Even in the old days, they used to appreciate my playing a lot. Almost all the houses there had a violin as it is very popular there. They were initially puzzled to hear Carnatic music from the violin but they appreciated it very much. I bow my head in humility to God for all His kindness. What else can I say?

I read that in appreciation of your work, Yehudi Menihin gifted you with an Italian violin in 1965...

Yes, that was 43 years ago. He told me, 'You play the violin so well, and I feel extremely happy. I will give you an Italian violin.' When he gave it to me, I said, I don't have the money to pay for it. 'No, you need not pay anything. Just continue playing the violin, and play this violin,' was what he said then.

Was the Italian violin different from what you used?

The sound of Italian violins is very good and pleasing. Do you know, from that day on, till my last kacheri, I have used only that violin, the violin gifted by Yehudi Menuhin.

You have done a lot of jugalbandis. With whom did you enjoy it the more?

Jugalbandi is pleasing only when both the musicians play harmoniously. I enjoyed the most with Vilayat Khan, Amjad Ali Khan and Hariprasad Chowrasia.

Recently, for the first time, you composed music for a film - Sringaram. What made you accept the project?

Many people had been asking me to compose music for films and all these years, I had refused. But Sarada was quite persistent. She said I had the full freedom to compose what I wanted to. She told me the story and the story of the devadasi, the dancer, appealed to me. That is why I accepted the project.

You also won the National award for the effort...

I was surprised when it happened. And also happy.