Mangalore?s musical gem shining in Chennai

Mangalore?s musical gem shining in Chennai

Mangalore Today News Network

By Smt. Prathibha L.Samaga

Mangalore, Nov 25, 2011: Carnatic music though did not have widespread stronghold in coastal Karnataka in the past, recent years have seen a few musicians born and brought up in this region carving a niche for themselves in  Chennai musical world. One such blooming artist is Prarthana Sai Narasimhan, daughter of  Pejavara Nithyananda Rao. Her father being a Yakshagana singer provided necessary impetus to Prarthana in her childhood days. Even her  mother evinced interest in  teaching elementary lessons of music to the daughter. Shortly, Prarthana started studying music more thoroughly from Guru M. Narayana. From 1996 onwards, during her school holidays she went to Chennai for higher training under Padmashree Sangeeta Kalanidhi Dr. Mani Krishnaswamy. As a disciple of Dr. Mani Krishnaswamy, she underwent rigorous training in Carnatic Music in the Indian traditional Gurukula system. After her plus two education she decided to make music as her career. Hence, she settled in Chennai and continued her formal education as well as pursuit of music.

 

In 2006 Prarthana started refining her mastery of music under the guidance of Sangeeta Kalacharya Chengalpattu Ranganathan. She learnt more about Manodharma Sangeeta and Ragam, Tanam and Pallavi. She took lessons in the singing of Dwaranama from Sangeeta Kalanidhi TK Govinda Rao. Prarthana’s love and devotion for music; dedication and commitment to attain the goal and perseverance in training paid her dividends. She soon attained the stature of a concert-musician. Married to flutist Sai Narasimhan (son of Chengalpattu Ranganathan) she now lives in Chennai with her daughter Sumidha.

 Prarthana has now taken to music teaching and she has specialized herself in on-line music teaching. She has performed in many famous Sabhas and festivals in South India. Critics have appreciated her scholarship in music, delineation of ragas and dignified mellifluous voice in rendering the songs. Propagation of music is her primary concern. As a part of this mission, she has conducted many music-workshops. She has also released a CD on music lessons for the children.

Of late, Prarthana is gaining popularity by becoming a star singer. Besides being a B- grade singer of Chennai Akashavani, she is quite often seen in TV Channels like Amrita, Jaya etc. She is also the Director of Mani Krishnaswamy Academy based in Mangalore. Her achievements have been recognized by many music organizations which have honoured her. Coastal Karnataka is proud to see Prarthana shine  in coastal Tamil Nadu as a music-gem.