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Ghatam S. Krishna: Master Percussionist of Clay and Rhythm

The Ghatam, the humble clay pot, is a marvel of Carnatic percussion, offering a spectrum of rhythmic possibilities through its earthy timbre. In the hands of a master, it transcends its simplicity to become an instrument of profound expression—and in Ghatam S. Krishna, it has found one of its most skilful and vibrant exponents.

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Krishna’s musical journey began in the nurturing environment of his home, where he was introduced to the art by his mother, Smt. Nandhini Sriram. Recognizing his innate rhythm, he pursued advanced training under none other than the legendary Ghatam maestro Vidwan V. Suresh, honing his craft with rigor and passion. Today, Krishna—widely celebrated as Ghatam Krishna—is renowned for his versatility, seamlessly accompanying both vocal and instrumental concerts, and collaborating with Mridangists across a wide spectrum of bani-s (styles).

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With over eighteen years of illustrious stage experience, Krishna’s artistry has taken him to some of the most prestigious platforms across India and the world. His deft fingering, impeccable sense of laya, and innate musicality have enthralled audiences at marquee venues and international festivals such as the Bengal Music Festival (Dhaka), Cross Culture Festival (Warsaw), Cosmopolis Festival (Hong Kong), and the Esplanade Theatre (Singapore), to name just a few.

His distinguished career includes memorable performances alongside luminaries of Carnatic music, including T.V. Sankaranarayanan, Neyveli Santhanagopalan, Bombay Jayashri, Abhishek Raghuram, Ranjani & Gayatri, Sikkil Gurucharan, Gayathri Venkataraghavan, Aruna Sairam, and Sowmya, captivating rasikas across continents—from Poland and Singapore to Australia, Switzerland, Geneva, and Lausanne.

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In addition to his solo and ensemble performances, Krishna is a co-founder of Dumroo, a dynamic percussive ensemble that explores the myriad textures and rhythms of Indian percussion, pushing creative boundaries while staying rooted in tradition.

Accolades and Honors

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Krishna’s contributions have been recognized by several prestigious institutions, underscoring his status as one of the leading percussionists of his generation. His awards include:

• Sri Shanmukhananda Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship in Music Award

• Yuva Kala Bharathi Award from Bharat Kalachar

• Valayapatti Kashyap Award

• Youth of Excellence Award

• Padma Kiran from Padma Sarangapani Cultural Academy

• B High Grade Artist of All India Radio

• Sri P. Obul Reddy Endowment - Upapakkavadyam Award

• Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Award (2019)

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With each performance, Ghatam Krishna reaffirms the magic of the clay pot—transforming it into an instrument of brilliance, imagination, and timeless rhythm.