Forget a concert hall, I prefer Puzhal jail

CHENNAI: I want to play for the inmates of Puzhal jail,” says Hindustani guitarist Poly Varghese. The Malayalam film composer turned- full-time patron of the arts reveals that his music is no longer created for any director or even God himself. He introspects, “My music comes from the agony of the people,” and involuntarily plays his mohan veena for a few moments with a pained expression.Poly is looking forward to playing at a jail in his hometown of Kerala next month, organised by some friends.The artiste states outright, “I have friends who are pickpockets and eunuchs.” And goes on, “My music is for them. This is why I don’t believe in playing at large auditoriums. They are not accessible to everybody.” With over 40 instruments at his house, it is evident that when this man says he breathes music, it is no exaggeration. Some quite unheard-of instruments find place there, such as the Aboriginal didgeridoo (a bamboo-crafted wind instrument), a pan flute and his own electric blue creation - the Poly Strings guitar. Asked about the effort that went into making the rather unconventional three-necked instrument and he recalls with a hint of relief, “It took four years of research for me to complete.” But, it appears, the struggle was most definitely worth every minute, as Poly impressively demonstrates a confluence of sounds of four instruments coming together quite seamlessly, as he strums the instrument – 33 strings in all! After a four year hiatus from the film industry, does this composer ever consider making a comeback? “Not at all,” he is clear. “My life is dedicated to the arts - theatre, classic films, music and poetry,” he explains and adds, “Most directors are only looking for commercial Kolaveri-type songs,” he openly distinguishes. The masses may crowd at large auditoriums and clap their hands to one hit song after another. But this musician goes against convention, irrespective of who is listening.He says, “I am most content playing at home . ” And for who ever wants to listen in, there will be no tickets at this concert. His invitation is simple, “Come.”