards and applauds from music lovers. The above average student, Ashrita said that she gives equal importance to studies and her passion singing and balance them.
She said she would not prefer to sing for movies and promote classical singing which is losing recognition.She said that the present generation takes up classical music as everyone has a hidden talent and one should explore and excel in it to carry it forward.