She was a simple woman with divinity in her voice

When I think of M.S. Subbulakshmi, the word that comes to my mind is ''devi''. For, never have I seen a performer who could elevate music to the adhyatmic (spiritual) level as she did. When she performed, it wasn't just a beautiful lady singing; there was a certain divinity that shone through. And this is what will always stay with me-the beauty and purity that emanated when she sang or talked. Like millions of people across the world, I admired her singing. The world of music is poorer for her demise.

My association with Subbulakshmi goes back to 1949 when I used to go to Chennai to perform at music festivals. I often visited her palatial house, Kalki Gardens, where we had lunch sitting cross-legged on the floor and eating from a plantain leaf. It was a wonderful experience. She stayed in a big house but lived a simple life, untouched by adulation or her celebrity status. Once, at a concert, she came to me and like a child praised my music; to be appreciated by her was a memorable experience. She was modesty personified. When she paid compliments to me it made me feel humble, grateful and happy. She was very special to me and her nearness was inspiring.

Though I am not a Carnatic musician, I could immediately grasp her music which surpassed all styles. Her voice too was unique, combining deep, pure emotion and technical perfection. Sometimes I couldn't understand the text because it was in Telugu or Tamil, but her delivery, approach and appeal were unique and heavenly. I have seen her perform in Chennai and in London. She had the ability to convert a concert hall into a temple because of the bhakti in her voice, something so sublime.

We are both Bharat Ratna awardees, but she should have been given the award earlier because she deserved it more than anyone else. She introduced Carnatic music to the world by performing at Edinburgh, the Carnegie Hall, the UN and elsewhere. But her contribution to music is special because of the emotion she suffused it with. Her own persona was purified because of her music, humility and God's blessings. A devout lady, Subbulakshmi was a follower of the Paramacharya and other gods. But her singing was beyond it all. I was moved to tears when I heard her shlokas.

From humble beginnings in Madurai, Subbulakshmi became a legend, an inspiration for women to take up music. For Subbulakshmi, however, it was her husband T. Sadasivam who was the anchor and impresario, the man who had a lasting influence on her. She probably wouldn't have reached the pinnacle if it weren't for him. Then again, it was possible because she had it in her to make it. In fact, I called Sadasivam 'Sada givam' because they gave so much to charity even after moving from the palatial house to a smaller place. A humanitarian and philanthropist, Subbulakshmi used her voice to promote education and eradicate suffering.

I was pained to see her suffer towards the end. She was a blessed woman and a joyful soul who communicated her inner bliss to her music. For me and other music lovers, she is immortal and her music will continue to provide peace to the world.

The writer is a world-renowned sitar player.