<p>Sukkanya Ramgopal, one among the very few women ghatam players in the country, began her musical journey at the age of 12, and with<br />the mridangam. She eventually learned to play the ghatam under the guidance of masteros Harihara Sharma and his son, Vikku Vinayakram.</p>.<p>She has accompanied several senior Carnatic musicians like M Balamuralikrishna, T S Sathyavathi, Vedavalli, and M S Sheela. She recently completed 26 years in music.</p>.<p>In a candid chat with <strong><span class="bold">Rakshitha M N</span></strong>, Sukkanya shares her thoughts on the challenges of women percussionists.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>How did you discover your passion for the ghatam?</strong></p>.<p>I never understood what got me interested, but I think that is the best part. I just knew that there was something that attracted me to it, and I instantly took to it. Being one of the first women ghatam players, I can’t say I had many resources back then. But I think I was lucky enough eventually to be taught by the best gurus.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Were you ever discouraged or rejected because you were a woman?</strong></p>.<p>Yes. In fact, when I initially approached my guru to teach me the ghatam, he declined, saying the instrument was not meant to be in a woman’s hands. It is difficult for even men, he said. But, I didn’t give up. Because of my persistence, Harihara Sharma decided to teach me the basics and that is how it all started. The practice sessions were intense, but I am glad I stuck to it.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>What have you done, over the years, to fight gender discrimination?</strong></p>.<p>I came up with ‘The Ghata Tharang’ (six ghatams of different musical notes creating a melody), a first-of-its-kind concept where a percussion instrument occupies centre stage in a Carnatic concert.</p>.<p>Also, with ‘Sthree Thaal Tharang’, an all-women’s instrumental ensemble, we have been able to discover fresh talent. We have also performed in various countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, China, Singapore, and UAE.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Do you see more women interested in playing the ghatam now?</strong></p>.<p>I think the times have change with a lot more women coming into the field. But they are somewhere still lost in a male-dominated society. Since the ghatam is an accompanying instrument, their growth depends on how often they are offered concerts by the lead artistes.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>How did your family react to your career choice?</strong></p>.<p>As we all know, women weren’t encouraged to pursue their dreams in those days. But I was lucky enough to have received that support. Though my father was a little uncomfortable with me learning the ghatam, he was not against it. My family’s encouragement and support played an important role in what I am today. I am also receiving the same support from my husband, and I have had no problems after marriage either.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Any advice to up-and-coming </strong><strong>artistes</strong><strong>?</strong></p>.<p>Do not give up. With determination and perseverance, you can achieve anything in life. Set a goal and work towards it like there’s no tomorrow.</p>.<p><span><strong>Meet her here</strong></span></p>.<p>Sahitya Sanje - Sukkanya and her team present a ghatam concert at an event titled ‘Keluva Pari’ (The Way to Listen).</p>.<p><strong>When:</strong> March 30</p>.<p><strong>Where: </strong>Suchitra Cinema & Cultural Academy, No 36, B V Karanth Road, Banashankari<br /><strong>Time:</strong> 5.30 pm</p>.<p><span><strong>Interested?</strong></span></p>.<p>Those interested in learning the ghatam can contact Sukkanya Ramgopal on 98455 24280. Website: www.ghatamsukkanyaramgopal.com</p>
<p>Sukkanya Ramgopal, one among the very few women ghatam players in the country, began her musical journey at the age of 12, and with<br />the mridangam. She eventually learned to play the ghatam under the guidance of masteros Harihara Sharma and his son, Vikku Vinayakram.</p>.<p>She has accompanied several senior Carnatic musicians like M Balamuralikrishna, T S Sathyavathi, Vedavalli, and M S Sheela. She recently completed 26 years in music.</p>.<p>In a candid chat with <strong><span class="bold">Rakshitha M N</span></strong>, Sukkanya shares her thoughts on the challenges of women percussionists.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>How did you discover your passion for the ghatam?</strong></p>.<p>I never understood what got me interested, but I think that is the best part. I just knew that there was something that attracted me to it, and I instantly took to it. Being one of the first women ghatam players, I can’t say I had many resources back then. But I think I was lucky enough eventually to be taught by the best gurus.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Were you ever discouraged or rejected because you were a woman?</strong></p>.<p>Yes. In fact, when I initially approached my guru to teach me the ghatam, he declined, saying the instrument was not meant to be in a woman’s hands. It is difficult for even men, he said. But, I didn’t give up. Because of my persistence, Harihara Sharma decided to teach me the basics and that is how it all started. The practice sessions were intense, but I am glad I stuck to it.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>What have you done, over the years, to fight gender discrimination?</strong></p>.<p>I came up with ‘The Ghata Tharang’ (six ghatams of different musical notes creating a melody), a first-of-its-kind concept where a percussion instrument occupies centre stage in a Carnatic concert.</p>.<p>Also, with ‘Sthree Thaal Tharang’, an all-women’s instrumental ensemble, we have been able to discover fresh talent. We have also performed in various countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, China, Singapore, and UAE.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Do you see more women interested in playing the ghatam now?</strong></p>.<p>I think the times have change with a lot more women coming into the field. But they are somewhere still lost in a male-dominated society. Since the ghatam is an accompanying instrument, their growth depends on how often they are offered concerts by the lead artistes.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>How did your family react to your career choice?</strong></p>.<p>As we all know, women weren’t encouraged to pursue their dreams in those days. But I was lucky enough to have received that support. Though my father was a little uncomfortable with me learning the ghatam, he was not against it. My family’s encouragement and support played an important role in what I am today. I am also receiving the same support from my husband, and I have had no problems after marriage either.</p>.<p class="Question"><strong>Any advice to up-and-coming </strong><strong>artistes</strong><strong>?</strong></p>.<p>Do not give up. With determination and perseverance, you can achieve anything in life. Set a goal and work towards it like there’s no tomorrow.</p>.<p><span><strong>Meet her here</strong></span></p>.<p>Sahitya Sanje - Sukkanya and her team present a ghatam concert at an event titled ‘Keluva Pari’ (The Way to Listen).</p>.<p><strong>When:</strong> March 30</p>.<p><strong>Where: </strong>Suchitra Cinema & Cultural Academy, No 36, B V Karanth Road, Banashankari<br /><strong>Time:</strong> 5.30 pm</p>.<p><span><strong>Interested?</strong></span></p>.<p>Those interested in learning the ghatam can contact Sukkanya Ramgopal on 98455 24280. Website: www.ghatamsukkanyaramgopal.com</p>
