BALBIR SINGH/INDIANAPOLIS 

Chinthala brothers --- Akul and Anshul -- made an impressive and memorable Carnatic Vocal Debut at Noblesville High School on Saturday. A large number of Indian Americans and members of other communities attended the three-hour long programme and repeatedly cheered budding Akul and Anshul for their outstanding performance. Their performance was a unique gift to their father Ramu Chinthala who celebrated his birthday today.

Akul (a Junior) and Anshul (a sophomore) are members of the Carmel High School Cross-Country members. Akul was introduced to Carnatic music at the age of five by Padma Mundla, a music teacher at Carmel. Later Akul joined Natyalaya Music of Arts under the guidance of Vrinda Sunil and Padmaja Tandikonda. He has been training in Carnatic Vocal under Guru GV Prabhakar for the last seven years.

Anshu started learning Carnatic music since age five at Natyalaya Misic of Arts. Like his brother, Anshul has been training in Carnatic Vocal under Guru GV Prabhakar for the last seven years.

They are the students of Guru GV Prabhakar of SS Music Academy of Hyderabad (Telangana)). Prabhaar is a professional singer, All India Radio and Doordarshan graded artiste and music director. He has been training Akul and Anshul for the last seven years, which includes online training.

On the occasion seasonal Carnatic violinist KVS Vinay, who lives in South Bend, Indiana and Mridangam player Dr Ajay Ravichandran from Minneapolis, also made their presence. They were also felicitated by the members of Chinthalas, which included Raju and Ramu.The conventional Carnatic concert began with a "Varnam" which comprises both sahityam (lyrics) and Swaram (strings of musical notations). This fundamental form in Carnatic music is generally considered as a "warm-up" piece.

Besides presenting training certificates on behalf of the SS Music Academy, Guru GV Prabhakar also performed along with Akhul and Anshul. Chinthalas honoured Prabhakar as Ramu Chinthala, father of Akul and Anshul, presented a shawl to the Music Guru. As a "Raaga" Avadhaani, GV Prabhakar has successfully completed this first of its kind show in USA, Singapore and India, including virtual events in 2020 and 2021.

The Chinthala brothers maintained Indian culture of the Guru-disciple relations by touching the feet of GV Prabhakar after receving the certificates in Carnatic Vocal.

On the occasion seasonal Carnatic violinist KVS Vinay, who lives in South Bend, Indiana and Mridangam player Dr Ajay Ravichandran from Minneapolis, also made their presence. They were also felicitated by the members of Chinthalas, which included Raju and Ramu.

The conventional Carnatic concert began with a "Varnam" which comprises both sahityam (lyrics) and Swaram (strings of musical notations). This fundamental form in Carnatic music is generally considered as a "warm-up" piece.

The budding Akul and Anshul also paid tributes to distinguished Telugu writer late Srivennela for his contribution to Telugu literature and inspiration to many young writers.

After keertana on Lord Vishnu, a thankful prayer (Mangalam) was recited by Akul and Anshul to conclude the concert. This duo kept the audience spell-bound during the three-hour show.. Prathibha Ravindra was the master of ceremonies.  

photos: 7174: Guru GV Prabhakar of SS Music Academy of Hyderabad blessing his disciples Akul and Anshul who made their Carnatic Vocal debut.
7138: Guru GV Prabhakar traditionally lit the lamp before the concert. Also seen in the picture is Raju Chinthala.
7202 Guru GV Prabhakar, Akul and Anshul
7177: Chinthala family members.
7292: Guru GV Prabhakar presenting plaques on behalf of SS Music Academy, Hyderabad to AcAkul and Anshul.