N J Nandini is a young Carnatic vocalist from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. She was born in a music rich family with her grandfather Vechoor N Hariharasubramania Iyer, her uncle Vechoor C Sankar being great musicians of their era. Her Parents, C Neelakantan and S Jayanthi, identified her talent in music at her very young age and made sure to give her the best training in the same.
With her achievements including the youngest musician to get A grade in All India Radio, Winner of All India Radio National Music Competition in 2009, Winner of the title Ragaratnam Yuva, from Carnatic Music Reality Show in Amrita TV, 1st Runner Up in Jaya TV – Pothys Carnatic Music Idol 2011, 1st Runner Up in Jaya TV – Vivel Carnatic Music Idol 2012 and many more.
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Your Fortune in Getting Blessed Gurus, How did you receive them in your life?
Nandini has been trained and nutured over years by her eminent gurus Prof Parassala Ponnammal, Prof P R Kumarakerala Varma, Dr S Bhagyalakshmi and Dr M N Moorthy. “Lessons from my Gurus are the biggest forces that pushed me up towards what I am today” says Nandini and also mentions herself to be one among the beginners in the journey towards exploring the world of music.
Unique training and strict grooming, special gift for your career during your budding stage.
Learning is a combination of four elements, teachings from guru, self-understanding, knowledge from friends and then from experience, and Nandini finds herself to be lucky to have those aspects to be in her favour. “It was for my brother, that a guru was first appointed. But as he learned, even I started reciting notes and thus my talent was found,” she explained. Her Brother Nanda Gopal, who is also a Carnatic vocalist as well as a Mridangist, has also nurtured her talents in a great way.
Transformation to a singer as well as an Academician
Major transformation to a singer, as per Nandini was the period after her 12th Grade. She completed her B.Com and MA in music, privately, under the Kerala University. It was during this period that she concentrated more into music and attained her vast knowledge in the same. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Music.
Nandini started as an academician or a teacher of music, very early in her life. She used to take classes even while she was a school student, and she now takes classes to advanced students who are in a level to set their first step on to concerts/stages.
How would you prepare yourself your performance?
“Preparations for performances began the very moment I began my studies of music. Other than my studies there are no other special preparations that I do before a performance” said Nandini with a mixture of self-pride and confidence.
N J Nandini, with her talent, passion and character becomes an inspiration to many music lovers, especially to the female singers who face different challenges in reaching greater heights.
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