Interviews

After the TEDIndia Fellows were announced, and it came out that I work for A.R. Rahman, and especially after I gave my TEDx Chennai speech, I was approached by quite a few people asking if they could do interviews.  The following is the first interview that appeared in the "What's HOT" section of the Chennai Times on Jan. 8 2010.

SINGING A DIFFERENT TUNE

What's Hot talks to western classical singer Kavita Baliga, who is currently a faculty at AR Rahman’s music conservatory.

M SUGANTH
Times News Network

How did you come to be involved with KM Music Conservatory?
I speak Konkani. Every couple of years, the Konkani Association of California organise cultural conventions where Konkanis from all over North America come together and participate in discussions, seminars and programmes designed to promote Konkani/Indian culture for second generation Konkanis. During one such convention, they had invited “Guitar” Prasanna to perform. Since he lives in Boston and I was in Boston at the time, we came together to collaborate and perform for this event. Prasanna had worked on the film Lagaan with AR Rahman a couple of years earlier. After the convention, Prasanna went to Chennai where AR had mentioned to him that they were looking for a western voice teacher for his conservatory. Prasanna recommended me for the position and a week and a half later, I was in India!

Was teaching always a passion and what does teaching music mean to you?
At first, I thought teaching would be an interim activity and that my real focus would be on performing. Now that I’m teaching full-time, I’m realising how much I love it and how incredibly fulfilling it is to give a part of yourself to others and see them take it and flourish with it. I learned very quickly that teaching music is not like teaching math or science. It is much more abstract and requires a lot of self-awareness, a good voice, and a good ear. I love the fact that we are bringing something to India that hasn’t really existed here before. That, in itself, is daily motivation for me.

How would you rate the awareness level of Indian youngsters with respect to western classical music?
Oh, there’s absolutely zero awareness. Almost 99 per cent of my students had no prior exposure to western classical music; not only that, most of them had never even heard of the genres involved within that title. For example, if I mentioned the words ‘Opera’ or ‘Lieder’, I would be met with a blank. The only western music these students had heard before is what we call American bubblegum pop.

How did you become a part of 'Passage'? Could you share your experiences working with Shekhar Kapur?
I worked directly with AR on the aria for Passage. I met Shekhar much later, at one of the rehearsals for my performance at the premiere of the film in Venice.  I don’t know him well, but what I saw of him, I absolutely loved. He seemed totally and utterly incapable of small talk and was constantly speaking in the abstract. I’m uncomfortable and awkward with small talk myself; so, it was a welcome surprise. It’s so refreshing to have real conversations with people.

How is it working with AR Rahman and what do you think is so unique about him as a composer?
His style of working is not nearly as rigid as most western composers. First of all, he doesn’t put anything down on paper. Most of the time, he plays me something or sings me something and asks me to repeat it, or says something like ‘Can it be more flowy?’, and just directs me as we go along. When I worked with him on the aria, I found myself suggesting things and then thinking to myself, ‘Wait, should I be doing that? Am I way out of line right now?’ But he never makes you feel like that. He truly makes you feel as if you’re both collaborating on the project, not as if you’re working for him. And that was the case before as well as after he won the Oscar. I think that is truly unique for someone in his position.

You are involved in other creative arts as well. How do you manage to be a multi-tasker?
I absolutely love working like hell. I love being busy and seeing the fruits of my labor. The arts are like a form of meditation for me. They keep me sane. I feel calm as I go into a zone when I’m singing, taking pictures, painting, or even cooking for that matter. I love that when I’m doing these things my mind can just go blank.

  

My Biggest Complaint

Chennai:  I love this place.  When I say this the most common reaction I get is a look of sheer bewilderment.  People are usually absolutely baffled.  And the response is usually something like, "it's too bad you're not in Bombay or Bangalore" or "They must be taking really good care of you over there."  Well the first response in my opinion is based on false preconceived notions of what Chennai ISN'T. And the second is just plain false - but that's another blog altogether so I'll let that go for now.  

Chennai is actually everything I want in a big city:  a small town feel in a big bustling city of 7 million (documented).  It is the hub of music in south India and a center for the arts and dance.  The people are for the most part friendly and won't hesitate to assist you if necessary.  Most of the food I consume here is naturally organic which leaves me feeling refreshed, energetic and light whereas in the states i constantly feel bloated and heavy.  It has a huge underground bar and club scene that, because no one acknowledges that it exists, can stay open till all hours of the night.  I am doing something that I love, working for a man I admire, and bringing a different kind of art to India that has never really existed here before.  But the most attractive part for me - life is affordable.  I just moved into my own flat where for the first time in my life, I own every single piece of furniture that is in it.  When I get sick, I can go to the doctor and not worry about insurance cards or copays - I recently saw a doctor, got a chest x-ray, and even got my prescription medication for under 200 rupees. 200 rupees!

My biggest complaint though, which effects me constantly, is how conservative people are in regards to alcohol.  This might seem like a frivolous complaint because of all the things, who cares about booze?  But the way people think about drinking here is ultra ultra conservative - and there isn't room for the slightest bit of compromise.  Here if you drink - you ARE a drunk.  Period.  And these beliefs come with a hell of a lot of baggage containing racial discrimination and gender bias.  

Let me start at the beginning.  If you've been reading my blog you know that my house recently caught on fire due to a firecracker that was lit by a kid from a neighboring slum.  Since then a lot has happened: 1. We've been fighting like hell with the owner of the house because he says we're financially responsible which we're absolutely not 2.  Within a week or so I had to find a new flat and move.  I found a nice two bedroom in the Choolemedu part of Chennai.  The owner seemed chill, the flat was nice and Claire, Viviane, some of my students and I had fun painting the place and shifting everything over. All was well until I had my housewarming party with my co-workers.   There were about eight of us total - nothing special, just a small get together with pizza, beer, and good conversation.  At  11pm there was a knock at the door - it was the landlord's daughter.  Standing behind her was a tall man I had never seen before.  They both looked pissed. 

She started screaming, "WHAT IS THIS?  WHO THREW THAT BOTTLE?"  

Stunned, I said "Excuse me?  What are you talking about?" 

Uma: "SOMEONE THREW A BEER BOTTLE FROM THE BALCONY ON THE STREET!  THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR IS NOT OK"  

Me: "What?  That's impossible.  It CLEARLYwasn't us..." at which point I turned around for confirmation. My  co-workers were sitting on the couch - wide-eyed with a deer in the headlights expression; a table full of empty beer bottles in front of them.  (Ayayooo).

Uma;  "I SEE THIS SCENE AND NOW I KNOW WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE!"

I went and looked out the balcony to see if I could see the bottle.  No bottle, no glass anywhere.

Me: "I don't see a bottle on the street.  What are you talking about??  There would be glass everywhere if  someone had done that."

Uma: " SOMEONE ALREADY CLEANED IT UP!  THIS IS NOT OK.  THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR!"

Me: "You're saying, that someone threw a bottle and then immediately it was cleaned up?  I don't understand. That obviously didn't happen."

Uma:  "WE WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS! NOW THAT I SEE ALL OF THIS I KNOW WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE!  I BROUGHT MY BROTHER FOR  PROTECTION."  

Me: "What??!!  What are you TALKING about???!"

Frustrated, and realizing I wasn't buying her story, she  turned and stormed downstairs.

The brother just shrugged and gave me a look that said "It's okay. don't worry."

I came back inside, stared at the others and said "That was the most bizarre verbal interaction I think I've ever had!"  Forget about the cultural differences and the possible social stigmas that surround alcohol consumption - but why lie and make up a random story?  What good would that have done and what response was she looking for?  Obviously my response didn't suffice.  

The next morning, when my students came over to help me with some of my furniture, the owner said to them, "Tell Kavita not to bring those people over.  White people have a different culture than us.  We know Kavita is good and she doesn't drink. But they do.  We don't feel comfortable with them coming here.  They might have guns."

GUNS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!  I don't even know how to begin arguing with that.  I went and talked to him and said "1. It's my house.  I can do what I want in it and if it doesn't effect anyone else, I'm not doing anything wrong.  2.  There is nothing in the contract that addresses visitors, so therefore legally I'm not at fault. 3. We're all co-workers and we all work for Rahman.  So regardless of race or gender, no one will be..... carrying..... guns." 

On every bottle of alcohol in Tamilnadu, whether it be beer or hard liquor, the label reads in capital letters: LIQUOR RUINS COUNTRY, FAMILY, AND LIFE.  While consumption of alcohol is forbidden under Islamic law (Muslims here generally won't even wear perfumes that contain alcohol), it is not forbidden for Hindus or Christians.  I tend to see more drinking culture among the Christian population, but it seems that there is tremendous social stigma surrounding alcohol for Hindus, even though scripture and religion don't formally forbid it. When I actually try to analyze the culture of drinking, I don't quite understand where the stigma comes from.  Perhaps it is a consequence of colonization; maybe it is seen as immoral because it was a habit of the British.  But in a country that is surprisingly loose about substances, (Bhang Lassi, Tobacco Pan, Opiates etc.), what is it about alcohol consumption that produces so much judgment? 

The street "bars" seem to aptly reflect the general attitude about the act of drinking.  These places are usually slightly hidden from main roads and dark - one solitary  bulb hangs from the ceiling illuminating dirty plastic tables and chairs.  The ground is more often than not covered with empty bottles and urine.  Men will crowd this space till the wee hours of the morning, drinking beers such as "Kingfisher Super Strong" and other brands that promise a higher alcohol content than regular lagers. Next to the sitting area will be the liquor purchasing area.  The vendors will stand behind iron bars and pass through bottles one at a time.  It is an unsaid rule that women aren't allowed at these places.  Upscale bars and clubs however, are usually in international 5 star hotels, therefore are ridiculously expensive.  So I can either pay 65 rupees at the wine shop for a Kingfisher, or 250 rupees at the Park Hotel.  

____________

When I think of some of the most significant experiences I've had in my life, not to mention the most peaceful/meaningful experiences, most of them involved drink... spending time at home outside on the deck with my parents over a glass of Robert Mondavi at sunset, sitting in the bustling Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy with my roommates over pizza and Chianti, Dirty Martinis and Mojitos with Hassan, Arnold, Alicia, and Michael at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Mimosas with Maya and Michael at brunch, a cold Sam Adams after vocal concerts in Boston with Susannah, Allison, Carolyn and Katherine, and spending time getting to know my fellow Konks over Sake Bombs in the bay....

I wouldn't trade in those experiences for anything!

____________

TEDIndia 2009

Tuesday, Nov. 3
I’ve only been here for a few hours and already the experience is absolutely unbelievable. The people that I’ve met are beyond inspiring and truly warriors in their fields. I flew in to Bangalore from Chennai at noon this morning and met the other TED attendees at baggage claim. Lo and Behold – I realized that three of them were on my flight! The first person I met and bonded with: Rohini Rau, a contender for the 2012 Olympics in sailing and representative for India. Yes, sailing. Like, on the water. Like, in a boat. What a woman!
We filed into the bus and traveled the 5 hours to the Infosys campus in Mysore… escorted by police vehicles on all sides. Meanwhile I’m wondering what the hell I’m doing here – I’m not exactly escort-worthy. But... anyway, we got to the campus, checked in, freshened up, and then headed to dinner where we spent the rest of the night mingling with other Fellows. I’ve already met some incredibly talented and intelligent people. Can’t wait for tomorrow!

Wednesday, Nov. 4
6:45 am – wakeup.
7:30 am – All of the Fellows had to take headshots. I can’t imagine what mine must have looked like. I’m not used to taking pictures so early in the morning. We’ll see.
9 am – We filed into the small auditorium to hear our fellow Fellow’s talk about well, anything they wanted to talk about. I was so confused about what exactly this TED thing was, but once I heard these talks, I realized… it IS actually as vague as the website is. It really truly is people, from all walks of life, coming together to share ideas. When I read that on the website I was like… Uh….. hmm… ok.. but what does that mean? I heard talks on anything and everything: different kinds of inventions, architecture, social issues and programs, business ideas, inspirational stories – one Fellow even did a 3 minute talk trying to prove that “Ancient civilizations were just as crappy as we are.” What a day!
At night Infosys threw us a party at the Royal Orchid Hotel. The hotel was beautifully decorated inside and out with lights and flowers. It was the first social event where the Fellows and the Attendees got a chance to meet. There was even a poetry reading! Again, I met so many interesting, intelligent, charismatic people. The problem is trying to remember everyone!

Thursday, Nov. 5 & Friday, Nov. 6
Thursday and Friday were filled with talks. My alarm didn’t go off and I woke up with just enough time to run to the dining hall, grab a croissant and run to the auditorium where I managed to squeeze in and get a good seat. Thursday was the official beginning of the conference and probably the most memorable of all of the sessions. All of the speakers got standing ovations. Hans Rosling began with an 18 minute talk: predictions of when the East will catch up to the West in terms of income per person and life expectancy starting from the year 1800. In what people call “his best talk yet” Rosling spoke at a feverish pace much like an auctioneer while showing an animated graph of the progression of each country. To see the graph, follow the link:
http://graphs.gapminder.org/world/#$majorMode=chart$is;shi=t;ly=2003;lb=f;il=t;fs=11;al=30;stl=t;st=t;nsl=t;se=t$wst;tts=C$ts;sp=6;ti=1911$zpv;v=0$inc_x;mmid=XCOORDS;iid=phAwcNAVuyj1jiMAkmq1iMg;by=ind$inc_y;mmid=YCOORDS;iid=phAwcNAVuyj2tPLxKvvnNPA;by=ind$inc_s;uniValue=8.21;iid=phAwcNAVuyj0XOoBL_n5tAQ;by=ind$inc_c;uniValue=255;gid=CATID0;by=grp$map_x;scale=log;dataMin=194;dataMax=96846$map_y;scale=lin;dataMin=23;dataMax=86$map_s;sma=49;smi=2.65$cd;bd=0$inds=

Other notable speakers who really touched me were: Mallika Sarabhai who spoke about the importance of the arts in regards to social change – she argued that the arts are and always have been the most powerful way to effect change, whether political, social or personal. To watch her talk, follow the link:
http://www.ted.com/talks/mallika_sarabhai.html

Devdutt Pattanaik compared East and West and talked about how the religious mythology behind both parts of the world can explain the way in which we function on a day to day level - how fundamental beliefs about god, death and heaven are the reason why we consistently misunderstand one another. To watch his talk, follow the link:
http://www.ted.com/talks/devdutt_pattanaik.html

Then of course there’s Pranav Mistry who spoke about combining the physical tangible world with the world of data by doing a demo of his Sixth Sense device.
http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html

A few other notable speakers who I really enjoyed talked about social issues and in particular, women’s issues. Sunita Krishnan spoke about sex trafficking of girls in India– some as young as 5 and 6 years old - and Eve Ensler, author of the Vagina Monologues, spoke about the “girl self” and how everyone, men and women need to embrace the girl within them.


Friday, Nov. 6: Grand Party

On Friday night there was a huge party off campus with delectable food, fantastic cocktails, exquisite desserts, and a Bollywood DJ who got everyone to dance bhangra on the dance floor. I got such a kick out of watching all of these older distinguished men and women who had given such incredibly intellectual talks earlier in the day, get down and boogie to bhangra!  I got a chance to mingle more with my fellow Fellows as well as have a long discussion with Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev who in my opinion, is a pretty cool laid back guru if I've ever seen one.  I had actually met him in Venice because he was there accompanying Shekhar Kapur for the premiere of 'Passage'.  It took him a second to remember me but once he did, he said if I ever want to take time out and visit his ashram, he would love to have me.  Hmmm... perhaps, I said.  Oh and for those of you who are Bollywood fans, I had the opportunity to meet Abhay Deol who seems like a pretty down to earth guy. In the picture below is Abhay with my two new TED friends: Rohini Rau, the sailor, and Satyabrata Dam, a mountaineer who has climbed 300 of the tallest peaks in the world.

The next day I only got to go to the morning session because the bus was waiting to take us back to Bangalore.  

Going to Mysore for TEDIndia was an experience I will never forget. It was four days of meeting and networking with such talented and influential people. 

I have never been so inspired!