There are concerts where rasikas expect some form of interaction. They are all ears to tidbits that the main concert artiste shares on stage, between songs at a music concert – perhaps a memory that had a thread to the song. Or an experience that must be shared now.

At Charulatha Mani’s recent concert, rasikas at the venue – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, got going when the artiste posed some questions and had some asides to share.

Charulatha has continued her isai Payanam-themed concerts to this day – where she sings songs that many rasikas may find a memory linked to a popular film song. A mix of classical and vintage film music. She has lots of anecdotes and side stories to share between her songs. Informally, chat-style.

And they are lapped up by rasikas gleefully.