“A Saxophone is like a girl. She could be tough to understand, but once you know her you can mould her in your own way,” says the first female Saxophonist of Karnataka, Sindhu Bhairavi.
Making the State proud, Sindhu Bhairavi has created a name for herself in the world of music and bagged multiple awards including Karnataka state award and Rajyotsava award.
Over a cup of coffee and a candid conversation with NewsKarnataka, Sindhu spoke about her childhood, her adolescent years, her bond with her father, people who motivated, music and more.
Young Days
Sindhu says, as a child she was always naughty and on the tip of her toe. In order to keep her engaged, her parents motivated her towards learning the instrument. Further, Sindhu explains how she willingly picked up the Saxophone.
“My father, Mr Machendranath Mangaladevi, a renowned saxophonist himself, played the Saxophone at Sri Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore, one of the oldest temples in India. Watching him play as a child attracted me towards the instrument,” she says.
“He used to frequently travel for concerts and someone else needed to replace him during those times, which helped me take up the Saxophone more seriously. I was in the 6th grade then. When I started playing in the temple, I played three times throughout the day. People were amused to see a girl Saxophonist. The never expected the kind of appreciation I received. That motivated me even further,” says Sindhu.
Growing up with the Saxophone
After finishing her schooling in Infant Jesus School in Bolar, Sindhu went to Canara PU College, and completed her BBM and MBA from SDM College in the city. However, music was always her first education. Travelling for concerts and performing on various events was very frequent as Sindhu was growing up.
She says, “I used to travel a lot with my father. I was always on the run as I was attending concerts. The events kept me engaged and I enjoyed playing the Saxophone and traveling as well.”
My teachers, My motivators and My inspiration…
“My father is my first teacher. I have learnt vocals from Gopal Krishna Iyer and received formal training from Srinath Marate,” says Sindhu.
Mentioning a few names, she said, “I would not be what I am today unless Ramanatha Hegde, Trustee at Sri Mangaladevi Temple in Mangaluru. He had motivated me as a young child, Mr Devraj, Principal (SDM College – Mangalore) would give me the leverage to chase my dreams and Mr. B R Shetty of UAE Exchange, who gave me several concerts and musical exposure on the global stage.
I am fortunate and blessed because of these people in my life, says Sindhu.
Living Life in Dubai!
Currently, Sindhu resides in Dubai and works as a marketing professional at the UAE Exchange in Dubai. Now in her twenties, she works hard and believes in living life to the fullest. However, she is disciplined and makes a point to practice every day.
She says, “I love the appreciation but I never laid back. My father has taught me to practice until you perfect it.” Thus Sindhu is keen on learning different genres apart from classical and is currently learning Jazz in Dubai.
Concluding her chat, Sindhu said, “When I started, there were no female Saxophonists. But today the number is twice more than men. I have never come across any kind of prejudice while playing in, what people think to be a male oriented instrument. Thus I urge more women to pick up the Saxophone.”
