Amidst the controversy over Vande Mataram, top classical musician L Subramaniam today said the national song is a "beautiful melody" that should be respected by all Indians.

"It is a beautiful melody, and at least as a piece of melody every Indian should respect it," said the violonist.

Speaking at the release here of his biographical film and documentary "Violin from the Heart", Subramaniam said, "We as Indians identify ourselves with many things, and Vande Mataram is one of them. That is the reason why it has survived for such a long time." Subramaniam, who has colloborated with maestros like Yehudi Menuhin and jazz musicians like Stephane Grapelli and Herbie Hancock, focussed on his intiation into Indian classical music and his experiences with the violin he calls his "greatest companion" in the first-person documentary film.

One of the highlights of the documentary is a performance of a piece in raga Mohanam with violin maestro Menuhin. The film was directed by Jean Henri Meunier.

Talking about his association with Menuhin, Subramanian said, "He was a good friend and I consider it a great privilege that I was assocaited with this legend." Whenever Menuhin performed with Subramanian, he played his violin sitting cross-legged like other Indian classical musicians.

Subramaniam studied medicine and got registered as a general practitioner before deciding to dedicate his life to playing the violin. Subramanian is married to Bollywood singer Kavitha Krishnamurthy.

--- PTI