“There is more to the world of music than just Umayalpuram Sivaraman. Other notable figures include Kishan Maharaj, Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain, and Samta Prasad. However, the most prestigious award, akin to the Bharat Ratna, has only been awarded to Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, M.S. Subbulakshmi, Ravi Shankar, and Lata Mangeshkar,” he remarked during a discussion with Mr. Sivaraman at The Hindu office in Chennai on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Mr. Baby’s long-standing friendship with Mr. Sivaraman spans several decades. He has organized numerous concerts and even encouraged Mr. Sivaraman to perform for the renowned Kathak dancer Birju Maharaj. He emphasized that both the Music Academy and The Hindu should take an active role in advocating for Bharat Ratna recognition for percussion artists.
“This is the perfect opportunity to pose the question: why has no percussion artist ever received the Bharat Ratna? No one is more deserving than Umayalpuram Sivaraman. He is already a Padma Vibhushan awardee. The music community should raise its voice for the recognition that has been long overdue. Why is the government ignoring such a rational voice in the realm of music and culture?” he inquired.
He also recounted an instance where tabla maestro Kishan Maharaj criticized the government for its stingy approach to awarding musicians.
“Unless we live to be 80 or 85 years old, no national honor will come our way,” Mr. Baby quoted Kishan Maharaj as saying at an event in Delhi that was attended by Union Ministers.
The CPI(M) leader further highlighted the shortcomings and biases in the selection process for award recipients. “Certainly, there are authentic North Indian artists, but genuine South Indian artists have not received adequate consideration,” he stated.
Mr. Sivaraman mentioned that he had previously suggested to the Sangeet Natak Akademi the establishment of an award in memory of the legendary nagaswaram player T.N. Rajarathinam Pillai.
“There exists the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. A similar award should be created in honor of Rajarathinam Pillai,” he proposed. Mr. Baby endorsed this request, asserting that Rajarathinam Pillai held equal stature to Bismillah Khan.
Having collaborated with four generations of musicians, Mr. Sivaraman expressed his willingness to accompany the next generation as well. He elaborated on the distinct playing styles necessary for accompanying esteemed musicians such as Mudikondan Venkatrama Iyer, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, G.N. Balasubramanian, Madurai Mani Iyer, T.R. Mahalingam, and M.D. Ramanathan.
When discussing creativity, Mr. Sivaraman referenced poet Kalidasa to articulate his philosophy: “Do not assume that everything old is good; do not dismiss everything new as bad. Wise individuals will always choose the best from both the old and the new. That is my guiding principle,” he stated.
N. Ram, the former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, who facilitated the introduction of the two, remarked that the event aimed to spotlight and celebrate a unique association that evolved into a lasting friendship.
He recounted that Mr. Baby first encountered Mr. Sivaraman’s music during the Emergency period when he was living semi-underground and at risk of arrest. “His elder brother advised him to visit a temple and listen to concerts. That is how he first discovered the magnificent music of Mr. Sivaraman,” he shared.
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