When and why did you start singing Nadanpattu?

My childhood was in Udumbanchola village in Idukky district of Kerala which was near the forest area. Majority of the villagers were migrant settelers from other parts of the state. It was a commune-like living where we supported each other as family units. Livestock were the main source of income. Thus we used to graze our cattle in the open areas with a bell made out of bamboo hanging on their necks. This is used to identify the cattle and that gave a protection to the it as well. The threat of wild animals was always there. To protect ourselves from the animals we used to play drums and sing songs at night. This was my first taste of music. During the national emergency period there was a cultural organisation in Thiruvalla which used folk songs as a veiled propaganda against the Government. I was also a part of this organization and that is how my nadanpattu career is started. When I got opportunities to interact with different people, I realized that this art form is not merely a pass time. The possibilities of folk songs are far reaching. I started researching on the subject. I understood the difference between music and songs(pattukal). The music was inherent and the songs were created. All types of music are has a connection with the nature. 

Then how do you define the folk music and contemporary folk songs ?

It may be up for debate,but I believe in keeping the traditions along.It is far better than running behind the new trends. Unfortunately, today people are more interested in the second one. We can’t ignore the nature and life in the music.
 

What or who were your early passions and influences?

Our ancestors doesn’t have formal education. But they are well aware of the importance of preserving of land, water and sky. Their philosophy was inherent in their ‘pattu’. It includes everything. Thus it means that they sung not to simplify their workload. But to express their heart. I am really influenced by these ancestoral wisdom. The young generation must realize the value of the genuine world view of our ancestors. Only by knowing the nature and life we can protect or preserve it.

 

What is the present scenario?

In the ancient times, folk songs were performed ritualistically on certain occasions like marriage, birth days and even for deaths in some of the communities. But in the mid of 80’s this art form gradually went out of the communities thanks to the efforts of some social organizations. For the past 25 years naadanpattu become very popular in Kerala. Many experts in the field tried their best to propagate and popularize it. The result of that naadanpattu become a notable art form.

Apart from an enjoyable art form what is its contribution to the society?

There are several types of folk songs(naadanpattu). They are ‘pazhampattu’(old songs), ‘kalippattu’ (game songs) etc. It contains vast amount of information. The children can gain a lot of primary knowledge about the society from these lyrics. Folk songs can use as a medium for social awareness.