In conversation with C. Natarajan

From Fifteen Rupees a Month

My name is Natarajan, and Shiva Musicals has been around for 44 years, since 1982.

I first worked in Balepete, which is in the center of the city. I started working with just 15 rupees per month because I had to survive one way or the other—but that amount wasn't as insignificant then as it would be today. When the instrument store I managed there shut down, I used that experience and the training I'd received in craftsmanship techniques to continue in the music line. I've been working with musical instruments for around 60 years now.

High-Class Work in a Musical Neighborhood

I decided to start this store for everybody who's interested in music and traditional instruments. Malleswaram is home to several families that are into traditional music, as well as famous musicians. Back then, I also had to support my family, which is why I decided to establish this shop. I run the shop with my son now, and it's work that I enjoy doing—it's "high-class" work!

Fewer Customers, Deeper Commitment

The business is going well, though there are fewer customers than before, but those who are genuinely interested do visit. There isn't as much consistency with learning instruments as we used to see back then, so it has come down to those who have a deep interest and commitment in music. We have stopped manufacturing tamburis because there's no demand for them—it has become almost a forgotten instrument. We manufacture instruments such as veenas, violins, and guitars. We specialize in string instruments and thus don't manufacture a lot of percussion or wind instruments.

Building the World's Largest Veena

Our work has been recognized by the Limca Book of Records for building the largest veena and tamburi in the world. We craft all our instruments right here at this shop and sell them out of this same space. It's a steady business, and the work is fulfilling. I don't have many complaints.