A promising young violinist

Fourteen-year-old Arushi Ramesh is a silent observer. That is, until you start speaking about the fiddle. At its mention, her eyes light up with an enthusiasm that reminds us that her musical journey has just begun.

It started with vocal lessons from her musician-mother, Yamini Ramesh, in Abu Dhabi. A student of Madirimangalam Ramachandran and Lalgudi Jayaraman, Yamini honed Arushi’s skills for three years, when a meeting with Jayaraman during a visit to Chennai began Arushi’s training under the maestro himself.

“I wasn’t fluent in Tamil at the time, so I often wouldn’t understand the feedback sir gave me until I was much older,” Arushi smiles.

She calls the experience of being one of the youngest disciples of the legend “unforgettable,” terming her three years of training under him as “both exciting and challenging.”

“I remember when he began teaching me elementary kanakku and kalpana swaram, my classmates would try to help me with the answers, but sir would silence them with a glare. He wanted me to grasp the concept myself,” says Arushi.

After his demise, Arushi came under the tutelage of Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, her guru now for the past six years. While the bani remained consistent, she says, the teaching has helped her grow into her own on stage.

“She has helped me develop my style and aesthetic sensibility, which help tackle the unexpected on stage.”

The shift to Chennai

For a few years, Arushi and her mother visited Chennai every few months to learn, perform, and soak in the arts scene. Finally, at the beginning of high school, they decided to move to Chennai.

“It was stressful at first, adjusting to the academic schedule here while trying to be fully involved in music. I have slowly learnt to balance,” says the youngster.

She attributes her interest in music to her mother, who continues to guide Arushi with her feedback and suggestions.

“Amma’s experience in the music field has helped accelerate my growth and improve the quality of music I play.”

The road ahead seems full of possibilities. Only two Seasons old, she’s overwhelmed by the artistic ambience, especially around her Mylapore home. “I’m still taking it all in,” Arushi admits. Yet, there’s one thing she’s certain about.

“Though Carnatic music is an acquired taste, I’d like to do what I can to help it reach more people.”