I did not see my father thinking of anything but music, but I have not seen my grandfather. He passed away when I was very small. There was bhakti inside me from the time I could remember. Perhaps I was born with that bhakti.

I have read that Thyagaraja Swamigal visited your great grandfather at his house. Will you please tell us about it?

My great grandfather who was a great musician himself once met Thyagaraja Swamigal when he had come to Srirangam for a concert. He requested Thyagaraja Swamigal to visit his house in Lalgudi. He also said, 'You should sit there and compose keerthanas.

Thyagaraja Swamigal said, yes. He came to our house and composed five keerthanas sitting there. They came to be known as Lalgudi Pancharatnam and are very popular.

I feel the entire family has the blessings of Thayagaraja Swamigal. Whatever we have achieved is because of the blessings of great saints like him. I would say I have not done anything on my own; I have been guided by such great forces.