Behind the Scenes of "Sagara Sayana" Music Video Recording: A Collaboration with Young Talent and Classic Carnatic Melodies
On November 2, 2024, Saravana Creations collaborated with Sirisha Duvvuru to bring M.D. Ramanathan's classic composition "Sagara Sayana" to life in a stunning music video. This project showcased young talents like Shriya Raja (vocals), Swapanthi Mallajosyula (violin), and Chidatma Datta Chaganti (mridangam), blending traditional Carnatic artistry with the expressive depth of raga Bageshri. Set against a backdrop in Allen, TX, the video captures not only the beauty of the music but the passion and dedication of each artist. This recording marks a tribute to the timeless allure of Carnatic music and the synergy between art and modern media.
Raga & Composition Highlights
“Sagara Sayana” in Raga Bageshri, with its unique ascent (Arohanam: S G2 M1 D2 N2 S) and descent (Avarohanam: S N2 D2 M1 P D2 G2 M1 R2 S), carries an expressive and meditative quality that resonates deeply with listeners. This piece, crafted in the distinctive style of M.D. Ramanathan, requires both technical skill and emotional depth, and our team of artists rose to the occasion, infusing their own passion and expertise into each note.
A Collaborative Vision
Sirisha Duvvuru’s dedication to promoting young talent led her to select and train a group of exceptional artists for this project. The goal was not only to bring this raga to life through performance but also to introduce classical compositions to a broader audience through modern media.
The Artists
Each of the artists brought a unique energy to this project:
Shriya Raja on vocals
provided a powerful and emotive rendition, capturing the spirit and depth of "Sagara Sayana."
Swapanthi Mallajosyula on violin
added layers of texture and harmony, beautifully complementing the vocals.
Chidatma Datta Chaganti on mridangam
infused rhythm and vibrance, enhancing the composition's dynamism.
Their synergy and dedication took this composition to new heights, showcasing both their technical mastery and devotion to their art.
Capturing the Moment
Once Sirisha recorded, mastered and when the audio was finalized, the team scheduled the video shoot in Allen, Texas. With the scene set and the artists ready, we dove into capturing every nuance of their performance. Dheeraj’s photography skills immortalized key moments with stunning stills, while I, Saravana, handled the video recording to bring the experience of live Carnatic music to viewers through film.
From the soulful strains of Bageshri to the carefully synchronized interplay between the artists, we aimed to capture not only the performance but also the essence of each artist’s passion and commitment.
Final Thoughts
"Sagara Sayana" stands as more than just a recording; it is a collaboration, a celebration, and a tribute to the timeless beauty of Carnatic music. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sirisha for initiating this project, and to each artist for their dedication and artistry. It is our hope that through this music video, audiences everywhere will be moved by the melody, artistry, and spirit behind this composition.
join us in celebrating the incredible journey of "Sagara Sayana."