Exploring Kannada Poetry and Song with Pallavi MD

A candid moment from a workshop at the Indian Music Experience Museum. It is always an enriching experience to meet a room full of Bhavageethe lovers and share our collective passion for this art form.

A group photo with the wonderful participants of my Bhavageethe workshop during the Jackfruit Festival. I always feel I take away more than I offer from their insights, energy, and love for poetry.

A clip from a special concert I performed for children with special needs at the Jackfruit Festival. I sang songs about the moon, rainbows, and little Krishna, choosing simple and evocative Bhavageethe that everyone could connect with.

On stage during a performance at the Jackfruit Festival. Accompanied by talented musicians on tabla and keyboard, I had the privilege of sharing the beauty of Sugama Sangeetha with a diverse audience.

Performing a selection of Bhavageethe at a concert. The simplicity and emotional depth of this genre allow for a direct connection with the audience, making every performance a shared experience.

Singing a rare Bhavageethe composed by the great C. Ashwath. This poem by B.R. Lakshmana Rao is unique because each line is set in a different raga, a compositional challenge that Ashwath sir handled with beautiful simplicity.

A prayer to the Mother Goddess, based on a poem by N.S. Lakshminarayana Bhat. This Bhavageethe, composed in Raag Todi, is a powerful reflection on the divine feminine presence in all of nature.

A rendition of a Bhavageethe written by Sumathindra Nadig and composed by Raju Ananthaswamy. The lyrics, "Kaleda kaala baruvudilla" (Time past never returns), are a poignant reminder to live in the present moment.

Singing B.M. Srikanthaiah’s iconic poem, a Kannada translation of 'Lead Kindly Light'. This beautiful composition by Mysore Ananthaswamy is a prayer for guidance and has been a source of strength for many.