Morning Raaga

A trained classical dancer, Harini Madhira has set out to make Hyderabad a destination for celebrated artists with her company Cisne for Arts

What is Cisne for Arts?

Cisne for Arts is an event management company which was set up in 2009. It is dedicated to or­g­a­nising the best art events around the city. Our whole motto is to work with unique concepts. In the past we have organised the Jugalbandi with Jagjit Singh-Gulzar and Abida Parveen- Muzaffar Ali. We have also hosted a concert with Kailash Kher and most recently, The Mystic Cho­r­ds with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan along with Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan.

Why did you decide to set it up?

I am a classical dancer and I used to performed 8-9 years ago.That was when I realised that there were not many platforms to perform at. I worked for different event management companies like Wizcraft and Banyan Tree but there was something still missing. I wanted to contribute to various Indian art forms and bridge the gap. I wanted to make Hyderabad ‘the’ destination for celebrated artists because I personally feel that Hyderabad is a culturally rich city and has the potential to be a visual treat for people.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a Telugu girl who was born and brought up in Delhi. I went to sc­hool in Dehradun then came ba­ck to Delhi for my graduation. I att­ended Miranda House for my Bach­e­l­ors and did my Masters in music. I am a trained musician and am a classical dancer.

Who do you think had a major influence on you?

All the credit goes to my parents es­pecially my father who encourag­ed me to see the world by mys­elf. I never stayed at home and I was always out doing summer jobs.

Why the inclination towards music?

My parents always took my two ol­der brothers and me to various co­n­certs and gigs. I was only five when I first started attending these conce­rts and by eight, I could identify all the raagas. It was not about understa­nding it then, it was just about getting accustomed to it. My father us­ed to say that music will be your b­e­st friend when you are in need. At ­le­ast when you cry, you will cry in rhythm.

If you were not a musician, what would you be doing right now?

I most definitely would have been an interior designer. I have a diploma in interior designing which was only second favourite to music. My first job in fact was in a fashion house and worked on two TV shows – Lakme Khoobsurat and the Good Home Show. Working in that firm gave me a lot of exposure and I learnt things the hard way. Therefore, setting up a firm of my own was not that difficult because I knew the tricks of the trade.

Working as an event manager, how would you rate the experience?

I would say that working as an ev­ent manager hasn’t been easy. If tr­uth be told, events are rather diffic­ult anad aren’t as glamourous as th­ey look. Its a huge gamble and its all about convincing corporates. For one of our events, we didn’t have a cash sponsor nor were any funds raised but I singlehandedly managed everything.

Would you like to say something to the youngsters?

I believe that my passion for music is what drives me so find your passion too.

First Job: As a salesgirl for ONIDA

Motto: I want to make Hyderabad the most popular destination for artists

Inspiration: My undying passion towards music

Last movie seen: Devasthanam

Last book read: I don’t read a lot but I did read the Shiva Trilogy

Favourite tollywood actor: Vishwanath

Tags: Cisne for Arts, featured, full-image, Harini Madhira, trained classical dancer

Category: City, Profiles