These chenda prodigies drum up a career

Thiruvanathapuram: They seem to be charting their own paths, which till a few years ago were scorned upon by elders as profitless temple art forms, to be taken as hobbies or at the most, for acquiring grace marks in final examinations.
Meet 16-year-old Killikurishimangalam Sreehari and 15-year-old Midhun Murali, who are highly dedicated to the cause of becoming professional drummers.A professional touch was evident when the chenda prodigies performed at Theerthapadamandapam here after receiving the Pallavur Appu Marar award for winners in thayambaka in state school kalolsavam on Sunday.
Sreehari has been a bright student, scoring A plus in the SSLC and even a 90% score in Plus One examinations. But instead of deciding to go for the regular professional courses, he has decided to become a professional drummer. He even plans to defer a year once he completes his Plus Two to perform with veteran drummers at various venues across the state.
A Lakkidi resident, Sreehari has already won several accolades, winning prizes in the state school youth festival consecutively.
"When he told me he wanted to just concentrate on his art for a year I agreed because he is so passionate about it," says Mini, his mother and a music teacher. She also agrees that drummers these days can earn a decent living and is not a bad career option if they really excel in it.
Sreehari, who does around 50 professional performances every year alongside acclaimed thayambaka artists across the state, has been supporting his family financially too.
But the recognition has not come easily for the boy, a lesson every youngster should imbibe to excel in any art form. A diligent learner, he gets up at 3.30am and practises from four to six and then does his studies. During festival season, he comes home after midnight and then goes to school next day without fail. "It is the passion for the art that gets me going. I do not feel tired at all," he said.
Midhun, a Class X student and winner in both thayambaka and maddalam in the state youth festival, was on the same page with Sreehari. A student of St George High School, Poonithura, he has been performing at various festivals even while continuing his schooling. "I want to continue in this profession and make a mark for myself," Midhun said.
"Midhun, though lost his father a few months ago, have taken the pains to come and perform here," said drummer Prakashan Pazhambalokde, the organizer of the event.