Your love of music began at home, surrounded by devotional songs. Take us back to the very first time you sat with a Saraswathi veena—what drew you to it over every other instrument?
Growing up surrounded by the divine resonance of devotional songs at home naturally shaped my love for music. But when I first sat with the Saraswathi Veena, my very first thought wasn't grand—it was a sudden, overwhelmed feeling: "How am I ever going to play this instrument? It is so large!" The Veena felt huge compared to me, and figuring out how to handle its grand, traditional structure was quite intimidating at first. Yet, as I patiently worked through that challenge, it became my soulmate friend. It transformed from an intimidatingly large instrument into a living, breathing channel of spiritual devotion and a constant companion in my musical journey.
Is there an early moment—a practice session, a temple, a small gathering—when you first felt the veena truly sing through you, rather than you simply playing it?
My musical journey actually began at home, surrounded by devotional songs where my father—a true music lover—and my entire family, including my grandmother, warmly appreciated my passion for music. Wanting to pursue that further, I went to college to learn devotional singing. However, due to tonsillitis, I couldn't sustain higher pitches. When the college suggested I take up the Veena course instead, I thought, "Okay, I can still play my devotional music through the instrument." When I first sat with the Saraswathi Veena, my very first thought wasn't grand—it was a sudden, overwhelmed feeling: "How am I ever going to play this instrument? It is so large!" The Veena felt huge compared to me, and as the only girl music student in my hometown traveling almost four hours a day to my college, the challenge was immense. But as I patiently worked through it, it became my soulmate friend. That magical shift—when the Veena truly started singing through me rather than me simply playing it—unfolded step by step. It first began back around 2009 when I performed on All India Radio, and my family and people in my hometown recognized my name and music on the airwaves. That bond deepened profoundly during live performances like my concert at our hometown Vinayagar temple, where the local community lively appreciated the music and understood the dedication I was pouring into my craft. Finally, that same spirit carried over into my digital teaching, where recording video tutorials brought heartfelt appreciation from parents and grandparents thankful that authentic devotional classics were being passed down to their children. Through every hurdle and triumph, the Veena stopped being just a large, intimidating instrument and truly became the voice of my soul.
From your earliest lessons to your Ph.D., many hands must have shaped the way you play. Who are the teachers or mentors you still hear in your music today?
My musical path was profoundly shaped at Thiruvaiyaru Music College—a sacred space that holds immense significance in my journey, as it was right there in college that I first encountered, held, and learned to play the Veena. Years later, that circle came to a beautiful completion when I returned to serve as a Veena lecturer and successfully completed my Ph.D. My academic foundation was further enriched by earning a Music Teaching Diploma from the Tamil Music University. Across these institutions, I had the privilege of absorbing a rich mosaic of traditional techniques—ranging from the Thanjavur bani, Mudikondan style, and Karaikudi bani to Andhra-style playing and various classical fingering methods. Above all, my deepest devotion to devotional music was ignited by the timeless artistry of M.S. Subbulakshmi Amma and my longtime admiration for P. Unnikrishnan Sir. As a dedicated fan, after joining college, I wrote him a letter sharing that I had joined music college and thanking him for the inspiration. His gracious reply—sending his warm wishes alongside CDs straight to my hometown—served as a profound encouragement that reinforced my path. Today, carrying the collective wisdom of these traditions, the legacy of where my Veena journey began, and the enduring grace of my greatest musical inspirations.
What is this piece, and what made you want to render it on the veena?
1. Kurai Ondrum Illai – A deeply revered, timeless Carnatic devotional masterpiece that holds a sacred place in the hearts of listeners worldwide, famously associated with the spiritual legacy of M.S. Subbulakshmi Amma. This piece is deeply close to my heart. I wanted to capture its profound, soulful surrender on the Saraswathi Veena, translating the vocal devotion into a meditative instrumental expression with music programming and production by Manu Prasad.
2. Velundu Vinaiyillai – A vibrant, majestic devotional composition celebrating spiritual strength, protection, and divine energy. I wanted to create a piece with a vibrant, motivational, and powerful devotional energy. To capture that authentic spiritual atmosphere, I collaborated with P. Raghu to perform on the Nadaswaram, blending it with the deep resonance of the Veena. The track features music programming and production by Manu Prasad, bringing out a majestic, driving momentum that makes this spiritual anthem feel grand and deeply inspiring.
3. Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (Varalakshmi) – A celebrated traditional Carnatic composition by Saint Purandara Dasa, rendered here with a rich semi-classical, devotional feel. I love breathing new life into traditional devotional treasures for modern audiences on music platforms. I wanted to render this on the Veena, with music programming and production by Manu Prasad, and I personally added on-screen lyrics to the video so that viewers could effortlessly connect with, understand, and immerse themselves in its meaning.
4. Segamayai – An experimental second-trimester prenatal music composition structured from the perspective of an expectant mother singing directly to her child—and my very first exploration of my favorite Thiruppugazh. It blends the 15th-century Tamil Sandham meters of Saint Arunagirinathar with ambient, contemporary soundscapes. By bridging the historical craftsmanship of my 22-year-old Veena with the intricate execution of ancient Sandham meters, this piece explores uncharted harmonic landscapes. Rather than using a pickup, I wanted an authentic, pristine acoustic capture, so we recorded live at MOS Studios in Chennai using an AKG condenser microphone. Produced in collaboration with V.V. Shree Sai Dev, this release allowed me to bring this unique prenatal music vision to life across digital platforms, exploring non-traditional scale matrices (such as the minimalist four-note S - G3 - M2 - N3 model) and expanding the expressive boundaries of South Indian music. I personally handled the musical arrangements for all of these songs, blending traditional classical structures with fresh, contemporary soundscapes with the help of my music producers.
Tell us the story of this particular veena—how it came to you, and what makes it feel like yours.
This instrument holds a profoundly sacred place in my heart—it is my very first Veena, lovingly gifted to me by my father for my birthday back in 2004. Having practiced my earliest lessons on it, every string and curve carries the roots of where my journey began. Even today, its sweet, resonant voice remains the faithful companion through which I shape my music.
What was happening that day, and why has it stayed with you?
This was captured during my very first social media Veena music post—a milestone moment when I first decided to share my art beyond the walls of traditional practice. This memory has stayed with me because it marks the bridge between where my musical journey began and where it expanded into the digital world. Holding the instrument that carried my earliest lessons and stepping out to share its sweet, familiar resonance online changed everything. It was the very first heartbeat of connecting my Veena music with a global audience.
Your Segamayai research explores how 15th-century Thiruppugazh melodies might nurture wellbeing during pregnancy. What first led you to see the veena as something that could heal?
The inspiration for "Segamayai" grew directly from a deeply personal place during my own pregnancy. I used to recite Thiruppugazh during that time, and at its core, Thiruppugazh carries a father’s heartfelt prayer for a child—specifically invoking Lord Muruga. As I connected with these verses, I imagined the rhythmic Sandham meters as the gentle, rhythmic motion of a cradle and the soothing cadence of pregnancy baby movement music. It is a song born from the heartfelt wishes of parents-to-be. Experiencing that profound connection firsthand during my pregnancy made me feel deeply that I needed to bring this project to life, turning that sacred emotion into a musical reality.
Why does this particular composition move you?
"Sivam Veenai" is structured as a progressive spiritual journey through three distinct speeds: beginning with the contemplative pace of Namamisha Mishan in the first speed, building into the rhythmic flow of Brahmamura in the second speed, and culminating in the powerful, driving intensity of Kalabhairavashtakam in the third speed. For me, true devotion transcends language barriers. Through instrumental music, I wanted listeners to feel completely immersed in the divine presence—to truly feel Lord Shiva in every vibrating note, experiencing absolute surrender, stillness, and cosmic energy directly through the soul of the Veena.
You've been teaching since 2009, and online since 2014—what's a moment with a student that still makes you smile?
That is one of those timeless student moments that instantly brings a smile to my face! There is nothing quite like a student logging into an online class and delivering the ultimate preemptive disclaimer in the very first minute: "I didn't practice this week, kindly ignore my playing!" It always lightens the mood and shows just how honest and endearing our student-teacher bond is. Even when they say that, it always turns into a wonderful, laughter-filled session where we gently work through the lessons together anyway!
What are you creating right now, and when can we hope to hear it?
I am currently working on several exciting projects! Right now, I am preparing for the release of my brand-new instrumental cover—a special Veena version of the timeless classic "Ninnukori." Alongside this upcoming release, there is so much more to explore right now: Immersive Visuals & Audio: You can experience my extended 1-hour devotional Veena music streaming on YouTube, as well as my 1-hour Veena music on Spotify, both designed to offer a continuous, peaceful space for meditation and reflection. Global Learning & Resources: My Veena courses and downloadable Carnatic notations are fully available on my official website (deviveenai.com), which I am continuously developing and expanding. Curated Playlists: I am also actively pitching and curating music for my specialized streaming playlists. Stay tuned—you can hear and experience these new releases very soon across my official channels and on my website! Thank you for keeping classical tradition alive and supporting veena music! 🙏✨
When someone on the other side of the world presses play on your veena, what is the one feeling you hope reaches them?
When someone on the other side of the world presses play on my Veena, the one feeling I hope reaches them is a profound sense of inner peace and spiritual grounding. Whether they are seeking solace, exploring traditional Carnatic heritage, or simply pausing to breathe during a busy day, I want them to feel completely wrapped in the warm, resonant embrace of the instrument. Knowing that the traditional notes of my Veena can cross oceans to touch a heart, bridge cultural distances, and bring absolute stillness to someone's soul—that is the moment I feel truly fulfilled as an artist.
Contact and Follow
Email: ranjanidevi.veena@gmail.com
Website: www.deviveenaimusic.com
Instagram: @ranjanidevisaravanan
Facebook: Ranjanidevi Saravanan
YouTube: deviveenai
