Yesudas to sing for his 'Gulf brothers' in the UAE

"I like to perform in the Gulf because my songs provide solace to my brothers and sisters who have come to the Gulf for their livelihood," said K.J. Yesudas, the famous Padmabhushan award-winning Indian singer during a press conference at the Al Ain Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

In the UAE to perform in the capital, Sharjah and Dubai, Yesudas was responding to a question about his view on his Gulf performances.

"I know a lot of my brothers and sisters have come here to earn their livelihood. Living far away from their own native country. I know after a hard day's work or living on their own without their family they listen to Yesudas and Jayachandran for relaxation."

"As an artist I also enjoy the warmth and sincerity with which I am welcomed here in the Gulf," he added. The United States was however a different matter and he denied he had settled in the U.S. contrary to media reports. He's based in Chennai today and has been there for 40 years, clarified Yesudas who recently crossed the 60-year mark.

Questioned about his son, Vijay Yesudas's singing prowess, the veteran pointed out, "I don't rate myself, how can I rate him? But if he has to go far he has to work hard and absorb different kinds of music. He has to listen to legends and not let a minute of his go waste."

He recounted his own struggling days when he only thought about music and rectified his own drawbacks. "I thought about my weaknesses and worked on it," he said. Yesudas adores Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Soundarajan. "But, I forget them when I sing because you have to create your own music," he added.

Golden oldies from the Prem Nazir and Satyen era, Mapilla (Muslim) songs and numbers from new Indian films will be the highlight of this much-awaited three-and-a-half-hour live concert featuring Yesudas, popular playback singer Chitra and Vijay Yesudas.

Organised by Events Unlimited and marketed by the Press Centre and Art Production, this musical programme Gandarva Sandya 2002 is being sponsored by Atlas Jewellery.

The ticket rates range from Dhs 200 for the VVIP to Dhs 25 for the ordinary class. There are also special gallery for Dhs 40, family class (Group) for Dhs 175, family class for Dhs 50, VIP (group) for Dhs 350 and VIP Dhs 100.

This music maestro will also perform at the Sharjah Expo Centre on Thursday and on Friday at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai.