Indian musician U Shrinivas
Today’s Global Hit feature is a profile on master Indian mandolin player U Shrinivas. The first thing that caught my attention in his bio is how the mandolin was often viewed by musicians in India. You see, for decades the it’s been regulated to popular Indian music, ie: Bollywood soundtracks and the like. So when U Shrinivas picked up the instrument and started playing ragas and classical music, some traditionalists frowned upon his idea. But, Shrinivas’ talent AND age were in his favor. Afterall, he was only six when he first picked up the mandolin and by 11 was sharing the same bill with Miles Davis!
What’s funny about this latter fact is that, according to music producer Yusuf Ghandi, U Shrinivas was supposed to be the opening act and Miles Davis was to follow. But apparently, Davis always liked to play early and leave after his set. He didn’t want to wait for the opening act to finish, so he could play his set. So really Miles Davis was the opening act at his own concerts! I only wish Davis was still around so I could ask him if he remembers this 12 year old master of the mandolin hanging around back stage!
Tags: Indian classical music, mandolin, Miles Davis, U Shrinivas, Yusuf Ghandi
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August 21, 2008 at 9:07 am
U Srinivas was the fellow who married Meera Jasmine no?
August 21, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I didn’t ask U Shrinivas about his personal life.
However, a quick google search leads me to believe Meera Jamine may be married to or is considering marring Shrinivas’ younger brother, U Rajesh.