Trilok Gurtu is one of my gurus: Sivamani

"I have been a drummer since the time I was in my mother's womb, I matched the beats of her heart," announces percussionist Sivamani. We'll believe.

The artist, who is known for his magic with different styles of drums will be performing in the city today, at Vandan, a tribute concert for Pandit Prabhakar Chary. The event will see several big names as part of its line-up which includes Jazz great Louiz Banks, Sheldon D'Silva on bass, Ravi Chary on sitar and famous percussionist Trilok Gurtu.

Trilok Gurtu

Sivamani considers Gurtu as one of the artistes whose work captured his imagination; the maverick artiste even calls him his guru. "I have five gurus - my father SM Anandan, Noel Grant, Billy Cobham, Louis Prabhakaran and Trilok Gurtu. Trilok bhai is responsible for opening my third eye. This is the happiest day of my life as I get to perform with him," he explains.

Ravi Chary

Ask him what he plans to play and he says, "I don't know what will happen on stage. It will be a surprise." Sivamani credits his father, who was also a drummer, for influencing him to start drumming, "and because I had a drum kit for free at home," he jokes. Like Banks, who is known for his work in the Indian Jazz scene, Sivamani too started out with a Jazz band: "When I went to Germany with the band, I saw the number of percussion instruments that one could experiment with and I realised that a band needs more than just drums. I then started playing the congo, African drums, mridangam and more."

Sivamani working his magic

Apart from the concert, Sivamani, who has been the man behind the drums for several soundtracks by AR Rahman, is busy composing the music for his first Tamil film that will star the likes of Vikram Prabhu (Sivaji Ganesan's grandson). A personal album is on the cards as well that will feature Sufi singer Runa Rizvi, and Stephen Devassy.

On: Today, 7.30 pm onwards
At: Nehru Centre, Worli.
Passes At venue (24964680), Rhythm House (43222727) and www.bookmyshow.com