Prarthana Sai Narasimhan, daughter of Sri Pejavara Nithyananda Rao, was born into a family deeply rooted in music and culture. Her father, a renowned Yakshagana singer, provided the early inspiration that nurtured her innate musicality. Her mother, Smt.Krishnakumari, too showed a keen interest in teaching her the fundamentals of Carnatic music, laying a strong foundation during her formative years.
Prarthana’s formal training began under Guru M. Narayana. From 1996 onwards, she spent her school vacations in Chennai for advanced tutelage under Padmashri Sangeeta Kalanidhi Dr. Mani Krishnaswamy . Under Dr. Krishnaswamy’s guidance, she underwent rigorous, traditional gurukula training in Carnatic music, imbibing depth, discipline, and devotion to the art.
After completing her higher secondary education, Prarthana chose to dedicate her life to music. She moved to Chennai to pursue both her formal education and advanced musical training. In 2006, she continued her refinement under Sangeeta Kalacharya Chengalpattu Ranganathan , delving into the intricacies of Manodharma Sangeetam and Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi. She also received guidance in Devaranama singing from Sangeeta Kalanidhi T. K. Govinda Rao.
With unwavering commitment, devotion, and perseverance, Prarthana evolved into a concert-grade musician. She is married to flautist Sai Narasimhan, son of her Guru Chengalpattu Ranganathan, and the couple live in Chennai with their daughter, Sumedha. Alongside performance, Prarthana is passionately involved in music education. She has pioneered online Carnatic music teaching and has conducted numerous workshops for students across age groups. Her performances in major sabhas and festivals across South India have been widely appreciated for her scholarship, emotive raga delineation, and dignified, mellifluous voice.
Dedicated to the propagation of classical music, Prarthana has released a CD of music lessons for children and continues to inspire young learners. She is also the Director of the Mani Krishnaswamy Academy, Mangalore, established in memory of her guru to promote classical music and nurture emerging talent. A graded artist of All India Radio (Chennai), she is a familiar presence on leading television channels such as Amrita and Jaya TV. Her contributions have been recognised by several music organisations that have honoured her with awards and accolades.
Today, Coastal Karnataka proudly celebrates Prarthana Sai Narasimhan—a musical gem shining brightly in the world of Carnatic music, bridging tradition and modernity with grace.
Guru Shisya Parampara
Guru Shishya Parampara is the timeless tradition where wisdom flows from the teacher’s soul to the disciple’s heart.
