I was born on 15th December 1968 in Kolkata, India, as a third child of Kolkata.R.Kannan and Mythili.
My interest in music was kindled from an early age. I have been listening to concerts since the age of four, when my parents used to take us all to the concerts at temples and sabhas.
My father, Late Shri Kolkata R. Kannan was a well-known musician. He was the disciple of Late Shri T.K. Rangachary and Late Shri Maharajapuram “Mohanam” Vishwanatha Iyer. He has performed in many concerts in several cities all over India. My father was instrumental in organizing the Geethapriya Carnatic Sabha at Tambaram Chennai. This sabha has served as a platform for several leading performing artistes of the time.
My mother is also an Carnatic vocalist, has completed the teacher's training course and is currently training young aspiring vocalists.
At the age of 26, I was married to Gayathri Srinivasan. She is a proficient veena player and is a disciple of Kalaimamani Ramani Narayanan. My young daughter Lakshmi is taking lessons in singing and is beginning to show all the traits of a good musician.
AS A MUSICIAN
On noticing my interest in music my father took me under his tutelage at the age of five. He was my first Guru. My debut concert was at the age of 13 at the Tambaram Ayappa Samajam.
After completion of my diploma (SANGEETHA VIDWAN TITLE-1987)and B.A. Music in the year 1988. I had the privilege of training under Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Padma Bhushan, Madurai T.N. Seshagopalan. He continues to be my Role model, and I am proud to say that I have had the honor of having sung with him on stage. I have been as a visiting professor in Adyar Music College Chennai and
Annamalai University in Canada invites me as Visiting Professor.
(1) I am "A" graded Artiste of All India Radio Chennai (2008) and also
(2)KANCHI KAMAKOOTI ASTHANA VIDWAN.(2011)
(3)MADRAS KALIBARI IASI MAMANI AWARD(2002)
(4)BEST VOCALIST AWARD by SRI KRISHNA GANA SABHA
(5)VISHWANATHAN"S AWARD BY VISWAPRIYA(1995)
(6)MANIKRISHNA SWAMY AWARD (1995)
Annamalai University in Canada invites me as Visiting Professor.
(1) I am "A" graded Artiste of All India Radio Chennai (2008) and also
(2)KANCHI KAMAKOOTI ASTHANA VIDWAN.(2011)
(3)MADRAS KALIBARI IASI MAMANI AWARD(2002)
(4)BEST VOCALIST AWARD by SRI KRISHNA GANA SABHA
(5)VISHWANATHAN"S AWARD BY VISWAPRIYA(1995)
(6)MANIKRISHNA SWAMY AWARD (1995)
