My interest in Carnatic Music has only grown from the time I started learning flute at the age of 7. It is certainly because of the background in which I was brought up, with my parents deeply interested in music, that I have been able to balance well between studies and music. I must also credit my brother, Karthik for this, for he has been a source of endless motivation for me.
I owe it to my gurus, Smt. N. Kesi (Flute), Smt. Rajeswari Gopal (Vocal) and Smt. Suguna Purushothaman (Vocal), and all the legends whose music I have been hearing over the years, for helping me build up my knowledge in this wonderful style of music.
Some of the awards/prizes I have won in this field include:
- Spirit of Youth award - The Music Academy, Madras (2006)
- Flute Mali Endownment Prize - Krishna Gana Sabha (2004)
- Second prize in Instrumental (flute) competition - AIR (2003)
- Junior Instrumentalist Award - The Music Academy, Madras (1999)
- Winner of Rota Music Talent Contest - Narada Gana Sabha (1997)
- Scholarship - Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi
- First Prize in the Junior category - Mylapore Fine Arts Club (1994)