Mridangam vidwan Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman got a standing ovation at his Music Academy concert featuring vocalist Aswath Narayanan.

Seated on a chair alongside the stage, the veteran enjoyed himself as he always does, playing even for youngsters.

He chose to say a few words. He said he was 90 now. But that age was just a number.

He said he first performed at the Academy when it celebrated its silver jubilee. “The Academy is the Mecca of music,” he said. And he had a warm word for Ashwath.

Rasikas cheered even as he spoke.

It was an emotional moment for many at the Academy.