C. Lalitha (left) with her sisters Saroja | Photo Credit: SR Raghunathan
When it comes to female duet singers in Carnatic music, Bombay sisters Saroja and Lalitha are the pioneers. He was known for his classical concerts as well as his many devotional albums in Malayalam, Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi and Marathi. His Pathantharam based music stood out for the authentic presentation style.
Aware of the challenges faced by youngsters in establishing themselves, he used to make every effort to help young artistes.
Born in Thrissur and brought up in Mumbai, the sisters have performed prolifically for over five decades and traveled across the country and beyond. They sang together from a very young age and trained under HAS Mani (singer Hariharan’s father). Her parents decided to relocate from Mumbai to Chennai when Saroja received a scholarship to Chennai’s Central College of Music for advanced training under its principal Musiri Subramania Iyer. After one year Lalita also got scholarship. The sisters also learned from musician and scholar TK Govinda Rao.
fond memories
The Bombay Sisters have received several accolades including Padma Shri in 2020, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2004, Sangeeta Kalanidhi in 2010 and Sangeeta Chudamani in 1991.
Remembering their association with the Bombay Sisters, popular Carnatic singers Ranjani and Gayatri shared in their Facebook post: “C. Deeply saddened by the demise of Lalita. Having known him since his early Mumbai days, his love, support and advice was a great source of strength and guidance. The warmth and abundant affection he has showered on us will always be in our hearts. The way he supported so many young up-and-coming musicians, both with his spirit and his resources, was humbling and inspiring. Through his Mukthambaram Trust, he sponsored many young musicians including us, helping them find platforms for concerts and gain experience and confidence. Their unconditional service to the art form, couple dynamic and steadfast loving partnership will always be a source of inspiration to both of us. Lalita Mami, we will miss your soulful smile and loving presence.”
Senior violinist Usha Rajagopalan fondly remembers his generosity. “He even bought me a violin when I couldn’t afford one. On or off stage, he never missed an opportunity to express his appreciation. When I performed with him, I felt very comfortable.
Veteran mridangam maestro Tiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam says he owes his musical success to the Bombay Sisters. “I performed with him for the first time in the early seventies in Kollam, Kerala. After that there was no looking back. As a young mridangam player, I had then moved to Chennai from Tiruvarur and was hunting hard for performance opportunities. Pleased with my collaboration skills, he recommended my name to several musicians and organists. It was with his encouragement that I started playing for other eminent artistes.”
Renowned Mridang maestro K. Arun Prakash says, “The Bombay Sisters ruled the world of devotional recordings with nearly 350 albums, most of which were recorded by my illustrious father L.K. It was tuned and orchestrated by Krishnan. I was blessed to play for him in concerts and recordings.