Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Saxophone Subbalaxmi

M S SUBBALAXMI, A.K.A SAXOPHONE SUBBALAXMI One of the best professional celebrity Women Saxophonist in India today

Mysore Sainatha Subbalaxmi from Bangalore, India, secured the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon playing saxophone, with an impressive duration of 26 hours and 23 minutes. This remarkable achievement took place from 18 to 19 February 2023. Notably, she accomplished this feat while being seven months pregnant, adding an extraordinary element to her record-setting performance.

She specializes in a diverse range of music genres, encompassing Carnatic, Fusion, and Bollywood Music. With a whopping 3000+ performances worldwide, she’s not just playing the Saxophone; she’s turning every performance into a dance party, making her audience swing.

She proudly claims to play saxophone fluently in over 109 languages, including Kannada, English, Hindi, and Telugu.

Saxophone Subbalaxmi also awarded with very prestigious “PADMABHARATHI”, “YUVAKALA BHARATHI”, “Limca book of record” and many more. Humility still remains a hallmark.

Let’s Get Inspired

In Conversation with Saxophone Subbalaxmi
– Preeti Juneja

Q. What difficulties did you encounter transitioning from Carnatic music to playing the Saxophone and embracing Western musical elements in your saxophone performances?

Classical music is a different genre characterized by its unique elements, including intricate ‘gamakas’, ‘bendings’, and specific blowing techniques. The approach to playing sahitya in this genre also sets it apart. Initially, I encountered challenges adapting to this style; it did not sound so Westernized. The nuances of bending in Western and classical music presented distinct challenges, with classical playing emphasizing straight notes. Overcoming these differences required long research and posed a substantial yet rewarding challenge.

Q. What lifestyle habits do you adhere to in your daily routine to enhance your overall performance, concentration, and motivation?

There is no separate daily routine for this; it’s all about consistent practice—just practice, practice, and more practice. That’s the key! To enhance playing and sustain technique, incorporating pranayama is essential. Even if it’s not a daily commitment, practising pranayama significantly helps a lot.

Q. You mentioned in one of your interviews, “I proved that women too can play the saxophone.” Given the fascination many young girls have with your performances, do you intend to offer saxophone lessons or teach in the future?

Yes, I do have the intention to teach. I conduct online classes, where I have a female student and some youngsters. I’m open to anyone interested in learning and genuinely delighted to share my knowledge. Additionally, I’ve provided lecture demonstrations and free classes for numerous NGOs, including sessions for children.

Q. Guinness World Records: You have achieved the longest marathon playing the Saxophone, lasting 26 hours and 23 minutes during your pregnancy. What factors played a crucial role in realizing this dream? Additionally, did you receive any particular congratulatory messages that held special significance for you?

My dream and goal were to achieve a world record alongside Kenny G, and I am thrilled to have accomplished it. I attribute this success to the pride of our nation, and it feels like making history. I take great pride in what I have achieved, and while I have received numerous recognitions and appreciation globally, my motivation was for more than just personal recognition. I undertook this endeavour to contribute to our nation’s pride.

Q.’ Saxophone in a saree is my pride’. Your sarees travel the world. Would you be open to promoting Indian Handloom Textiles or Mysore Silk if given an opportunity?

I will be happy to actively promote Indian handloom sarees, including my collection of social sarees.

Q. Children in many Indian Traditional families start learning music very early in life. By the time they reach adulthood, they have mastered the art but may not opt for it as a profession. What can be done to promote music at a higher level? How can we create more jobs in this field?

Indeed, when students pursue their education beyond the 10th grade, it becomes a crucial stage for choosing their professional careers. If the educational system emphasizes music and art on par with other subjects and the government actively promotes them, it could significantly influence children to explore and study music and art. This approach has the potential to foster a greater appreciation for these cultural pursuits and encourage more students to consider them as viable career options.

Q. What message would you like to give the world on International Women’s Day? By breaking gender barriers, women can unlock their full potential, make their own decisions, and excel in the field they are passionate about. How can we overcome these gender barriers?

Certainly, we can. Women aspiring to succeed in their careers often encounter various challenges and obstacles. Each time, they find themselves in the position of having to prove their worth and capabilities. This scenario is prevalent across all fields.

On International Women’s Day, I want to convey that despite these ups and downs, it’s crucial to confront and navigate through them. The challenges you face will contribute to your resilience and strength, ultimately aiding you in reaching your goals. Remember, with time, these hurdles will fortify you, and you will successfully reach your destination. I wish you all the best and want to reiterate that this is not just a motivational message; it’s a call to action. Forge ahead, and you will undoubtedly attain your objectives.

Rapid-Fire:

Who is your favourite Saxophone artist? My all-time favorite, my guruji, Dr. Padmasri,Dr. Kadri Gopalanaraji.
How do stay optimistic and motivated? Because of my audience.
At what age, did you get your first recognition/ award? In the year 2005
Any plans for Bollywood or Hollywood or Bollywood or Tollywood? Yes, I have plans to re-enter Tollywood.
If I wanted to have an alternate career, what would it be? I’ll be a very good animator.

One-Liners:

When in doubt I listen to: My Guruji, Padmasriddha Kali Gopalachi’s performances. For Western, I listen to Kedji.
I love to play this song: I love to play ‘Churaliya’song; and in South Indian classical music I play Krishnali Begum.
In my pastime, I mainly: Listen to a new genre and I will try to adapt the style and saxophone.
I can cook very tasty: Seafood.
My latest discovery: I have created a new fusion composition.

About Author

Saxophone Subbalaxmi

Saxophone Subbalaxmi started learing music at the age of 5, then encouraged by her family and enthused by her teachers, she took up a unique instrument like Saxophone at the age of 13. Over the years, she has grown as a famous professional celebrity Saxophonist in India.