Melodies from my soul, composing stories untold – Carrying forward a legacy of composing…
I have not had the opportunity of visiting the temples however I could virtually tour these temples in my mind and visualise the deities and compose kritis on all of them which was possible only with the blessings of my father. Thus was born 108 Divya desa kritis , 51 Sakthi peeta kritis , sapta vidanga Stala kritis and so on and so forth .
– Dr. Rukmini Ramani
As a Composer
As a composer, Dr. Rukmini Ramani proudly follows in the footsteps of her illustrious father, the legendary composer Sri Papanasam Sivan. She has carved her own unique path, creating a rich repertoire of compositions in Tamil and Sanskrit that are now being showcased by leading Carnatic musicians in their concerts.
Dr.Rukmini Ramani has composed on various Hindu pantheons, patriotism, Nature etc. Her compositions include Gitam, ,Swarajathi,Jathiswaram,Varnam –Thana varnams, Pada Varnams, Navaraga Varnams and Thillanas. Some of her notable compositions include Sri Kapaleeswarar, Thiruvarur and Sri Maha Periyava Pancharathnam, 12 Dwadasa Jyothirlinga Krithis, 108 Divyakshetra Keerthanas, Panchabhootha sthala krithis, Saptavidanga Krithis, Ashta Veerateshwara Krithis and 51 Shakthi Peeta Krithis etc.
Sri Kapaleeswarar Pancharathnam like Tygaraja Pancharathnam is being sung by many vidwans every year in Narada Gana Sabha on 26th of September.
These compositions showcase her deep understanding of musical intricacies, lyrical finesse, and profound spiritual themes. One of her most acclaimed compositions, “Sri Kapaleeswarar Pancharathnam,” holds a special place and is regularly telecast by Pothigai TV in Chennai, further cementing its popularity among music lovers.
Not only limited to music compositions, Dr. Rukmini Ramani’s musical genius extends to crafting compositions for dance dramas and operas, which are performed by renowned dancers such as Smt. Srikala Bharath, Smt. Sheela Unnikrishnan, Smt. Lakshmi Ramaswamy, Smt. Jayanthi Subramanian, and many others, along with their talented students. Her Dance compositions and Operas are performed by leading dancers in South India and overseas. Some of her notable music operas include Bhakta Meera, Raghavendra, Amrapali, Srinivasa Kalyanam, Arupadai Veedu, AranyaKandam, Sundara Kandam, management qualities of Lord Rama and Navarasa of Seetha In Ramayanam, Varahi Vandal, Thiyagasheelargal, Bharatha in Ramayanam, Karna in Mahabharatham, Bannathai, a character in Mohal dynasty and Poonkuzhali in Ponniyinselvan of Kalki and Janani Jagathkarani, Kannagi Kavyam, Sri Yokiram Surathkumar, Bikshandanar, Adi Parasakthi in three forms Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Thanthondri Perumal ofKarur and Veeram Vilainda Bhoomiyile on the occasion of 75th Independence day for Iyal Isai Nataka mandram.
Her music operas encompass a diverse range of themes, including mythological tales, historical narratives, and spiritual journeys, captivating audiences with their enchanting melodies and immersive storytelling.
Through her compositions, Dr. Rukmini Ramani’s artistic brilliance shines, creating a legacy that not only honors her father’s legacy but also establishes her as a composer of great stature in her own right. Her musical contributions continue to inspire and captivate audiences, bridging the realms of classical music, dance, and storytelling, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of Indian performing arts.