I was recently witness to a conversation between a leading Carnatic vocalist and a budding stage actor about the ways in which artists focus on their art. Time spent quietly, meditatively, is the way to go about it, the musician advised the actor, not only before concerts, but also as part of the preparation for daily practice sessions. “My mentor urges me to laugh and joke and relax before rehearsals,” said the slightly puzzled young man. The musician assured him that he was far from advocating a life of monkhood. “Have as much fun as you want, but devote some time everyday to focussed contemplation by yourself, when nothing, nobody should be allowed to come between you and your preparation,” he said. “What if your guru tries to talk to you minutes before a concert?” the young man persisted. “I’ll still focus on my work,” the singer said. “And my guru respects the importance of those moments of silence, too. After all he’s an artist who knows the value of the quietude we are discussing. Generally, we spend a few minutes while I prostrate before him seeking his blessings and then he moves on, leaving me to concentrate on music.”

Artists everywhere must have different ways of preparing for their performances. Sruti has often wanted to document these in the words of the artists themselves. How do they spend the day of a concert, physically, mentally? How do they control the surging feelings and emotions inevitable in the circumstances?

Two years ago, Bharatanatyam exponent Malavika Sarukkai wrote these lines as part of an article Sruti carried: “On the day of the performance, I am filled with a certain sense of excitement. My body feels light – perhaps it is the yoga session in the morning or perhaps I am filled with a sense of expectancy. I have worked over the years doing sadhana to prepare my body and mind for performance…. Sadhana is dual edged. It prepares the physical entity of one’s body to harmonise with the limbs, even as it clears the mind of the debris of routine living.”

Sruti will attempt to explore the various ways in which individual artists approach their sadhana and record them for future practitioners.