They’re from the palm-fringed state of Kerala, but their lives ? and love for music ? are inexorably entwined with Bengal. Meet Manoj and Manisha Murali Nair, a brother and sister duo who has embraced their enthusiasm for Rabindrasangeet and made it their career calling. Growing up in Tagore territory, Shantiniketan, only fuelled the siblings’ determination to break into the hitherto Bengali- dominated world of Rabindrasangeet, and make their mark.

Singing professionally for the past four years now, Manoj and Manisha have released 10 Rabindrasangeet albums till date, their most recent one being Phagun Haway, a collaboration with the late Pandit V. Balsara. The sole instrumental backing on the album came by way of the piano. “The less cluttered by instruments Rabindrasangeet is, the more beautiful and pure it sounds,” says Manoj.

A Masters degree-holder in Hindusthani classical music, Manoj never ever thought that Rabindrasangeet would one day become his vocation of choice. It was only after winning the Bangla Sangeet Mela contest in 2000 (Manoj’s Rabindrasangeet demo tape was chosen from 2,000 other entries) that Bishwa Roy of Bhavna Records approached him and encouraged the Murali Nair siblings to release an album together. That album was Dakshino Pavana and it marked the beginning of a truly wonderful musical journey.

While Manoj and Manisha have also released solo albums over the past few years, they prefer being a team and singing together. And yes, while being Malayalees has caused them to feel like outsiders at times, what really matters to the siblings is that audiences have accepted them.

Manoj:

Our family moved to Shantiniketan when I was about eight. Both our parents are dancers and my father, Kalamandalam Muralidharan joined Vishwa Bharati University as the Kathakali guru. Besides Manisha who is five years my junior, we also have a brother Manish. The three of us have always been close ? even taking singing classes together, but Manisha and I have always enjoyed a special bond. She’s been a constant support for me ? be it professionally or emotionally. In fact, I’ve come to depend on her so much that I can’t bear to think of the time when she gets married.

As kids, I remember our mother taking us to perform at various Durga Puja cultural programmes around Shantiniketan. We’d travel by train and more often than not, it was difficult to get a seat. So Manish, Manisha and myself would break into song ? believe me, that was great way of landing a seat!

My sister Manisha might look a picture of calm and repose but beneath it all, she’s got this mischievous streak that still surfaces from time to time. As a child, she was really naughty ? a regular brat! She loved playing tricks and always pulled the “only sister” card. Whenever I’d buy a gift for a friend, she’d always manage to wangle the present away from me. Through it all though, I’ve always played the older protective brother. In many ways, I’ve grown even more protective of Manisha, especially now that we are striving to make our mark in the world of entertainment, not exactly the safest place for a woman.

Working with Manisha is great. It’s a collaboration in the true sense of the word, with both of us giving inputs. Yet, at times, Manisha acts childish and starts to laugh and joke. That’s just about the only thing that annoys me about her, as when it comes to work, I’m very serious.

That said however, I love my sister very much. She’s really caring and is the only one who can read my mind and understand my moods.

As for her voice ? it’s magical. There are times, when I get intimidated to sing with her as her voice has an amazingly smooth and soothing quality to it. One can almost meditate listening to her sing. My only advice to her then is to keep singing and always strive to become the very best she can be.

Manisha:

From a very young age, I’ve always loved spending time with Manoj ? never mind that I’d fight a lot with him. Growing up in Shantinketan, Manoj, Manish and I would play a lot together. And I’d insist on them playing “girlie games” too. So we’d play games like ‘kit-kit’ where I’d be the only one aware of the rules. I was quite naughty in the sense that when I’d be losing, I’d change the rules to my convenience. Then again, this was my way of getting back at them. Both Manoj and Manish would make me play cricket with them, but I’d never get a chance to bat or bowl. All I was allowed to do was field.

Our childhood escapades aside though, Manoj and I have always been extremely close. He’s my guiding light and has instilled a confidence in me I never knew I had. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that one day I’d be doing concerts in front of thousands of people. Even my parents were hesitant about letting me enter this field, but Manoj convinced them otherwise. In many ways, he’s like my guru and singing without him by my side is near inconceivable.

What I admire most about my brother, from a professional point of view, is that you can’t find anyone more serious or sincere about his/her work. With him, there’s no compromise on perfection. You see, Manoj is never satisfied with what he’s done and always believes that the job can be done better.

At the same time, Manoj is the type of person who underestimates himself. If something doesn’t go according to plan, he thinks everything will come apart at the seams. He’s also a tad short-tempered and when he gets angry with me, I feel really awful. Nevertheless, he’s the best brother a girl could ask for!