Always evolving: Chandana Bala Kalyan's genre-crossing journey

From Carnatic roots to jazz fame, Chandana Bala Kalyan embraces boundless creativity.

- SANDHYA MENDONCA

On the fifth day of Dasara, I wore a green sari and stepped out toattend Chandana Bala Kalyan's concert, preceded by the release of her second album, Taara Marma. Like you, I’ve often wondered what makes some people push boundariesand excel in their chosen field. Chandana Bala Kalyan is one of those people - a gifted singer, she’s made the transition from Carnatic to Hindustani, Sufi and Jazz and become a songwriter and composer along the way.

Though I interviewed her for my podcast a couple of years back, I still found myself with more questions. Never at a loss for words, with a cheerful and warm personality, Chandana isan engaging subject to talk to.

THE LONG WAIT

“For a long time, I had to set aside my singing career as I didn’t have an avenue to sing,” she remembers. It seems hard to believe now that she's released two albums and performs not only at Carnatic concerts but asa member of well-established fusion bands like Sanjay Divecha and Secret, Indiva, and the Rajeev Raja Combine. She’s worked on albums with Taufiq Qureshi and Ranjit Barot, playback and background scores for films, including duets with Hariharan.

The daughter of well-known violinist S Nataraja Murthy, it was natural for her to start learning music at five. With indulgent school and college teachers allowing her time off, she made good progress as a concert performer in Bengaluru. “I never feel stage fright—I've been performing throughout my life.” She also becamea Grade A artist on All India Radio.