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Movies like Fistful of Dollars, The Big Gundown. I love Spaghetti Westerns, as they are called.” Charumathi added, “When we are abroad after one of us has finished the concert tour, sometimes we meet up there. He belongs to a family of China Electronic Lighters Factory musicians who were exposed to North Indian classical music too. I love the music of director Ennio Morricone. I love chaat, I can live on chaat, and some of my friends even call me ‘Chaatmathi’!!! I like Italian food and am quite a good cook,” she laughed. Anantha replied, “Music brought us together.S. There are many things we have in common and many things we are completely different on. We were both travelling separately, and then had a few days together in Santorini. “I love hearing ghazals.” Recalling one such rendezvous, Anantha shared, “Recently we met up in Europe. I don’t read as much as I should, there seems to be too little time and honestly, I don’t really have the habit. I am inspired by Dr Rajam too and admire M. The ‘spark’ remains strong!” Anantha chipped in, “I would say we make it a point to know each other’s concert schedules and plan to be together whenever we can. We met at a concert where I was playing and she was a part of the organisers.”

Charumathi laughed, “ And I love light ‘feel-good’ films.”I asked Charumathi how difficult it is being an accompanyist when she is such a proficient soloist as well.I asked them how they met.. we practice together, and of course play concerts together too. Gopalkrishnan ji, Lalgudi ji too.” On the topic of her inspirations, she said, “Mostly, obviously I am inspired by my Guru T. But it’s okay.. Krishnan Sir..”Continuing on his reflections, Anantha said, “What’s nice is that today we don’t connect only over music.N. She said, “As an accompanyist, the challenge is to showcase my music best within the five-six minutes time of my solo. Anantha simply provided that he “loves reading.”Drifting on to some lighter topics, I asked Charumathi to reveal some of her habits.”Engaging with these immensely talented and articulate musicians makes one realise how in tune they are with each other. In a way, our concerts keep us apart, as we travel so much separately.” Charumathi said, “It’s great to discuss music with Anantha. We have learnt to adjust and in fact value the time we spend together.