Renowned veena exponent Rajhesh Vaidhya has achieved a remarkable feat by playing 60 songs continuously in 60 minutes at an event held at Savera Hotel, Chennai. Recognized by the Asia Book of Records, he and his band members – Marshall Robinson on keyboard, Kumaran SS on drums, and Sai Hari on Ghatam – received the title ‘Maximum song snippets played on a veena in an hour.’
This record comes as part of Vaidhya’s ongoing social media initiative, #DoYouHaveAMinute, which he began over three months ago, posting one-minute videos of song covers. While he initially started solo, his band members joined later to enhance the performances.
During the live performance on June 30, the ensemble began with classics like ‘Chinna Thayaval’ from Thalapathy and ‘Chinna Chinna Vanna Kuyil’ from Mouna Raagam, followed by hits including ‘Vizhiyile’, ‘Thendral Vandhu Thedumbodhu’, ‘Kaadhal Sadugudu’, and ‘Anjali Anjali’. Actor-director Suhasini Mani Ratnam and actors Prasanna, Raaj Kamal, and Latha Rao were among the distinguished guests who applauded the performance.
June 30 also marked the 100th day of Vaidhya’s #DoYouHaveAMinute series, with the veena maestro posting a cover of ‘Aasai Nooruvagai’ from the 1983 film Adutha Varisu. The series also features special dedications, such as ‘Poonkaatru Pudhidhaanadhu’ on World Music Day, ‘Vaa Vaa Vasanthame’ for Malaysia Vasudevan, and ‘Meendum Meendum Vaa’ on Ilaiyaraaja’s birthday. A recent mashup dedicated to Ilaiyaraaja included bass by Aalaap Raju and vocals by Vaidhya’s daughter, Malavika.
Vaidhya, who has collaborated with legendary composers like Ilaiyaraaja, AR Rahman, Harris Jayaraj, and Devi Sri Prasad, has an impressive career of stage performances, independent albums, and film contributions. In 2010, he was honored with the Kalaimamani Award by the Tamil Nadu government for his contributions to music.
This record-breaking performance highlights Vaidhya’s virtuosity and dedication to keeping classical music relevant and accessible in the digital age.
