KARTHIK KRISHNA: RISING STAR OF INDIAN CLASSICAL TABLA FROM BANGALORE

Posted on 4 January 2025:

Karthik Krishna: Rising Star of Indian Classical Tabla from Bangalore

The world of Indian classical music is graced by many gifted artists, and among them shines Karthik Krishna, a young and talented tabla virtuoso from Bangalore. An “A” graded artist of All India Radio (AIR), Karthik has carved a niche for himself with his mastery, versatility and deep sense of accompaniment that resonates across genres and traditions.

Karthik’s musical journey began in 2005 under the guidance of his Guruji Pandith Rajgopal Kallurkar, and later blossomed under the tutelage of Maestro Pandith Subhankar Banerjee, who trained him in the illustrious Farookabad Gharana of tabla in Kolkata. His fascination with rhythm and structure led him to explore the Carnatic system of calculations and tonality, learning from the renowned mridangam maestro Vidwan K. U. Jayachandra Rao in 2011. This rare blend of Hindustani and Carnatic traditions shaped his unique style, making him a bridge between two great musical worlds.

Known for his impeccable left-right balance and sensitivity as an accompanist, Karthik has performed with legendary musicians across the country. His collaborations span Hindustani vocalists like Pandith M. P. Hegde, Vidushi Prathima Athreya, and Pandith Raghavendra Gudi; instrumentalists such as Ustad Rafique Khan and Pandit Subrata De; Carnatic stalwarts including Vidwan O. S. Arun, the Malladi Brothers, and Vidwan Mysore Manjunath; and even icons of light classical and fusion music like Shri Shankar Mahadevan and bands such as Layatharanga and RUDRA. His artistry has also enriched Kathak dance performances, accompanying celebrated dancers like Smt. Sampada Pillai and Shri Sandip Mallick.

Karthik’s tabla has resonated in prestigious venues and festivals across India and abroad—from Independent Square in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to SIFAS in Bahrain, and iconic stages like Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, Mysore Palace, Gayana Samaja, Bengaluru, and Nada Neerajanam, Tirupati. His performances have been featured on leading television channels including Doordarshan, Udaya TV, Shankara TV, and SVBC-TTD, bringing his music to wider audiences.

Recently, Karthik co-founded Layaatma with his close friend and fellow musician Vidwan Anirudha Bhat. Through their initiative “Percussion Conversation”, they explore the synergy between tabla and mridangam, creating rhythmic dialogues that transcend boundaries. Their performances have earned standing ovations, including at the Bharat–Sri Lanka Maitri Utsava in Colombo, marking India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations.

With his dedication, versatility, and vision, Karthik Krishna stands as one of the most promising torchbearers of Indian classical percussion, carrying forward tradition while embracing innovation.