Anjali Nandanji’s Journey: From Reluctant Beginner to Acclaimed Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam Guru
Join us as Anjali Nandanji shares her journey from a reluctant third-grader to an acclaimed Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam guru. Discover her thoughts on dance as a lifelong learning path, the challenges of online teaching, and her enduring passion for classical art forms.
Sampradaya Namasankeertanam: A Journey to the Divine
“Sampradaya Namasankeertanam is more than worship—it is a daily journey of devotion. It begins with invoking the blessings of revered gurus and welcoming the divine through the ceremonial Deepa Pradakshinam, where devotees emulate the joyous Gopikas dancing around Krishna. As the group sings kritis celebrating Bhagavan’s divine forms and qualities, they recreate Krishna’s playful leelas, longing for and rejoicing in His presence. This soulful practice reminds us that the divine resides within, waiting to be rediscovered through love and surrender.”
An Enchanting Evening of Music and Devotion at Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, McKinney
An Enchanting Evening of Music and Devotion
The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple in McKinney hosted a divine musical concert by the renowned Parupalli Sri Ranganath, accompanied by Chidatma Datta Chaganti on mridangam. The evening featured mesmerizing Annamacharya compositions and a heartfelt Shiva song, aligning with the temple’s Rudrabhisekham ritual for Karthika Masam. Captured beautifully by Madhu’s photography, the event was a blend of artistry and spirituality.
A personal highlight for me was Sri Ranganath using my newly delivered microphone for the first time—a treasure now imbued with divine music. Special thanks to Ravindra from AIKYA432Hz Band, Sameera Sripada, and Priest Narasimha Murty Garu for making this unforgettable evening possible. Sri Govinda! Har Har Mahadev!
From Carnatic Tunes to Ocean Waves: An Inspiring Musical Journey with Shanti Mahadevan
In this episode, we welcome Santhi Mahadevan ji, a Carnatic vocalist and dedicated music teacher. Santhi ji shares her inspiring journey, from her early days of training in classical music to her research in marine acoustics, all the while nurturing her passion for music. Tune in to learn about her journey, insights on music education, and advice on lifelong learning and dedication.
Kamakshi Ji to discuss the essential role of Riyaz (practice)
“Riyaz isn’t about long hours of repetition; it’s about making practice engaging and purposeful. Just 10 minutes of Sa with a tanpura can make a huge difference. Remember, before you sing, learn to listen. Music begins with hearing, absorbing, and understanding each note. So, spend time listening to diverse genres. Your voice is a muscle—nurture it, just as you would any other. Practice, rest, listen, and grow.” – Kamakshi Subramanian Mishra
Behind the Scenes of "Sagara Sayana" Music Video Recording: A Collaboration with Young Talent and Classic Carnatic Melodies
On November 2, 2024, Saravana Creations collaborated with Sirisha Duvvuru to bring M.D. Ramanathan's classic composition "Sagara Sayana" to life in a stunning music video. This project showcased young talents like Shriya Raja (vocals), Swapanthi Mallajosyula (violin), and Chidatma Datta Chaganti (mridangam), blending traditional Carnatic artistry with the expressive depth of raga Bageshri. Set against a backdrop in Allen, TX, the video captures not only the beauty of the music but the passion and dedication of each artist. This recording marks a tribute to the timeless allure of Carnatic music and the synergy between art and modern media.
The Unseen Melodies of a Carnatic Musician Nandita Padmanabhan's Journey
The Musical Journey of Nandita Padmanabhan
In today’s talk show, we’re delighted to welcome Ms. Nandita Padmanabhan, a distinguished Carnatic vocalist from Dallas, Texas. Born and raised in Bangalore in a family of avid music lovers, Nandita’s passion for Carnatic music was cultivated through constant exposure to classical music at home and at live concerts. With the guidance of esteemed gurus like Vidushi Madhavi Rajagopalan and Dr. Nagavalli Nagaraj, she developed her unique blend of traditional rigor and emotional depth, honing a style that captivates audiences across India and the U.S.
Throughout her journey, Nandita has adapted to diverse audiences, expanded her repertoire, and gracefully balanced her professional and personal life with her dedication to music. She emphasizes the importance of finding a dedicated guru and embracing music as a form of expression rather than a pressured pursuit. Nandita’s story is an inspiring reminder of how passion and perseverance can shape not only a musical career but a way of life.
Saravana Creations is a media company specializing in audio, photography, videography, and live services, with a deep focus on classical music and dance.