Singer, actor, and com poser MD Pallavi has teamed up with Bruce Lee Mani , musician and guitarist of the band Taaq, for a new project titled Kayaka . The project modernises the ancient Vachanas , ie, the poet ic verses written by 12th-century saints, workers, and artists, by setting them to a contemporary musical soundscape. “The project aims to frame these timeless writings on ethics, labour, and devotion in a new context for mod ern audiences,” the artistes shares. In a chat with us, they reflect on the timeless ideas in the Vacha nas, their relevance in today’s music, and why audiences are craving depth again. Excerpts:

THE IDEAS EXPLORED IN THE VACHANAS ARE STILL RELEVANT TO US TODAY: PALLAVI
Pallavi tells us that she has long been drawn to the verses of 12th-century saints, workers and artisans. “The ideas explored in the Vacha nas are so relevant to us today. They’re progressive, they talk about equality of gender, class and caste, and about finding the divine within one’s work. These are values I deeply believe in,” she says.

THE POEMS WRITTEN 800 YEARS AGO SPOKE ABOUT HOPE: BRUCE
For musician Bruce Lee Mani, these writings and music itself mirror the times we live in. “We live in strange times: the inequali ty, the hubris of people in power, the genocide being live-streamed... And yet, we’ve become desensitised. When you read or sing poems written 800 years ago, it’s heartbreaking to realise they were talking about the same things. But also about hope, transcendence and the belief that we can be better,” he says. He adds, “Pallavi and I are privileged in many ways; we haven’t lived the lives these poets wrote about. But our empathy with their voices is strong. If one listener feels moved to act kindly because of the music, that’s enough. Music doesn’t give measurable returns, but it can inspire quiet revolutions within people.”
EVEN IN A WORLD OF REELS, THERE’S A RETURN TO THE LONG FORM: PALLAVI
In an age where music is consumed through reels and short clips, Pallavi believes there’s still a space for mindful listening. “No doubt, there’s a short attention span audience who can’t focus beyond 30 seconds,” she admits. “But there’s also a return to the long form. People are craving something more immersive.”

THERE’S A MOVEMENT BACK TO LISTENING AS AN EXPERIENCE: BRUCE
Bruce agrees. “Over the past year, I’ve noticed more listening sessions happening across the world — and here in Bengaluru too. People sit together in vinyl shops for 45 minutes, just listening. No videos, no distraction. People are hungry for sin cerity and depth in music again, and it’s a great sign,” he says.

‘Bengaluru is open to both tradition and experimentation’ Presenting such heritage and thought on a modern stage, Pallavi says, is both challenging and exciting. But Bengaluru, she feels, offers the perfect audience. “The city is a cultural hub where people are open to both tradition and experimentation. It’s great to present these ideas to those who may not know them, and also to those who’ll be hearing them differently,” she notes. Bruce echoes her sentiment. “Bengaluru has always been a crossroads of cultures, languages and ideas. People here appreciate meaningful music — from a rock gig to a poetry performance. The city listens.”