It was some time in 1987. This 5-year-old boy affectionately called Charan at home was coaxed by his grandparents Sikkil Sisters to sing any tune. After quite a bit of cajoling, he sang a popular film number. His grandparents especially Smt Neela was amazed at the “sruthi sudhham” or tonal perfection in his singing and also the near-perfect alignment of the notes. Together they decided that he must pursue vocal music. Almost every second member in the family had taken up flute. Hence they were insistent that at least this boy should pursue a different art form namely singing, as he had already shown immense promise at that age.”

The above paragraph describes how I was fortunate enough to make my intial forays into the Divine Art called Carnatic music.  My father had shifted to Hyderabad at that juncture for official reasons and our whole family had to shift our base. Technically speaking, my music classes started then. My mother taught me the initial exercises and other songs like Mudhaakaratha modhakam, Madhuraashtakam, Kurai Onrum illai etc. She also taught flute to my sister and I used to involuntarily register those kritis also in my mind. A couple of years passed in such a fashion.

In 1990, we returned to Chennai(then, Madras). And my grandmothers wasted no time in putting me under the able guidance of Vaigal Sri S.Gnanaskandan, a sishya of Dandapani Desigar and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer . He was the Producer of All India Radio at that time and he would come over to our place to teach music. This unique practice, he continues till date, belying his age of 76. I know it would be a cliché to say that initially I had no interest and used to be playful during lessons. In my case, it was partially true. A strict person by nature, my Guru ensured I learnt properly and the people at home also created an ambience filled with music to build my interest in singing. They did succeed. Well, to a certain extent!!

MY GURUS
Vaigal S Gnanaskandan
My first and foremost teacher. My grandparents insisted that I must learn under him for one simple reason. His sincerity . Moreover his shaareeram or his voice timbre is something special. The glitter in his voice was what inspired her to ask him whether he was willing to take me as his student. He readily agreed and my classes began when I was 9 yrs old. Till date , he continues to come over to my place and teach . He is something more that just a teacher.He is our family member and the kind words of blessings he always has for us definitely imbibes so much confidence and good sentiments in every family member. A selfless teacher, in the true sense...

Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sikkil Kunjumani and Neela

I have always been an admirer of their music. Something different, something so unique about their style. As if , the flutes were spelling out the lyrics also . ( vaarthai kekkaramaari vaasippa!! ) As years passed , I was able to gather so much from them. Be it on how to plan a concert,selection of ragas,handling of manodharma, judging the audience mood and many more nuances which play a pivotal role in building up a successful kutcheri.They have imbibed in me a successful kutcheri bhani .  PRESENTATION is their forte and I continue to learn this aspect from them.

Smt. Mala Chandrasekar

I lost count of the number of people asking me how I am related to Mala. Many still think I am her son, some believe I am her brother , so on and so forth. She is my chitthi , my aunt. Affectionately known as Mala aunty, she has taught me several songs, valuable tips on music and other regular lessons. Residing in the same building,we share a special aunt-nephew relationship.

Smt. Radha Viswanathan
I had the good fortune of learning some priceless kritis like Swara raga sudha, Kartikeya gangeya, Rama rama gunaseema,Veenabheri from Radha mami. Moreover, melodious bhajans made popular by MS amma were also taught . I still remember the enjoyable sessions in her house along with Mala aunty and my cousins. There have been times when I used to look forward for holidays so that I can spend time with Mami and learn songs from her. I found her quite different as a Guru compared to others mentioned above. She was a fast teacher and I had to sharpen my grasping skills to cope up with her teaching methods. It benifitted me a lot. Even today I visit her and try to learn some kritis whenever time permits.

Titles and Awards

• Yuva Kala Bharathi – Bharat Kalachar- 2005
  
• Isai Chudar – Karthik Fine Arts - 2005 
  
• Naada Oli   - Naada Inbam - 2005
  
• "Best Vocalist proficient in all aspects of Music" - Indian fine Arts '2005
  
• TAG corporation's Ramabhadran Centenary Award for most promising young artiste of the year 2005
  
• Kalki Memorial Award – Kalki memorial Trust 2005
  (Youngest to receive this award)
  
• Dharmatma memorial Award – Raja Annamalaipuram Sabha - 2005
  
• Swarna Venkatesha Dikshitar award - Music academy conference 2002,2003,2004
  
• Best Concert - Music Academy Conference - 2003
  
• Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer award for best raga renditions  -  Sri Krishna gana sabha 2002
  
• Best Vocalist Award - Sri Krishna Gana Sabha in 2000
  
• Best Performer in Sub Senior Category during Music Season 2002 - - Indian Fine Arts society.
  
• Special Talent Award – Thyaga Bramha Gana Sabha ‘ 1997
  
• Awarded the Sangeetha Bhaskara title from Gnanaskandan trust, Chennai -1994
  
• Won several prizes during the competitions held at Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, Mylapore fine arts etc during the years 1995-1999.