BIOGRAPHY
Rhythmic Roots: The Genesis of a Maestro
Unravel the rhythmic resonance woven by a highly skilled Khanjira artist who channels and blends the legacy of the Sri Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma’s thoughts and creativity with awe inspiring stoke play of the iconic G. Harishankar School of Khanjira coming from Sri Vyasa Vittala. Behind the enchanting cadence lies a versatile genius who parallels his musical odyssey and drumming brilliance with decades of expertise.
In the tranquil embrace of his childhood, Guru was blessed with the presence of masters of Nadaswaram and Thavil, their melodic and rhythmic symphony echoing through the temple courtyard in front of his home. The resounding beats of the Thavil became Guru’s first enchanting notes, a melody that accompanied his every meal as he sat entranced by their performance. Often, he would follow these maestros to marriage halls, where they continued their divine artistry.
These early encounters left an indelible mark on Guru’s young mind, a deep resonance that stirred within him a profound love for music. Recognizing this blossoming passion, his parents, moved by his unwavering fascination, sought to nurture his talent with formal training in music. Thus began Guru’s journey, from the sacred rhythms of temple gatherings to the structured halls of musical education, each step guided by the harmonious echoes of his childhood.
It was under the adept guidance of the versatile percussion genius Vidwan Sri Anoor R. Ananthakrishna Sharma that Guru’s talents unfurled, his hands dancing to the diverse tempos of complex Laya Kriti and absorbing the nuanced dynamics of Ghana-Naya.
Guru got moulded in the thought process, creativity and aesthetics of Sri Ananthakrishna Sharma that is so evident in his own compositions and his approach to playing along for the melodic compositions
Harmonic Ascendance: Shaping the Virtuoso
The tale of Guru Prasanna’s musical tutelage is a rich tapestry woven by distinguished Vidwans. At the age of six, under the watchful eyes of Vidwan Sri R. Sathyakumar at Sri Ayyanar College of Music, his foundational prowess in Taala and Laya was shaped when he commenced his learning journey with Mridangam.
But the most transformative chapter was penned with the legendary Khanjira maestro Vidwan Sri C. P. Vyasa Vittala, a disciple of the Khanjira GOD, Vidwan Sri G. Harishankar. From him, Guru Prasanna inherited a treasury of intricate technique and lightning response in understanding complex Laya phrases, Sollukattus, and compositions that is best suited for playing on Khanjira and delivering the same with an aesthetic appeal at the profound wisdom of the ‘Harishankar School of Khanjira’. This rigorous discipline crafted him into the artist he is today, a testament to the enduring legacy of his
Gurus.
Resonant Heritage: A Tapestry of Melodic Triumphs
Etching his name into the annals of classical music, Guru Prasanna has graced stages with 3 generations of artists and icons,harmonising with the likes of Sarvashree Dr. R K Srikantan and Dr. M Balamuralikrishna. His contributions to the percussive arts resonate through time, as he continues to inspire with his deft strokes and imaginative rhythms, merging the heritage of Carnatic virtuosity with the pulsating energy of contemporary music.
Percussive Peaks: A Chronicle of Distinctions
With a career that’s as illustrious as the ‘A-Top’ grade rating he holds from All India Radio and Doordarshan, Guru Prasanna’s journey is a constellation of accolades. From the Narada Gana Sabha to the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi, his shelf of honours narrates a saga of excellence. A milestone moment was his groundbreaking performance at the Darbar Festival in London, a first for a Khanjira artist, echoing his profound impact on the international music scene.
Beat of Purpose: The Philosophical Compass
The melody of Guru Prasanna’s life sings of ‘Samatva’—the equilibrium and unity of all music forms. Alongside his wife, Smt. Pallavi G D, a Carnatic vocal musician and teacher, has co-founded the Samatva Foundation®. This venture reflects their shared vision to foster an inclusive musical environment that enriches and enlightens. As he juggles the rhythmic and the algorithmic in his role as a ‘Director of Engineering’ at a top multinational software company, Guru Prasanna stands as a living symphony of balance, echoing the harmonious blend of ancient arts and modern science.
