In conversation with Carnatic vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyan

shivani

Shivani Chaturvedi | April 27, 2016


#Carnatic music   #Carnatic vocalist   #Sanjay Subrahmanyan   #music  


Sanjay Subrahmanyan is a renowned Carnatic vocalist who has bagged several awards. The 47-year-old global performer has been chosen for ‘Sangita Kalanidhi’ award of The Music Academy. A qualified chartered accountant, Subrahmanyan  became a full-time musician in 2000.


Forms of music I love besides Carnatic: Hindustani classical music, Tamil film music from the 70s and the 80s, and a bit of western classical sometimes.

Is it a challenge to take Carnatic music to the masses? Yes, definitely.

My take on fusion music: It satisfies an important space and need for listeners to get into specific forms.

The biggest influences in my life: My teachers and some of the great Carnatic musicians of the past.

My greatest strength: My acknowledgement of my flaws and my continuous efforts to get over them.

The thing that drove me closer to music: Just the sound of it, I guess!

My passion other than music: Reading, watching cricket, playing strategic board games, collecting stamps.

My favourite quote: Expectation can bring disappointment.

Happiness to me means: The simple things in life, good food, happy family, exposure to the arts, thrills of a sporting contest.

At present I am busy with: My upcoming concerts in Chennai.

A piece of advice to aspiring vocalists: Sing every day!

I would like to be remembered as: Not sure if I can control that, can I?

Comments

 

Other News

The Cost of Obesity

The latest episode of Checks and Balances focuses on the ticking time bomb of obesity in India, and Geetanjali Minhas of Governance Now spoke with a panel of experts. You can watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/mH

US-Iran deal: Path to peace or prelude to deeper regional quagmire?

In the midst of deep mistrust, the US and Iran are reported to have reached a framework deal for ending the West Asian conflict. But whether it will result in any meaningful breakthrough or pave the way for any lasting peace in the region, is in the realm of speculation.   During

Lived life, philosophy, spirituality and other enigmas

The Ashes Are Warm: Memories of a Lifetime Spent with UG Krishnamurti By Mahesh Bhatt and Sunita Pant Bansal Rupa Publications, 384 pages, Rs 495  

In Varanasi, fringe expansion vs. core heritage

For centuries, the urban framework of Varanasi was defined not just by its relationship with the sacred Ganga but by its multifaceted network of urban commons. Historic kunds, seasonal talabs (ponds), and open maidans served as the city’s basic ecological infrastructure. Th

What ails India`s skill development ecosystem

India’s skill development programmes were designed with a goal to make the young population ready with market-required skills and competencies, and to provide them with better employment opportunities. Yet the outcomes have fallen short of that goal: though over 1.6 crore individuals were trained acr

Cabinet passes resolution applauding PM on term record

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday passed a resolution marking June 10, 2026, as a historic milestone in the journey of Indian democracy applauding Narendra Modi for becoming the longest-serving elected PM of the country. By establishing a record of 4,399 days of continuous service as an elected PM, he has s





Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter