A Hyderabad-based Mridangam player, M. Chandrakanth, found his passion for music at a young age, overcoming personal and financial challenges to pursue a career in Carnatic music. Despite initially focusing on academics, he ultimately chose music, guided by his guru and family, and views his journey as both joyful and rewarding.

M.Chandrakanth, a Hyderabad-based freelance mridangam player, has been passionately pursuing his craft for the past fifteen years. He explains that the mridangam, a percussion instrument integral to Carnatic music, has become the core of his musical journey.

Reflecting on how his interest in mridangam began, Chandrakanth recalls his early childhood when he would instinctively tap on household utensils and doors, creating rhythms without even realising it.

Recognising his natural inclination towards rhythm, his maternal uncle encouraged him by enrolling him in a music school to learn the tabla. Chandrakanth initially began with the Tabla, but over time, he found himself drawn to the mridangam. This shift in instruments marked the start of his lifelong dedication to the mridangam, which has only deepened over time.

Recalling his childhood, Chandrakanth shares that it was both interesting and challenging. Born and raised in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, he often travelled between Anantapur and Hyderabad, making his early years quite hectic. One particular memory stands out—when his family moved to Hyderabad during a period of financial difficulty, relying heavily on the support of relatives.

During this time, he had to temporarily set aside his musical pursuits to focus on his studies. He enrolled in a long-term course in Vijayawada but soon realised that his heart wasn’t in academics. Struggling with a lack of interest, Chandrakanth fell into depression. It was then that he decided to return to music, a choice that became the pivotal turning point in his life.

Speaking about his music journey, Chandrakanth describes it as a deeply fulfilling and joyous experience. It was during his early lessons with his guru that he realised his true calling, deciding to dedicate his life entirely to music. While he acknowledges that there is still much he aspires to achieve, Chandrakanth emphasises how satisfying his journey has been so far.

When reflecting on the mistakes he has made along the way, Chandrakanth views them not as failures but as valuable opportunities for self-exploration. He believes that mistakes are a way to discover one's true self. After completing his degree from IIT, he was presented with the option to pursue a stable software job. However, he chose to follow his passion for music instead. In his view, this was not a mistake but a deliberate choice that shaped the path of his life.

In terms of his accomplishments, Chandrakanth feels that his journey is still in progress and there is much more for him to achieve. Coming from a family with no musical background, he considers his ability to establish himself as a skilled mridangam player a significant achievement.

Chandrakanth also highlights the role of the people who have shaped his life. His parents, supportive relatives, and his revered guru—who has over 40 years of experience in music—are his greatest role models. His guru not only imparted the technical skills of playing the mridangam but also instilled in him invaluable life lessons. Chandrakanth humbly adds that anything or anyone from whom he learns something positive can be considered a role model in his life.

When it comes to handling stress, Chandrakanth turns to music for solace. He finds peace and relaxation in playing the mridangam, which helps him unwind and stay balanced.

Finally, Chandrakanth shares his life mantra: “If you want to be a good human being, always be good and do good.” This guiding principle, he believes, forms the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life.