Latest news with #ShankarMahadevan
The Hindu
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Shankar Mahadevan Academy turns 15
At a press meet at the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies Centre (SAIACS) in Bengaluru, the air buzzed with more than just media chatter. It carried echoes of swaras, stories, and something deeply personal. 'We never knew this day would come so fast,' said Shankar Mahadevan, eyes crinkling with joy, reflecting on the 15-year journey of the Shankar Mahadevan Academy (SMA) — a dream that started with 15 students, most of them his nieces and nephews, and is today a global musical movement spanning 94 countries. 'It felt like a reunion of purpose,' said the Palakkad-based singer and composer. The Shankar Mahadevan Academy, founded in 2011 by Shankar and technology entrepreneur Sridhar Ranganathan, was a pioneer of sorts, attempting to do something unique at the time: offering online music education. 'People laughed. Music? Online? Will it even work?' Shankar recalled. It did not just work, it soared. Today, over 50,000 students have learned through the academy's unique digital platform, with more than half a million live classes taught. Numbers tell only part of the story. To celebrate its 15th year, the academy is launching courses that go far beyond traditional syllabi, including Garbh Sangeet, a course for expecting mothers that uses classical ragas to create emotional and spiritual connections before birth. 'Inside the academy, we call it 'minus one to infinity, '' smiled Ranganathan. The poetic phrase captures a powerful belief — that music is not just for learning or performing, but for living, healing, and bonding. Another offering, the Playback Singing Series, is equally ambitious — a rigorous, multi-year training program that fuses classical fundamentals with film music, preparing aspirants for the nuanced world of playback singing. Over the years, SMA has expanded into other avenues, including Sangam, a student-teacher music festival, and Prayag, an elite stage for dedicated learners. 'These are not just students. They are sadhakas,' said Shankar. 'This is not just education — it's an emotional legacy.' From children barely old enough to walk, to 70-year-olds who have never sung before, SMA has bridged generations. 'When I see a grandfather in Toronto learning alongside his granddaughter in Bengaluru… It's magical,' Mahadevan shared. The academy has also given back, launching initiatives including SMA Nirvana — live musical performances streamed to patients in hospitals and hospices, SMA Muskara, a pension program for aged or injured musicians, and Joyful Choir, an inclusive initiative for children on the autism spectrum. Their nonprofit wing has helped bring music education to children in Dharavi, Goa, and now, through their newest initiative — Reach Out India — to students in remote villages via internet-powered classrooms. 'One teacher in Ahmedabad is teaching kids in Kumbakonam — and they all performed for me,' said Shankar , admitting that the journey has given him a deeper sense of fulfilment. 'I've always known music entertains. But through this academy, I learnt that music can transform.'
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Good does not mean successful,' says Shankar Mahadevan ahead of Bengaluru performance
For over three decades, Shankar Mahadevan has been a name synonymous with versatility – transcending borders and generations in the music world. As a celebrated playback singer and music composer, he has left an indelible mark in the industry for years with songs like Maa Tujhe Salaam, Breathless, and Mitwa and grabbing awards like the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for Enna Solla Pogirai and Padma Shri. Among the milestones in his journey is the founding of the Shankar Mahadevan Academy 15 years ago which he co-established with Sridhar Ranganathan with the intention to democratise music education. He performed with members of the academy at Sangam and Prayag, a music festival, on Friday. Recently, the academy unveiled two new courses, aimed to cater to diverse musical interests and ages. 'The whole idea of forming this academy was to leave a legacy behind. We wanted to create this, not only for the generations to come, but also for generations before us,' said Mahadevan. For him, music serves a higher purpose. 'Music is not just about entertaining, or about teaching and learning. It has a purpose beyond age, country, and religion.' One of the shifts in music teaching in recent years has been the adoption of the online mode, Mahadevan commented, 'People did not have faith in it. Many questioned us asking if it's possible. Now, there are hundreds of kids who have learnt online from various parts of India, and they are all singing in unison,' adding, 'We have teachers who learn Japanese or even Spanish [to teach foreign students]. They might be sitting in Ahmedabad and teaching students in Kumbakonam. The students performed for me and the dedication, the fire, the focus that those kids had – now there is no looking back. We introduced these classes in three villages, now we want to make it 3,000.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shankar Mahadevan reveals he underwent hair restoration for a youthful, confident transformation
Popular singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan has opened up about his decision to undergo a hair restoration procedure. In a candid revelation, he shared that the step was driven by his desire to embrace a more youthful and confident appearance, both personally and professionally. Speaking about his new look, Mahadevan shared, "You know, when you see friends and people around you going through similar changes, you realise how much it can enhance your personality. That's when it hits you-there are so many people in our country who go through this quietly, and yet it makes such a big difference." He added, "It was my dear friend Boney Kapoor who introduced me to Dr. Pradeep Sethi. Initially, I thought it was just about hair, but meeting Dr. Sethi turned out to be something much deeper. He made the entire experience so seamless, professional, and precise-I barely realised when the transformation was complete." The veteran singer is making headlines with his refreshed new look. Shankar Mahadevan, who has many hit numbers to his credit, also recalled a personal incident, sharing how it reminded him that music doesn't require grandeur - only sincerity and heart. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mahindra IvyLush with 2&3 BHKs from ₹95 Lakh*(All-incl.) Mahindra IvyLush Get Quote Undo He fondly recounted a touching memory from his time working on "Taare Zameen Par." "During the composition phase, we were in Chennai, and Aamir Khan's mother was unwell at the time. We were staying at a hotel near the hospital, and right there-in a small hall with a basic musical setup-we composed one of the film's key tracks. It reminded me that music doesn't need grandeur, just sincerity and heart." Meanwhile, the singer recently made headlines for delivering a heartfelt tribute to the Indian armed forces ahead of the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad on June 3. Organized by the BCCI, the tribute honored the courage and sacrifice of the forces during Operation Sindhoor. Mahadevan delivered a powerful medley of patriotic songs that captured the essence of India's spirit. Joining him on stage were his sons, Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, adding to the emotional resonance of the performance. --IANS ps/
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Shankar Mahadevan Academy celebrates 15 years of spreading ‘joy of music'
Bengaluru: Shankar Mahadevan Academy (SMA), an online music education, proudly marks 15 years of bringing the joy of Indian music to learners across the globe. What began in 2011 as a bold experiment by legendary musician Shankar Mahadevan and technology leader Sridhar Ranganathan has grown into a global movement — touching lives in over 95 countries, with more than 50,000 students and over half a million live online classes conducted. Born out of passion and a belief that music knows no boundaries, SMA was founded at a time when virtual learning was still in its infancy and internet infrastructure posed significant limitations. Despite the odds, the vision was clear: to make high-quality Indian music education accessible to anyone, anywhere. Shankar Mahadevan, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the SMA said, 'Our vision was always clear. We wanted Indian music in every home — not just in India, but around the world. Today, when I see a 65-year-old grandfather in Toronto learning alongside his 7-year-old granddaughter in Bengaluru, both discovering the same raga, it feels magical. It feels meant to be.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shankar Mahadevan: You need to look good on stage, but first you need to be a good singer
Shankar Mahadevan In today's world, appearance often takes centre stage. The new generation of singers aims to be performers, not just vocalists. With live shows and concerts booming, even playback singers are stepping into the spotlight. As everyone competes to combine talent with striking looks, Shankar Mahadevan reminds us that true art must always come first. 'You need to be a good singer first' He tells us, 'Looks are important. You need to look good when you are performing on stage. But above all that is your art. You need to be a good singer first. You may look good but if you are lip syncing all the time then what's the point? That's not the way I look at things. I want to be remembered for my singing than my looks.' 'For my sons the essence of art comes before all the extras' Mahadevan, who's composed music for films like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, shares that his sons Siddharth and Shivam (both singers), despite being part of today's generation, also prioritise art over the glitz. 'My sons are well aware of current trends—sometimes they even educate me! But for them, the essence of art comes before all the extras. You need to have heart and soul first; only then can you dress up the artist. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Perforated Stainless Steel Sheets – Durable & Trusted Source Engineered for Strength: Explore High-Quality Stainless Steel Sheet Designs | Search Ads Search Now Undo If the person is dead, you can't dress them up. It won't be of any use.' 'Hair really can change how you look' Interestingly, the maestro recently underwent a hair transplant—not due to any external pressure, but simply because he wanted to feel better about his appearance. 'I'm the last person to give in to peer pressure. My hairline was thinning, so I decided to fix it. Boney Kapoor actually recommended the doctors (Dr Pradeep Sethi and Dr Arika Bansal). I'm excited for the transformation because hair really can change how you look. I chose to do it before it was too late,' he said.
