Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make
I am an Indian Classical Musician trained in a typical "Guru-Sishya" tradition from great stalwarts in Carnatic-Hindustani (major sub forms) since age 3.
Indian classical music is deeply connected to the "Sanatan-Dharma" i.e Hinduism and the main purpose of our music is to connect with the "Parabrahmam" i.e the eternal supreme being through our music.
So, as a fortunate musician, I enjoy connecting with the supreme being, experiencing the divine every time I sing.
As a performer, I've travelled and performed in many different parts of the world as well as in all the major concert venues in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Recently I was selected as a delegate for the prestigious Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) night as well as for presenting a workshop on Indian classical music for AWMA, SSI and BEMAC audiences.
Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas? Who or what inspires you?
I look for creative ideas in all Indian musicians. I find inspiration from other musicians, artists and spiritual gurus.
How does your personal history, culture or experience inform your creative work?
Indian music is huge and the number of Ragas (melody) and Talas (Rhythm) that we have is infinite. So, there's no limit to the creativity in our music, it's how capable we are, as a musician.
Manodharma (Improvisation) is the most important and fascinating aspect in our music and right from a young age we are trained by our gurus to keep working on this particular skill.
I really enjoy this particular aspect whenever I perform. It gives me the artistic freedom, and although some aspects of manodharma are quite abstract, I see that as a tool to connect with the supreme being in different ways and every time it gives a variety of new, different unique experiences for me.
What creative projects are you working on at the moment?
In one of my recent performances, a few people from the audience requested me to explain the spiritual significance, philosophy and puranic stories associated with the compositions that I was going to sing.
I did and it was very well received.
That gave me an opportunity to understand that it's very important to educate the audience while performing.
I am planning to do a series of musical videos on these topics relating to spirituality, the dharmic philosophies, puranic stories connected to our music.
What's your favourite part of working as an artist / creative?
My favourite part of working as a creative artist is being able to express myself through music.
What's the most challenging part of working as an artist / creative?
After the pandemic live opportunities have reduced a lot. It should improve.
Do you have any top tips for emerging artists and creatives just starting out?
Hard work is key to success. Keep practicing.
