Birdsong has a manner of uplifting the spirit. For avid birder and classical musician Ranjani Sivakumar, it’s also a supply of inspiration for her concert events. This weekend, the Hyderabad-based musician presents the fifth version of Birdsong by Birdsong, a two-hour live performance celebrating birds because the muse by means of classical compositions.
Blending a number of genres, the efficiency options songs in Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, and Kannada by Tyagaraja, Kabirdas, Amir Khusro, and even the Beatles. Accompanied by Dinakar Ramaraju and Krishna Sravan, the session will probably be interactive.
“It was Anuradha ma’am (Anuradha Gunupati, founder of Saptaparni cultural centre) who helped me incubate this idea. I am grateful — she is the wind beneath my wings,” Ranjani shares.
An Avid Birder
Passion for birds
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Special Arrangement
Though figuring out birds in dense foliage might be difficult, Ranjani, an enthusiastic birder, recognises species by their calls. Among these she will be able to determine by sound are the kingfisher, red-vented bulbul, gray hornbill, parakeet, kite, shikra, Tickell’s blue flycatcher, sunbird, lapwing, owl, woodpecker, koel, frequent hawk-cuckoo (brain-fever hen), nightjar, and coucal.
“Many of these birds can be spotted in Banjara Hills, as the city has several green pockets. The dedicated GHMC parks also provide a thriving ecosystem for flora and fauna alike,” she says.
Not simply classical
Ranjani Sivakumar
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Special Arrangement
When performing for the primary time on the Hyderabad Literature Festival (HLF) in 2021, she wished to transcend the normal classicalkacheri repertoire. Around that point, a number of experiences formed her inventive course — studying Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (“It helps to break down overwhelming thoughts into manageable steps”), discovering hen literature on the National Audubon Society in Ohio, and her deep ardour for each music and birds. These influences naturally advanced right into a setlist spanning a number of genres, the place birds have lengthy served because the muse in inventive works.
Metaphor and a muse
Ranjani’s musical analysis uncovered intriguing particulars — the Beatles’ Blackbird track, Amir Khusrau’s title Tuti-e-Hind (Parrot of India), and the deep significance saints and poets positioned on birds as philosophical symbols. Examples embrace Tyagaraja (Omkaara panjara keera pura in Jagadananda Karaka), Purandara Dasa (Harinaama daraginiyo haaru tare jagati), and Kumar Gandharva (Ud jaayegaa hans akela). “Metaphors referencing birds are endless,” says Ranjani, who may even carry out Suttum Vizhi Chudar Thaan Kannamma by Bharathiyar.
The live performance has advanced over time with new compositions. Recent additions embrace Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Ranganayakam, a Taanam in Raga Amritavarshini, a Vacana (prose poem) by Kannada poet-saint Allama Prabhu, and a Hindi translation of Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by poet V.P. Ramnath — beforehand learn in English.
New songs
Exploring new compositions
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Special Arrangement
After every version, Ranjani returns house with extra track suggestions. “Every time I present this or discuss it with artistes, the list keeps growing. They love the theme and keep adding songs to it.”
One such record, urged by Lalithaa Krishnan, and poet and literary critic Gowri Ramnarayan, contains Kaakai Chiraginile, Parvati Ninu, Ee Ramuni, Diwakara Tanujam, and Saruvar Thatu Hansini for future editions. “I also need to learn Cuban Nightingale, a piece recommended by soprano singer and music teacher Sarah Reyes, for the sixth edition,” she provides.
Birdsong by Birdsong by Ranjani Sivakumar on March 22 at Saptaparni Cultural Centre, Hyderabad; Tickets: ₹250; bookmyshow.com
Published – March 19, 2025 01:40 pm IST
