Carnatic musicians Roopa Mahadevan and Sruti Sarathy have embarked on a unique project titled Songs for Many Lives, which aims to honor the early South Asian immigrants to the Bay Area through original Carnatic compositions. The project features seven songs inspired by the lives of these immigrants, including notable figures like Dhan Gopal Mukerji and Tinku Ishtiaq.
In a recent preview performance at 477 Minna in San Francisco, Mahadevan, Sarathy, and their talented ensemble showcased their solid musicianship and subversive compositions, eliciting a standing ovation from the audience. The project delves into the diverse and radical experiences of South Asian immigrants in the Bay Area, shedding light on stories that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
One of the songs, “Song For A Dead Sister,” pays tribute to Sitha Vemireddy, a teenage girl who fell victim to caste-based violence and human trafficking in the Bay Area. Through their music, Mahadevan and Sarathy aim to not only entertain but also educate and raise awareness about the struggles and triumphs of early desi immigrants in the region.
The genesis of the project was a response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, with Sarathy penning the song “Tedade Maname” to express South Asian solidarity with the movement. This led to a realization that Carnatic music has the potential to address contemporary issues and tell stories that resonate with personal experiences, beyond traditional devotional songs.
Despite potential pushback from more conservative elements within the Carnatic music community, Mahadevan and Sarathy remain committed to their vision. They are currently refining their performance for the official premiere of Songs for Many Lives, scheduled for 2025. The duo is open to feedback and suggestions from audiences on how to further develop the project and reach a wider audience.
Supported by the Creative Works Fund and in partnership with the Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA), Songs for Many Lives is a testament to the power of music in preserving and sharing the untold stories of marginalized communities. Through their innovative approach to Carnatic music, Mahadevan and Sarathy are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse representation of the South Asian diaspora in the Bay Area and beyond.
