Biography

The Chinmaya Sisters, Uma and Radhika, are one of the popular duos in the field of Carnatic music. Known for their sweet and melodious voices that blend as one, the sisters have carved a niche for themselves in the field of Carnatic music. Based out of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, they perform extensively all over India and abroad and are recipients of several famous awards and titles. The sisters were initiated into music at a very young age by their mother, Bhavani Natesan. Uma and Radhika went on to receive intense training under Neyveli Santhanagopalan and TN Seshagopalan. They grew up in Mumbai and had the opportunity to participate in a number of competitions conducted by schools and sabhas. After relocating to Chennai to continue their pursuit of music, their maiden concert was in 1992 in the Spirit of Youth Series of the Music Academy. Thereafter, they were selected by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram to perform performances across Tamil Nadu in four venues. They are now regular performers in the December Music Festival and perform in prime slots in most of the Sabhas. They have also performed extensively in many Sabhas in India and abroad. They have also performed for the Sri Lankan TV channel, Rupavahini, and were featured in a LIVE interview for the channel. Being ‘A’ graded artists of All India Radio, they have performed in many of their special programmes which include Navaratri programme, Trinity Series, and National Programme of Music. They have been part of several archival projects like Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyer kritis, Abhayamba Navavarnams, Sriranga Kshetra Pasurams, and Chamundamba Ashtotra Kritis of Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar. They are also everyday performers for Doordarshan and other TV channels and some of their prestigious telecasts include Abhayamba navavarnams for SVBC and National programme of Music – Doordarshan. Awards: Vani Kala Nipuna, Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, 2012 Jewel in the crown of Adarsh, Punjab Association MS Subbulakshmi Endowment Award, Narada Gana Sabha, 2009. Sri AM Venugopal Award, Kalakriti, Chennai Yuva Kala Bharathi, Bharath Kalachar, 2006 Veda Vyasa Kala Seva Rathna, Veda Vyasar Tapovanam, Chennai, 2006 Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer Memorial prize, The Music Academy, 2003 Best Vocalist Award, Indian Fine Arts Society, 2001 and 1997