Sri Umayalpuram Mahalingam, known as Umayalpuram Mali on the stage learned Mridangam from Sri. Kumbakonam Rajappa Iyer and later from Padmashri Sri. Umayalpuram Sivaraman. He is a grade "A" artist of All India Radio. He has accompanied all leading carnatic musicians and has won several awards including the Sir Henry Cowell Award from Music Academy, Chennai. A quiet and unassuming person, he uses his Mridangam to express his creative thoughts. Mali has traveled to many parts of the world and recently he was a scholar in residence at Amherst college. In an interview with Lokvani, Mali spoke about his passion for Mridangam and Carnatic music.

Lokvani: How did you develop an interest in Carnatic music?

Mali: I come from a family of musicians. I grew up surrounded by music. My father was a fairly good carnatic musician. So it was natural that I came to love Carnatic music.

Lokvani: You are from Umayalpuram and yet you chose to begin your learning under Kumbakonam Rajappa Iyer rather than Sivaraman?

Mali: Actually it was Shivaraman Sir who took me to Rajappa Iyer. Rajappa Iyer is one of the finest teachers of Mridangam. He has made teaching, rather than performance his career and has trained some of the finest Mridangam players. But later after my arangetram, I did learn under Shivaraman Sir.

Lokvani:Did you also want to choose Mridangam playing as your career?

Mali: Well I really wanted to gain mastery over the instruments. But I did not think of career in Mridangam right away. I have a B.Sc. in mathematics and I took up a job after my graduation. For some time I was working while continuing to play professionally. But after a while I realized that I have to make decision. Thus I gave up my job and took this up as a career.

Lokvani: It must have been a difficult decision? What helped you finally make the choice? Have you regretted the choice?

Mali: Well I had full faith in God and my ability to work hard. I think this faith guided my decision. Mridangam was my passion and I had a vision to gain mastery on the instrument. I decided to chase my vision. I have to emphatically say that I have not regretted my choice even for a moment. I am also blessed to have a very supportive family.

Lokvani: Who is your favorite composer?

Mali: While I like all compositions, Thyagaraja touches me the most. Something about his compositions touches my inner soul. Every year I go to the Thyagaraja festival in Thiruvaiyaru. I cannot describe the feeling one gets when one hears all the great musicians coming together to sing the Pancharatna Kritis.

Lokvani: You have been a scholar-in-residence at Amherst College. How did you enjoy that experience?

Mali: It was wonderful. I was amazed at the interest that the students showed in learning carnatic music. They were so open minded and had such a thirst for knowledge. It was great to see carnatic music being appreciated so much. They were very taken with the complexities of rhythmic patterns that exist in our musical system.

Lokvani: Would you like to learn any western genres of classical music or would you rather stick to carnatic music itself?

Mali: I feel that the carnatic percussion system is very flexible and extensive. I would like to stick to that.

Lokvani: What advice do you have for young and aspiring musicians?

Mali: Your music should be sincere. You should work hard and practice well. Have faith in your abilities.

Lokvani: Thank you very much for your time. We wish you the very best of luck.

Mali: Thanks for your good wishes.

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