Raga Ratnam Yuva - Sampradaya Bhajans - Govind

Amma's Pada Puja

Amma's Pada Puja at Amritapuri on the occation of the 25th Marriage Anniversary of Prof.Shivaram and Smt.Yogini Shivaram - 13th Nov 2006

Mata Amritanandamayi Bhajans - Ullil thulumbunna mantram

AMMA's Speech - Vishwa Matrutva Dinam

Mata Amritanandamayi Bhajans - AMMA

Amrtia TV - Super Star Junior 2 - Shahafaz Ibi

Amrita TV Super Star Junior 2 - Anakha in Ghazal round

Amrita TV Super Star Junior 2 - Anver in Gazal round

Amrita TV Super Talent - Peter from Cochin on Mouth Organ

Amrita TV Super Talent - Peter from Cochin


Mr. Peter (Peter chettan as we can affectionately call him) was one of the contestants in the 2nd round of Amrita TVs Super Talent reality show. Opting to perform using a mouth organ, he did present an excellent effort considering his age, limited opportunities, and shows he has presented. At the end, he also proved that Talents could not be tied down, whatever be the circumstances, there will be an opportunity one fine day, somewhere destined for a talented artist who keeps on practising and nurturing his / her skills. I always call it "Playing in the mind" and this is one example of such a talent. Not worried about his exit, as he stated, and now that he has become one of the available SUPER TALENTS, may his creative skills improve with each opportunity he gets from now on. As one of the judge Sri Mukesh rightly said, this is also an opportunity for the instrument "Mouth Organ" to come into spot light once again and may this exhibition of talent and skill bring out many artists, irrespective of their age to learn, practise and promote this handy instrument.

Amrita TV Super Talent - Sreedev S - Mridangam

Amrita TV Super Talent - Vasanthamani - Trivandrum

Jeetu - A promising singer from Mumbai

Jeetu - A promising singer from Mumbai

Amrita TV has recently concluded one of it's prestigious Reality show which had a tough competition all throughout amongst the contestants and it's active followers. You may not have witnessed a massive swing of fortunes and votes even in the lok sabha polls but that was the case amongst the scores of SMS votes for the last 3 contestants during the final day of this programme. All throughout the show, we were ecstatic and supported all the contestants but with awe watched the progress of a honest, moderately speaking and very hard working Mumbaikar boy, originally from Triprayar of Thrissur District. Due to his natural style and open attitude to acknowledge his limitations he was liked and disliked by many and also happened to fall under my mischievous eyes which even prompted me to create a whole new set of cartoon based on the Super Star Global. Obviously in most of them, he happened to be the main character. We have seen that the finals of such reality shows are always a surprise and at the end of the show both the winner and losers will have plenty of stories to say with regards to their journey till then.

Out of my passion to promote these talents who took an effort to give us some memorable months of musical fun and festivity and also as a TQM activity to see that they are not left aside, I approached Jeetu and his family for a short session with me. I had several questions running in my mind when I approached them as throughout the show I have been constructively criticising him and showering him only limited complements through my write-ups as well as cartoon series and was not sure about the direct reactions towards me for such an attempt. All those apprehensions melted down when I communicated and today, I am presenting to you all to read about Jeetendranath Ramachandran alisa Jeetu:

Greetings to you Jeetu. You have been one of the finalists of the recently concluded Super Star Global programme conducted by Amrita TV. It was a close finish and almost a sure winner for the title, last minute swing of votes resulted in you reaching the 2nd position. However, when we look at it, overall it gave a feast to all the music lovers and the contestants. It is the same interest of these music lovers that made me now approach you for a brief and casual talk to find how your progress is after the post-elimination from this show.

1. Jeetu, congratulations for participating in the Super Star Global Competition and getting selected to the top 3 level. How did you hear about this programme?

From amrita tv ads.

2. How did you find the different stages of the competition? Particularly on the challenges thrown to you to perform various dance and duet rounds?

Challenges are part of realty shows. To be frank I had difficulties at the beginning stages. The main problem was to dance but I got used to it as I had to survive.

3. Who is your Guru? Could you please give us an idea how you went about preparing for each round.

I believe that I'm blessed one because I had an opportunity to learn music under 5 gurus.

1. Smt. Shantha Venkatraman (Trichi) (carnatic vocals)

2. Smt. Prasanna Varrior (carnatic vacals)

3. Mr. Biju (Trivandrum) (Carnatic vocals)

4. Smt. Radha Varrior, deciple of late Guru Shemmangudi Bhagavathar. (carnatic vocals)

5. Smt. Panth (Hindustani vocals)

During the show I didn’t get any training from professionals. It was all done by myself, but off course George sir’s vocal training helped me a lot and I used to practise it regularly.

4. How was the support given by the Amrita TV channel in terms of co-ordination and arrangements for contestants like you who were situated away from Trivandrum?

They created a friendly environment so that we were able to practise more freely. But one thing I’ve to say is that the food was Pathetic. Accommodations were just ok. but one thing is that we could practise our song freely without any disturbances and i believe thepurpose was served.

5. How do you rate the grooming sessions before each stage of this competition? Did you all get sufficient notification about each stage and also did you get sufficient guidance about how your performance should be for each one of them?

As I said George Sir’s tips were useful. It helped me to act as a professional. I consider him as my God Father.

6. How do you rate the other contestants who participated along with you? Did you all get along well?

Initially all were good but then you know as the pressure increased everyone changed. Only Suraj, Subin, Latha, Sruthi And Charu were with me.

7. Was there any stress on you with regards to the SMS votes / campaign which was a part of the requirement for getting through to the next level in each stage? How did you work on this, especially in your case, being an outsider from Kerala, being a Mumbai based Malayalee and coming all the way from there to participate in this prestigious programme.

Actually I had no problem with regards to the campaign. My fans used to campaign votes 4 me. Many banners and voting format cards were issued to the public by fans themselves. Being a Mumbai malayalee was not at all a probs because they considered me as there own.

8. What do you rate amongst the various stages for this particular competition as the toughest round? What was the reason that made you say this particular round as very challenging.

Performance round was the most toughest coz it was very difficult for me to dance while singing.

9. Looking back at this competition after the finals, do you feel, the stages set after your elimination makes you feel that you could have performed well in those?

Yeh, I always felt that I could do better after some of my performances.

10. How often you give concerts? How many hours normally you practise?

I had a concert with G.Venugopal in the month of April. I’ve commitments in the month of oct. nov. and dec. My practise sessions are really tiring, mostly I sit for minimum 3 hrs in the morning and If I get time I practise 4 another 90 mins in the evening.

11. Other than vocal, are you learning any musical instruments?

No. but I’ll learn something.

12. Tell me something about your activities other than those involved with music.

I write lyrics 4 my own composition. I’m a lead singer of a pop band “Eternity”. I had won gold medal in the state level for painting and silver medal in the nationals (2001-02). Even now I sketch out of my imagination.

13. Tell me about your academic progress. What are you doing now?

Presently studying in final year B.Com

14. Being a resident of Mumbai, did you get any support/recognition from the numerous Malayalee associations based in Mumbai?

Yes. Chembur fine arts had felicitated me by arranging a musical nite.

15. Who is your favourite singer? And who else do you like to follow closely from the music world?

Hariharan is my all time favorite. Then, Shankar Mahadevan, Rahath Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash kher, Enrique, George peter.

16. What are your future plans? What do you want to become – musically and otherwise?

I want to be a musician. Only that much I can say.

17. Do you get noticed when you travel to Kerala after participation in this show. How do you handle this popularity / recognition/encouragements.

Well it feels great when u hear someone saying that “adh super staril paadiya paiyan alle”.

18. Any funny incidents during your participation in the show which you wish to share with all of us?

No funny incidents as such.

19. Who do you rate amongst the panel of the judges as the best? And why? Did you notice any bias or partiality?

No comments.

20. Any mention or write up on Super Star Global show cannot be completed without a word or a page on Stephan Devassy. Kindly provide us your insight on this genius. How did you find your interaction with him? How this genius worked around each episode/shoot to give you the best and bring out the best.

He was the best among the whole ssg team. While preparing song tracks he explains how to deal with each and every expressions. When we come on stage 4 the shoot he just say “polikyada mone, thagarku”. That’s Stephen Devassy.

21. And the winners prize, do you enjoy driving it around in Mumbai traffic?

Well my car is in kerala at my brother’s place. I used to drive it when I was at kerala. Waiting 4 the vacation…………

22. Tell me anything additional you want to include here

Brother it was nice answering your questions. Thank you very much.

Let us get to know Jeetu more:

Name: Jithendranath Ramachandran

DOB: 27-08-1987

Age: 19

Father:P.K.Ramachandran

Mother: Baby Ramachandran

Occupation of Father: Working in Saudi Arabia

Qualification: Doing graduation in B.Com, 3rd year

Musical background:

Studying Carnatic Music since 14 yrs, Music composing, Gold medalist in Mumbai university for light vocals. 'Best Singer' Award received from "Jagjeet Singh" in "Josh'06 4-5 years of freestyle & Rock, Pop and New-age

Dancing Skills: Enjoy Dancing.

Address:

"Saraswathy", Triveni CHS, Rajaji path, Dombivili(E), Thane, Maharashtra - 421201

Awards and Achievements:

Music composing, Gold medalist in Mumbai university for light vocals. ‘Best Singer’ Award received from “Jagjeet Singh” in “Josh’06

Hobbies: Music Composing, Write lyrics in Hindi

Sun Sign: Virgo

And, why not listen to some of his best performances during the recently concluded Super Star Global programme of Amrita TV:

Jeethu about Jeethu 01



Jeetu & Nidhish singing Piyare on SSG Amrita TV



ATV Super Star Global Jeetu dt 11022008
Performance of Jeetu Super Star Global dt 11022008


Jeetu at ATV SSG

Performance of Jeetu dt 13022008



Jeethu On Super Star Global

Jeetu Sung the Kalyug song...
Thuje dekh dekh sonaa...



Amrita TV Super Star Global - Jeethu - Albela



Amrita Super Star Global - Jeethu - Thane Poovita moham



Roopa & Jeethu



Roopa & Jeethu "Boom Boom"



AMRITA TV Super Star Global - Chemmanam Poothey



Jeethu singing Adnan Sami's song



Amrita TV SuperStar Global Jeethu - Thujhe



Interviewed and compiled by
Ramesh Menon
17072008

Master Vidyuth Menon - A REAL Talent from Bahrain

AMRITA TV Super dancer Junior Final Five contestant - Master Vidyuth Menon

How many of you can forget the always smiling little boy who came to perform in the recently concluded Super Dancer Junior show of Amrita TV?. How many of you can forget his innocent replies complementing his mother and grandmother for his beautiful costume selection and hair style. How may of you can forget a boy studying and living in Bahrain expressing his liking for Kanji and Payaru?. It is none other than Master Vidyuth Menon from Bahrain about whom I am writing today.

Many of us were shocked beyond imagination when this little champion was voted out from the Final 5 of the Super Dancer Junior competition for the Final 3. Master Vidyuth was not selected for the Final 3!!! It was utter dismay and disbelief as he was progressing from one round of performance to the next extremely well and giving us an almost flawless performance which we all expected from the contestant of such a Reality Show. That was history – of course man made.

Out of passion to find out the realities of these little children after participating in such reality shows and also as part of my TQM process to see it that these children are not lifted and left down half-way, I approached Master Vidyuth and his family for a brief session and present it to you as it is:

Greetings to you Vidyuth. You have been one of the contestants of the recently concluded Super Dancer Junior programme conducted by Amrita TV. Participating in a talent hunt show of this calibre to find out the best amongst children of your age, it gave a feast to all the viewers and the contestants. It is the same interest of the viewers that made me now approach you for a brief and casual talk to find how your progress is after the post-elimination from this show.

1. Vidyuth, congratulations for participating in the Super Dancer Junior Competition and getting selected to the top 5 level. Your elimination was a shock news for many of your fans. Tell me, how did you hear about this programme?

Hi all… Thanks a lot for including me in this focus. In fact I was so keen on watching Super Star Junior and Super Dancer shows. After watching the advertisement in ATV, my parents enrolled my name.

2. How did you find the different stages of the competition? Particularly on the challenges thrown to you to perform non-conventional rounds.

Though it was very tough, I was enjoying each round of the competition. Classical round and folk round was very new to me and I had to really work hard for those segments. My mother is a trained classical dancer. But as she was busy with my costumes and other work, Sajna Najam (Sajna aunty) helped me in classical round. Myself and aunty became very close in that short period.

3. Who is your Guru? Could you please give us an idea how you went about preparing for each round.

Mr. Jyothiraj (Bahrain) is my master in western dance. He was so thrilled when I got selected and even accompanied me to Trivandrum. At Trivandrum I had Sajeesh master (foot loosers) to train me. Shaine sir and Baby Shivaram also helped me in one round each. My mother is my inspiration & was there with me for every thing; she gave me tips on improving my facial expressions and even helped me to improve my performances.

We had minimum four dances in each rounds. After one shoot we hardly get two days to rest. I used to have classes till late night. It was a bit tough but novel & nice experience. Learning from different choreographers helped me to improve my style.

4. How was the support given by the Amrita TV channel in terms of co-ordination and arrangements for contestants like you, especially since you were not from Trivandrum and based outside India.

The support given by the channel was very minimal. Not that they didn’t support us at all. Even the song selections were done by my mother and my master. They used to give us the next round. About money and things.. I am not aware of it but, my mum tells me that they give very little for the preparation of each dance. Very good support was given by the Amrita make up team. My hair style was done by my mother herself.

5. How do you rate the grooming sessions before each stage of this competition? Did you all get sufficient notification about each stage and also did you get sufficient guidance about how your performance should be for each one of them?

We didn’t have much grooming sessions (for dance) except from Mrs. Vimala Menon and Aravind chetan. I wished to have one from Kalamaster but we never got & I am so sad about it.
Kalamandalam and SOS village visits were unforgettable ones in my grooming sessions. SOS village visit had a very strong impact on my mind. I wish I should do something for them when I grow up.

6. How do you rate the other contestants who participated along with you? Did you all get along well?

All 15 are very good dancers. Of course we had a great time there. I enjoyed their friendship very well. Now, since I am at Bahrain I will be visiting TVM during my next vacation to see all my SDJ friends. My mother keeps in touch with almost everyone through sms or phone calls.

7. Was there any stress on you with regards to the SMS votes / campaign which was a part of the requirement for getting through to the next level in each stage? How did you work on this, especially in your case, being from an ordinary family compared to the other rich contestants?

Frankly speaking I didn’t have much stress with regard to the sms votes as I always used to be in safe zone until the semi final round. I was very confident that I was getting many votes from Bahrain (which made amrita channel to include vodafone voting too from Bahrain after one month of my participation)

May be my parents experienced the stress regarding sms votes. They kept my posters all over the state(tvm, calicut, ekm, mankombu etc) My uncle (venumama), and my grand father introduced me to each and every shops and offices in tvm & calicut and requested them to see my dance and send sms for me. I did request people to vote for me while travelling in train or bus too. It was so embarrassing to ask people who never had heard about such a show to vote for me. How can you rate a participant from such votes? Anyway I use this opportunity to thank all my well wishers, friends & relatives for giving me their love and support through out the show. They are my strength.

8. What do you rate amongst the various stages for this particular competition as the toughest round? What was the reason that made you say this particular round as very challenging?

In my case free round (where I did Krishna - Asura dance) was very challenging because that dance had duel personality and it was really difficult for me. As my master’s wife was sick he had to teach me the whole dance in one (prior to the shoot) day. I still remember after the performance that I burst into tears. I tried to give variety performance in all my dances. I never got this exposure in my life before and I thank Amrita TV for that. My parents used to tell me that people should remember my name with my performances and not just as a participant or winner, and I tried my very best to fulfil this.

9. Looking back at this competition after elimination, do you feel, the stages set were tough or that you could have performed well in those?

I could have performed well in classical and album rounds. It was really tough to learn four or five dances in a span of ten days. Still it was a great & challenging experience and it helped me to build up my confidence in life. I don’t think the stages set were tough but the time limit was not enough and the over strain made many of us sick during the shoot.

10. How often you give performances? How many hours normally you practise?


I do not practice one full dance daily, but I do at least five steps everyday in front of my mirror. Now I perform with a professional group (THE RAPCITY BOYS, Bahrain), which is lead by my master Mr. Jyothiraj. Now I am more interested in learning difficult jumps, waves and such kind of things. I do watch Jaykumar’s dance (boogie woogie fame) in my phone and try to attempt his steps.

11. Other than dance, are you learning any musical instruments or any other extra-curricular activities?

Yes I learn violin, interested in singing and drawing and I am very much in to sports especially cricket, basket ball and foot ball. In school I won prizes for English poem recitation, dance and fancy-dress for many years. I am very active in Bahrain Keralyeeya Samajam youth festival for the past 6 years and won ‘GROUP CHAMPION’ award in 2005 and became ‘KALAPRATHIBHA’ in 2007.

KALAPRATHIBA 2007 AWARD CEREMONY

12. I understand you are good at studies. Tell me something about your activities other than those involved with dance.

Though I am not trained in music I like to sing Tamil and Hindi songs. Other than this I spend time in computer games, game boy and play station. Watching Mr. Bean and Jackie Chan movies are my pass-time hobbies.

13. Which grade/school you are attending and what was the reaction from the school, your friends and well wishers when they came to know about your participation in Super Dancer Junior?

I was studying in 5th STD (Asian school, Bahrain) when I got selected for super dancer junior. It was a pleasant surprise for my friends and teachers. My head teacher used to announce my voting format in the school everyday. My teachers helped me by sending notes to Tvm. I thank my school Principal Mr. Joseph Thomas, vice Principal Mrs. Thomas, head teacher Mrs. Molly mammen, co-ordinator Mrs. Rebeiro , and all my teachers and friends for supporting me.

14. Did you get any support/recognition from any associations or any other news media channels for your excellent performance in this competition?

The Indian club, The Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam and Fraternity Of Cochin (Bahrain) were the three associations who felicitated me with mementos. I got a chance to perform in front of the ruling family members of Bahrain. After the dances they called me near them and shook hands with me. I got a special gift from one of the sheikhas and that was a thrilling and unforgettable moment.

BAHRAIN KERALEEYA SAMAJAM FELICITATION

15. Who is your favourite Dancer? And who else do you like to follow closely from this field?

Lawrence, Prabhu Deva and Hrithik Roshan are my favourite dancers.

16. What are your future plans? What do you want to become – other than a Dancer?

I don’t have any plans right now. My parents don’t insist on anything. They say that whatever you do it should be done with perfection and aim to achieve the goal. Studies come first so I am fully involved in studies now.

17. Do you get noticed when you travel within Kerala/outside Kerala after participation in this show. How do you handle this popularity / recognition/encouragements?

Certainly, people do recognise me after my participation in this show. I love being loved by the people especially the strangers and passer-by. I never knew and expected that people love me this much and that is a great honour you could ever receive than winning any titlest.

18. Tell me anything additional you want to include here.

Looking back at the SDJ participation, I am so lucky to be one among them and for this I am so very thankful to God first and secondly to my parents & grand parents. My mum, Priya, being a teacher in Bahrain, sacrificed her profession and was there with me for the entire show. My dad, Arun, encouraged me through phone calls; my both grand mothers were there in Tvm throughout to help us leaving out their chores. One thing I have to remind others is that “if there is a will there is a way”.

You may contact Master Vidyuth Menon on the following:

Cell Phone No : +973 36200910
Email: vidyuthmenon@gmail.com

Vidyuth Menon with his parents

Age & DOB: 10Yrs. 30-05-1997

Father's name & occupation: Mr. Arunkumar, Chief accountant, Manamma, Bharain

Mother's name & occupation: Mrs. Priya Arun
Teacher (British Senior Section), Al-Noor
International School, Bahrain

Residence address: Aathira, Mankavu (P.O), Calicut -7, (Kozhikode -7)

School: The Asian School, Bahrain

Passions or hobbies:

Dancing, Singing, Drawing cartppm charactors, Cricket, Foot ball

Choreographer's Name: Mr. Jyothi Raj (Bahrain), Mrs. Priya Arun (Mother)

Now let us see some of his performances:

Vidyuth's performance at Indian club, Bahrain




Vidyuth with Rapcity Boys, Bahrain




Vidyuth's western dance



Vidyuth pair with swathi




Vidyuth property round for Amrita TV Super Dancer Junior




Other performances:

I sincerely wish this young boy a bright academic and artistic future.

Ramesh Menon
04072008

Master B.R. Sanjay Nag - Budding Karnatic Classical Vocalist from Karnataka

Master B.R. Sanjay Nag - Budding Karnatic Classical Vocalist from Karnataka

An unexpected and incessant rain in the evening hours during my recent visit to Bangalore had a pleasant surprise for me. Although, I was very sad to miss one very important and pre-planned appointment with an Amrita TV forum family member, a friendly call to our Dear Sohanlal ji (Director of Raga Ratnam shows) created an opportunity for me to make a phone call to the family of Master Sanjay Nag, one of the contestants who participated in Raga Ratnam Junior from Bangalore. Many of you might be remembering him, as it is not easy to forget his authentic style of classical carnatic singing. What was meant to be a very short and informal session of 15 minutes became an extended session of knowledge sharing with him and his parents. I did not want to miss this opportunity to meet this budding artists as it was part of my TQM objective to have an insider report and also analyse it from a quality angle which may help the organisers to streamline and rectify the flaws if any when they plan to do a continuation of this prestigious show – Raga Ratnam Junior. Enjoy reading what Master Sanjay Nag has to tell you all.

Greetings to you Sankar Naag. You have been one of the contestants of the recently concluded Raga Ratnam Junior programme conducted by Amrita TV. Being the first ever talent hunt show of this calibre in the Indian Television industry for finding out the best amongst Carnatic Classical music, it gave a feast to all the rasikas and the contestants. It is the same interest of rasikas that made me now approach you for a brief and casual talk to find how your progress is after the post-elimination from this show.

1. Sanjay Naag, congratulations for participating in the Raga Ratnam Junior Competition and getting selected to the top 15 level. How did you hear about this programme?

Advertisement on Amrita T V Channel

2. How did you find the different stages of the competition? Particularly on the challenges thrown to you to perform non-Carnatic items like Jugal Bandhi and Nritha Sangeetham round.


Intriguing, Challenging & Exiting. Facilitated me to familiarise with the very versatile & different genres of Music.

3. Who is your Guru? Could you please give us an idea how you went about preparing for each round.

Dr. K. Varadarangan, Musician & Musicologist.
Learning by self & getting resource through experts in respective fields.

4. How was the support given by the Amrita TV channel in terms of co-ordination and arrangements for contestants like you who were situated far away from Trivandrum?

Very warm & inviting in each & every respects (Coordinators, accommodation, food, conveyance & arrangements) In a word Excellent.

5. How do you rate the grooming sessions before each stage of this competition? Did you all get sufficient notification about each stage and also did you get sufficient guidance about how your performance should be for each one of them?

Excellent. Each grooming session helped me to over grow my capacity and potential. Yes, got sufficient notification & guidance

6. How do you rate the other contestants who participated along with you? Did you all get along well?

High edged competitiveness among contestants was evident.
Yes, very friendly and accommodative fellow contestants.

7. Was there any stress on you with regards to the SMS votes / campaign which was a part of the requirement for getting through to the next level in each stage? How did you work on this, especially in your case, being an outsider from Kerala, being a non-Malayalee and coming from a place outside Kerala.

Uncertainty, anxiety & excitements used to fill my days. Earnestly & eagerly looking forward to each round of viewer’s verdict / counting.
Realised that Music is beyond any state or Language especially viewers from other states and countries encouraged me.

8. What do you rate amongst the various stages for this particular competition as the toughest round? What was the reason that made you say this particular round as very challenging.

Film Song round. Difficulty in getting right accent for Malayalam lyrics. My breaking voice also proved to be bothersome.

9. Looking back at this competition after elimination, do you feel, the stages set after your elimination makes you feel that you could have performed well in those?

Yes, very much

10. How often you give concerts? How many hours normally you practise?

Due to breaking voice currently I have refrained from concerts as per my guruji’s advice

11. Other than vocal, are you learning any musical instruments?

Yes, I am learning Mrudangam

12. I understand you are good at playing cricket and can bowl relatively fast. Tell me something about your activities other than those involved with music.

Painting, Pencil sketching and playing electronic games.

13. How are you in studies? Which grade/school you are attending and what was the reaction from the school, your friends and well wishers when they came to know about your participation in Raga Ratnam Junior?

Very good, X std. Hymamshu Jyothi Kala Peetha, Malleswaram, Bangalore.
Very proud and encouraging. Every one began watching RRJ episodes in Amtita channel & even demanded for the channel telecast from the cable operators.

14. Being a resident of Bangalore, did you get any support/recognition from the numerous Malayalee associations based in Bangalore?

No.

15. Who is your favourite Carnatic musician? And who else do you like to follow closely from the music world?

Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna & I would like to follow my guruji, Vidwan
Dr.K. Varadarangan

16. What are your future plans? What do you want to become – musically and otherwise?

Hope & desire to be into music & sustain the priority of Music Classical, whatever be the style. Academically hoping to be a Scientist in pure Sciences.

17. Do you get noticed when you travel to Kerala after participation in this show. How do you handle this popularity / recognition/encouragements.

Yes, viewers recognised me as a very competitive contestant from the show at various public places.
This encourages me to grow, learn and devote more time to Music.

18. Tell me anything additional you want to include here

This is the most memorable event in my life. Over whelming and of high calibre. Looking forward to more and such opportunities. The pioneering task taken by Amrita and their total involment and commitment into promoting genius classical music is commanding. Throughout my participation, I constantly experience an urge to be more than what I was at that movement and instilled a power full desire to take music seriously and made me a confident person.

Master Sanjay Nag with his parents


A musical Profile of Master B.R. Sanjay Nag

Personal Particulars : Born 6.11.1993 at Bangalore

Master Sanjay Nag is a top-ranking student, presently studying 9th standard in Hymamshu Jyothi Kala Peetha, Malleshwaram, Bangalore with special interests in Science & Mathematics. He is inquisitive and hard working.

Master Sanjay Nag belongs to a family with a rich heritage of artists, Scholars, Musicians and writers. It includes well-known scholars like Vidhushi Kamakshamma (Vocalist & Veena Player),Vyakhyana Vachaspathi & Gamaka Gayaka Vidwan K.S. Venkatadri Sharma, Vidwan Ravishankar Sharma (Mrudangist), Vidwan Srikanth Sharma(Violinist), Vidhushi Dr. Joythsna Srikanth (Violinist).

Musical Training:

Born with an innate musical talent, Master Sanjay Nag began his music lessons from his mother at a very young age of 5 years, Vidushi K.V. Sowbhagya and continuing his advanced lessons in music under the able guidance of Guru Vidwan Dr. K. Varadarangan. In the year 2005 he passed the junior music examination with distinction securing 98.25 %. Extensive listening, constant practice and innovative guidance of guru made Master Sanjay Nag a budding Karnatic Vocalist. He is also learning Mrudangam from Vidwan T.S. Chandrashekar.

Achievements:

He has won the Prize from Sri Ramasevamandali, Chamarajpet in the Junior Concert Competition held in Fort High School during Ramanavami Festival during the year 2007.

He won 2nd prize in Mridangam competition conducted by the most prestigious Sabha of Bangalore, The Gayana Samaja in the Month of August 2007 in Junior Category.

He won Ist prize in both Karnatic Classical Vocal & Devaranama competition conducted by the most prestigious Sabha of Bangalore, The Gayana Samaja in the Month of August / September 2002 in sub junior category & also Junior Category in July 2004.

He won Ist prize in Both Karnatic Classical Vocal & Devaranama Competition conducted by the Malleswaram Sangeetha Sabha in the month of January 2003 (Sub Junior) & 2004 (Junior).

He won the Ist prize & recipient of “Mr. Voice” award from Carnatica.com, competition conducted by Vidhushi Sowmya, Vidwan Sashikiran& Vidwan Ravikiran in the year 2004.

He won I st prize in competition conducted by Music Academy, Bangalore in the year 2005

He won the Ist prize from Kamala T Avadhani Memorial Trust, competition conducted by Bettadapura Sankethigala Sangha, Koramangala, Bangalore in the year 2005.

A recipient of “Prathiba Shree” award from Kannada Patrika Balaga in the year 2003.

A recipient of “Bala Pratibe” award (Gamaka) from Department of Kannada and Culture, Govt. of Karnataka in the year 2004

A recipient of “2004 Aralu Mallige” award from Gnanamandara Educational & Cultural Academy in the year 2004.

A recipient of “Bala Kala Gandharva Rathna” award from Kalavikasa Parishath, Gadag in the year 2005.

A recipient of “Bala Kalashree” award from Balabhavan Sponsored by Depatment of Women and Child Development, Karnataka Government, in the year 2005.

He has attended the National Level “Bal Shree” selection Camp held in the month of December 2006 at Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, after completing the selection process from the state & Zonal Level Selections in Bangalore & Hyderabad respectively.

At the age of 9 years, he gave a programme in “Chiguru” (for 45 Minutes), which was held on 16.2.2002 in Bal Bhavan, Bangalore conducted by Department of Kannada & Culture, Government of Karnataka.

A solo Performance accompaniment for dance programme in Gayana Samaja, Bangalore was arranged on 14.11.2002 & also in Gubbi Veeranna Theater, Tumkur on 14.11.2003 on the occasion of “Children’s day” arranged by AIR, Bangalore which was telecasted by all the T.V. Channels and All India Radio, Bangalore.

He has given many programs in different occasions for “Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam, Bangalore” which were much appreciated both from the Organizers and audiences.

He is graded as an Artist in Children section of Karnatic Vocal music, All India Radio Bangalore in the year 2003 & his program was broadcasted on 5.10.2003.

Recently he sung for a Tele Serial “Violin Subbanna” which was telecasted which was produced by “Prabhat Kalavidaru” and won many appreciations.

He has attended and won many prizes and appreciations from the prestigious sabhas of the Bangalore like ISKCON-Bangalore, R.T. Nagar Cultural Association, Gopinathdas Nyasa, Girinagar Sangeetha Sabha, Tyagaraja Gana Sabha, Vamshi Academy of Music, Sruthi Sidhura, etc.

Sanjay Naag - Manodharmam round Amrita TV Raga Ratnam Junior



Sanjay Nag during his elimination from Raga Ratnam Junior competition



You may contact Master Sanjay Nag at:

Master Sanjay Nag
# 12, “Lakshmi Nilaya”
Anjaneya Temple II Street
Seshadripuram,
BANGALORE – 560 020.
Ph: 094482 01569 / 094480 79658

Wishing Sanjay Nag the very best in his journey through the Ocean of music, I rushed to the new Bengaluru airport to make sure I did not miss my flight.

AMRITA TV Super Dancer Junior Final 3 Winner - Sradha

A few moments with AMRITA TV Super Dancer Junior Final 3 Winner - Shradha Gokul

Greetings to you Shradha. You have been one of the contestants of the recently concluded Super Dancer Junior programme conducted by Amrita TV. Participating in a talent hunt show of this calibre to find out the best amongst children of your age, it gave a feast to all the viewers and the contestants. It is the same interest of the viewers that made me now approach you for a brief and casual talk to find how your progress is after the post-elimination from this show. Feel free to express your thoughts in your own simple way.

1. Shradha, congratulations for participating in the Super Dancer Junior Competition and getting selected to the top 3 level. How did you hear about this programme?

From the promotional advertisements in the AMRITA TV.

2. How did you find the different stages of the competition? Particularly on the challenges thrown to you to perform non-conventional rounds.

It was highly competitive but my teachers and my parents made me feel at ease and supported me. They kept telling me that participating is more important than winning and asked me to do my best.

3. Who is your Guru? Could you please give us an idea how you went about preparing for each round.

My Guru for Cinematic dance is Mrs Sajana Najam who is a popular choreographer and has done several shows for major events. My classical guru is Mr Nanthencode Vinayachandran a highly respectable Guru in Trivandrum.

Sajana teacher was like a friend to me. It was like a second home to me during the period of the competition. I used to stay there and prepare my rounds with total devotion and passion most of the time past midnight. My mom, Sapna and grandparents used to accompany me and encourage me all the time. My dad, Gokul, used to support me over the phone as he was away. I was able to learn and memorize the steps because of all their love, encouragement and support. My mom, grandparents, teacher, her two daughters and umma ( teacher's mother) use to sit and discuss about the rounds and in a day or two we prepare for yet another exciting round.

4. How was the support given by the Amrita TV channel in terms of co-ordination and arrangements for contestants like you.

They did support, but it was very minimal considering the expenses incurred particularly for Sets and costumes. My parents and grandparents did spend a lot for costumes, transport, sets and training. Amrita use to pay 2000/- per round, whereas each round consists of 4-5 dances , which required upto Rs. 50000. Support was given by the make up team consisting of Sobha aunty, Raju uncle, lovely Aunty and her team.

Good Food was also supplied to us on the day of shoot.

5. How do you rate the grooming sessions before each stage of this competition? Did you all get sufficient notification about each stage and also did you get sufficient guidance about how your performance should be for each one of them?

Most of the contestants did not get necessary guidance, neither could they know much about their future rounds and that was clearly visible in the property round where most of them were not aware of any such round as it was not explained or told in the grooming sessions. We were not at all supported in song selection and this was another area of great stress.

6. How do you rate the other contestants who participated along with you? Did you all get along well?

All the contestants were equally good and nice. The parents were more stressed and appeared angry at many decisions but we 15 contestants were good friends and had a very nice time. Anna is one of my best friends. Whenever we get time, we contact each other and exchange pleasantries. Navaneeth sometimes spends his night at our home, after the Kuttichathan shoot whenever his mom goes to Calicut.

7. Was there any stress on you with regards to the SMS votes / campaign which was a part of the requirement for getting through to the next level in each stage? How did you work on this, especially in your case, being from an ordinary family compared to the other rich contestants.

Yes SMS is something that makes me very unhappy and stressed. It was the sad part of the whole show where I used to feel very depressed and often cried. I never understood why the person who has the money to send more SMS can win !!! Even though my parents did not let me know, I used to feel sad and bad when I saw them running here and there begging votes. The channel people put me in danger zone and Amrita staff used to call my parents asking them to send more SMS to save me and I know that they did spend a lot of money to get me to the safer zone. My parents had to spend very little for my other expenses, while they spend a lot for SMS. It created a lot of stress and spoilt the fun of the show. Thousands of SMS sent by my fans abroad, and in India were not enough for the channel and many thousand SMS sent by our family friends and relatives bounced during the finals. There were thousands of returned messages. My parents did spend a fortune that could have been used for education to send SMS. I have heard people talk about how SMS decided the winner and not the talent and this I think is very unfortunate, sad and unjustified.

8. What do you rate amongst the various stages for this particular competition as the toughest round? What was the reason that made you say this particular round as very challenging.

The toughest round for me was the horror round which I couldn't do well. I have never known about this kind of dance before. It was really a horror for me. I am also particularly sad that they did not include a classical dance round.

9. Looking back at this competition after elimination, do you feel, the stages set were tough or that you could have performed well in those?In certain rounds I use to feel I could have performed better.

Especially the comedy and the horror round. Stages set was not that tough.




10. How often you give performances? How many hours normally you practise?

I am a classical dancer and I normally practice 2-3 hrs most of the days.

11. Other than dance, are you learning any musical instruments or any other extra-curricular activities?

Other than dance I am learning music. Now I am acting in a children's teleserial Kuttichathan telecast by Asianet during prime time. I am playing the role of Varsha Menon, nick name " bubbles". people also call me Maychathan because of the role I played in a few episodes.

12. I understand you are good at studies. Tell me something about your activities other than those involved with dance.

I am interested in listening to good music. I love to play computer games and listen to stories. My dad has brought me a lot of Disney movies and I love to watch them one by one, whenever I get time.

13. Which grade/school you are attending and what was the reaction from the school, your friends and well wishers when they came to know about your participation in Super Dancer Junior?

I am studying in 6th std . My principal Rev. Fr. Mathew Chackalakal was my die hard supporter. He encouraged me a lot and was always there as a promoter. Friends, teachers and relatives had supported me a lot. My friends respect me and love me more than ever after this program and they often talk about my performances.

14. Did you get any support/recognition from any associations or any other news media channels for your excellent performance in this competition?

Yes, News paper 's like Rashtradeepika had recently published a page long feature about me in all Kerala and US editions.

15. Who is your favourite Dancer? And who else do you like to follow closely from this field?

Shobhana and Dr. Padma Subramaniam are my favourties, because both are very innovative, talented and highly creative.

16. What are your future plans? What do you want to become – other than a Dancer?

First choice is to reach greater heights in classical dance and also to choose a profession that will help me help others.

17. Do you get noticed when you travel within Kerala after participation in this show. How do you handle this popularity / recognition/encouragements.

Yes, ofcourse and I will remain ever grateful to Amrita TV for this popularity and good wishes that the show generated. I feel so proud and good when many people walk up to me in public places and tell me that they consider me as their super dancer junior.

Most of the days I get Phone calls from India and abroad. Some of the frequent callers are sri Venu of almanara communications, Dubai, Rajeev chetan and Suraj chettan from Baharain, venu uncle from kannur, shobith chettan from kannur Praveen chetta from kasargode and many more. They were in particular very very supportive. Sri Venu from Dubai has been exceptionally kind and supportive.




18. Tell me anything additional you want to include here

But the greatest achievement is that when I met Mata Amirtanandnamayi. She burst into laughter like a child and told me that "Molu ni ende channelil adichu polikkeyanallo". I and my grandparents were surprised that she recognized me and this I consider is my greatest reward or prize. My dad always tells me to wish for others more than I wish for myself and I try to put this in daily practice.
Be sure of my prayers and best wishes to all of you. I am very grateful to you all for supporting me and promoting me.

Now let us see some of her excellent performances during this competition.



Shradha's group dance in super dancer



Chamma Chamma By Sradha



Reng Heynasheela By Shradha



Sunno Tum Dil Man By Sradha



chinna chinna asai

Ragarathnam Masters V Dakshinamurthy

Ragarathnam Masters V Dakshinamurthy

Ragaratnam Winner - Arjun B Krishna

Ragaratnam Winner - Arjun B Krishna

Ragaratnam Celebrities

Ragaratnam Celebrities

Ragaratnam Finals - Thillana - Comments - Mahadevan

Ragaratnam Finals - Thillana - Comments - Mahadevan

Ragaratnam Finals - Thillana - Mahadevan

Ragaratnam Finals - Thillana - Mahadevan