CHENNAI: Nikhil Shankar, a 27-year-old Carnatic vocalist who has been learning music from the age of five under the tutelage of gurus including C R Vaidyanathan and SP Ramh, will be performing at Bharat Kalachar, on the occasion of the birthday celebration of Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy, fondly known as YGP Amma. City Express chats with the young singer to know more about his passion for the art.
Coming from a family of musicians (Nikhil’s grandmother was a recipient of the Sangeeta
Shiromani Award from Delhi University), music came naturally to him! “I liked the melody and the ragas in Carnatic music. I could perform effortlessly at a young age,” he says.
Nikhil was enrolled in the Sivan Arts Academy when he was five. “I was intrigued by the bhakti or devotional aspect of Carnatic music and I wanted to further expand my knowledge in the traditional art. So, I went to my gurus CR Vaidyanathan and SP Ramh who helped me build a strong foothold through rigorous training in
alapanas,” he shares.
He cannot stop gushing about his mother and aunt, whom he calls his support systems. “Though I am currently working as a senior officer with the ETA group, I manage my music rehearsals, and concerts. When you are passionate about the art, you make time for it and my mother, aunt and gurus deserve credit for this,” he smiles.
For the past few years, Nikhil has been giving performances in Chennai and other cities, and is now devoting a considerable amount of time to classical music. His first stage performance was in 2011 and the young singer says that though he was nervous in the
beginning, the support from the rasikas helped him render the composition easily. “I enjoy performing on stage and I am even thinking of taking music as a full time career in future. But, for now, I am happy with what I do,” explains the MBA graduate.
His dream is to perform in all the renowned sabhas in Chennai some day, and ask senior musicians to support young talent. “Young musicians need to be encouraged, and given more opportunities. It boosts our confidence. Most young singers today are extremely good performers,” he points out.
Talking about his upcoming performance at Bharath Kalachar, he says, “It’s an honour to perform for the occasion of YGP Amma’s birthday. She’s a great patron of the classical arts and I feel blessed.”
So what’s his future goal? “I would like to sing in films, if given an opportunity. It could be songs with a strong devotional and Carnatic base. Also, I am keen on singing patriotic songs,” he adds.
Catch Nikhil Shankar perform live at Bharath Kalachar, T Nagar, on November 27 from 4 pm
onwards. For details, call: 28343045