RAHUL VELLAL – ENVELOPED BY DIVINE GRACE

APARNA SHIVAPURA in conversation with a DIVINE SOUL ENVELOPED BY EFFULGENCE, INIMITABLE TALENT AND AN UNCANNY AURA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step into their home, a sea of positive light and infinite radiance embraces you. An unusual blend of magic, warmth, and charisma co-exists in this house in the form of Rahul Vellal and his wonderful parents – Ravi Shankar Vellal and Hema Suryanaryana.

There are several layers added to this ingenuous talent pool, Rahul in addition to what he was gifted with, at birth. A layer of uncompromised humility, a sense of purpose, a subtle sense of discipline and unshakeable devotion towards music, have all been carefully tailored into this gentle soul, with the delicate hands of love by his parents.

The result is there for you to see, experience and go numb in awe – Rahul Vellal’s magical voice, innocent eyes and dimpled smile will transport you into another world, every time you hear him sing! A mesmerizing voice, a bundle of talent and a gifted soul – perhaps, all these and more can go into describing Rahul Vellal. And yet, words will not suffice or match what you feel when he sings.

Talent Spotting & the Nurturing Process

Rahul Vellal’s parents noticed that he had unusually high grasping skills, he had the ability to repeat songs and shlokas at a very young age. At the age of 2 ½, Rahul was different from other kids of his age. At the age of 3 ½, they started taking him to Shloka classes. They recall fondly, that “he would go hopping from one sofa to another, one chair to another in the teachers house, drink milk and learn shlokas.”

If Rahul was able to successfully perform his first concert, it is to be called out that it is the significant efforts of his parents. Before Rahul was born and in his early years, they had brilliant careers in the IT space and were busy in their professional lives. After they spotted and became aware of Rahul’s capabilities, and uncommon gifts he was born with, they consciously decided to focus and ensure he receives the best training, teaching, exposure and discipline required to excel in this field. His mother Hema, has given up her full-time job and his father, spends quality time every single day to ensure Rahul is trained, continually.

“Without nurturing this talent, it would have all been lost, and we would have probably never understood how capable the child was, says his father, Ravi Shankar. Our investment is therefore, entirely focused on how the child is focused, without distractions. We work towards giving him a holistic lifestyle, a balanced approach to his nurturing process and also work towards ensuring he has fun too.”

A child, isn’t he?

Nurturing is Tough Mountaineering

If you have to climb the mountains, or dive in the oceans, without losing your breath, you have to continuously train in the field, and you have to be focused and build the discipline into your lifestyle. At the same time, you have to high energy and dedication. To a large extent, this sculpting-out and shaping-up has been the results of the continuous efforts of his parents.

“One of our greatest journeys has been to find the right Gurus for Rahul. We have been very fortunate that we have always found the right Gurus to guide him – whether its is has been Suchetan Rangaswamy, Vidushi Kalavathy Avadoot or Vidushi Ranjani and Gayatri who are currently teaching him,” say his parents.

The family travels to Chennai at the behest of the Gurus and ensures he receives the teaching. “Rahul is currently in a process of learning, and he has a long way to go, says his father.”

Rahul’s parents say they themselves do not have any formal training or association with Carnatic Classical Music. “it is not in our genes, as they say.” In this case, as one would see, the challenges are naturally greater as they would have stumbled on this great talent, rather than Rahul naturally inheriting it. For his parents, it became a conscious decision, therefore, to ensure he receives the best training and guidance from Gurus.

Gifted, multi-faceted & Inspiring
The voice is divine, the rendering is flawless, and the impact is astounding – when Rahul sings, and am sure all fans would agree. Rahul has been able to capture the imagine of thousands of people across the globe, irrespective of age, caste and creed barriers. Music is unifying and integrating at the core, and when Rahul sings, one can get that seamlessly.

There are many testimonials and evidences to the magical impact of Rahul’s renditions. From eliminating clinical depression, to complexities in pregnancies, from easing out people suffering illnesses, to capturing hearts of people from diverse backgrounds – Rahul has truly touched our hearts.  In fact, his music does seem to have a direct bearing on the healing process. Many physicians, surgeons and Corona warriors have felt calmed, relaxed and been able to build back energy after listening to Rahul.

Choice gifts Destiny
When the river of talent flows over the pebbles and stones, it is the shore that guides the river into a seamless flow. Rahul’s talent has been spotted, supported, nurtured and guided by his family. But it is admirable and inspiring how Rahul co-opts this lifestyle, with a radiant smile.

In my entire evening’s catch up with the family, not once did I hear a single whisper of compliant, challenge or difficulty by Rahul or his parents. Not once, did they all speak about limitations. The choice made by his parents to put him into the path of learning, the investment of long hours, days and nights of rigorous practice has Rahul enrolled into it, happily. His little heart and mind have already understood, or the felt the need to be on the path of learning, no matter how difficult and long the road may be. In addition to this, Rahul manages to fit in a life of normal child too which includes playing cricket, sketching and drawing, snacking and partying, whenever possible. He also learns the Mridangam and Western Piano – the list goes on and I am left wondering how and when!!!

Rahul and his parents are also extremely thankful to his school – Carmel School, Bangalore for their extended and unconditional support towards his schedule, various projects and programs. “Without the support of the school, teachers and the management, we would not have been able to come this far, says his mother.” They are also thankful to each one of his Gurus, all the audiences and giants of the music space who have supported and encouraged him.

Rahul sings complex ragas, can render challenging Sanskrit compositions and can reciprocate, effervescently. He is also learning the Vedas, to improve his knowledge of our Classics. The learning curve has only begun for this spirited-wonder, this magical essence of humility and joy.

Prodigy, Versatility and Blessings
An overwhelming cover of Joie-de-vivre engrasps you, even as he begins to render a raga. Listen to him, and you will know that music can heal, music can transform and music can empower. This surely must be a special gift, for us audiences, world-over.

Is Rahul Vellal a prodigy? Is he versatile? Is he multi-faceted? Is he fortunate? People have asked him and his family, perhaps. The answer is yes to all and beyond that, Rahul and his family is blessed and guided by Divinity. You can experience it in his renditions. You can feel it when he articulates effortlessly, a challenge for kids at his age.

Beyond the accolades, the awards and the recognition, when Rahul sits down and sings – you can flow into another world; you can forget your present moment, you can heal internally and experience a glimpse of eternity. Thank you, Rahul, and God Bless you!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGHLIGHTS
At 13 today, Rahul is training under Vidushi Ranjani and Vidushi Gayatri. Earlier, he was learning from Vidushi Kalavathy Avadoot. He is learning Mridangam from Vidwan Kulur U Jayachandra Rao. He is learning the Western Piano from Trinity School of Music (London) from Shri Abhishek N. He has performed at several prestigious places across the country. He has also performed across the globe – Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Malaysia, Durban, Lagos and Hongkong). He has won several prestigious awards and accolades.

Some of his Awards are –

1. Global Child Prodigy Award 2020, also recognized as among ‘Top 100 Global Child Prodigies of the World,” by the GCP Awards Group
2. Shanmukhananda M S Subbulakshmi Fellowship 2018, by Honorable VP – Shri Venkaiah Naidu
3. Rising Star for Carnatic Music by LIVING – India’s premier Lifestyle Magazine for Global Citizens
4. Young Achievers 2019 and 2017 Award for Carnatic Music – Rotary International
5. SAMA-ACCUREX Child Artist – SAMA Child Artist Award
6. AALAP APPRECTIATION AWARD – Kapanna Angala, presented by Former Chief Justice of India Sri M Venkatachalaiah
7. CCRT National Level Scholarship for Carnatic Music Vocal

PERFORMANCE HIGLIGHTS

• Rahul has sung for the International Banner Disney’s, animated movie, Telugu version, “Lion King”, released on 20th July 2019. He has sung a couple of songs for the cub Simba.
• Rahul gave his first international Carnatic Music concert in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on January 12th 2018, at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce.
• He performed in Singapore on February 10th 2018 for Lahari Arts Society.
• He performed in Lagos, Nigeria, for the Indian Fine Arts Society (INFAS) in April 2018.
• He performed in Durban, South Africa for the Multi-Cultural Academy of South Africa in May 2019. He was
• invited by the Honourable Counsel General of India in Durban, Shri Anish Ranjan, for a special performance
• at the Indian Consulate in Durban.
• He also performed with legendary International musicians as part of a 35 instrument Symphony Orchestra in
• Hong Kong on 30 May 2019.
• He has performed Carnatic Classical Concert in Malaysia on 23 Nov 2019 hosted by Sugam Karnatica.

National:

• In Nov 2020, Rahul has performed for the prestigious Mysuru Dasara Festival at the Mysore Palace.
• He performed a Carnatic Classical Concert for Shankar Mahadevan Academy, Mysuru, in February 2019.
• He performed for a Carnatic Fusion Video for music composer Mahesh Raghavan released online in December
• 2018.
• He also performed Carnatic Classsical concert containing only Annamayya Kirtanas for TTD Brahmotsavam at
• Tirumala, in Oct 2018.
• He was interviewed by Akashvani, Bengaluru (AIR), Primary Radio Station for its Bala Gopala Programme to
• inspire other children. It was broadcast on August 29th, 2018
• His Baaro Krishnayya Unplugged, performed for MadRasana, was featured in BBC Asian Channel in United
• Kingdom on August 17th 2018
• He sang at the much-revered Guruvayur Temple July 29th 2018 at a programme organised by the
• Sarvamangala Sabha.
• He performed at the Madras Music Academy, Chennai, on July 3rd 2018, on the occasion of Sangeetha
• Kalanidhi M L Vasanthakumari Amma’s 90th Birthday Celebration, under invitation from Padma Bhushan Dr.
• Sudha Raghunathan.
• He sang at the prestigious Sree Rama Seva Mandali Fort High School Grounds, in April 2018.
• He participated along with Sid Sriram in the well-attended 2018 Aikya Concert conducted by Global
• Adjustments Foundation at the Madras Music Academy.
• He was featured on 92.7 Big FM as a child artiste on Children’s Day, 2017. His unplugged songs were played
• along with his interview. He also sang a jingle for 92.7 Big FM, that was played throughout Children’s Day.
• He performed for Bhoomija's Carnatic Choir 2017, under the direction of Vid. Sriranjini Santhanagopalan.

Competitions:
• Winner, National Level – Global Carnatician 2017 conducted online and judged by eminent panellists,
August 2017.
• Runner-up, National Level - Sangeet Samraat, Chennai, 2016.
• Winner, State-level CEMA Carnatic Classical Competition in Bengaluru.
• Winner, State-level “Sugama Samraat” light music contest.
• Winner, Bengaluru Gayana Samaja Music Competitions in both Purandara Daasa and Tyagaraja
Compositions.
• Winner of Global Online Acharyanet Carnatic music contest.
Television and Online Presence:
• Rahul has performed in the prestigious show “Annamayya Paataku Pattabhishekam”, telecast on SVBC
channel, for the renowned music composer Sri Josyabhatla Sharma, in the August presence of Music
Director M M Keeravani and Director Raghavendra Rao. He was also given the title of “ Junior Shankar
Mahadevan” by M M Keeravani Sir after listening to him.
• Rahul has sung in many musical videos for the renowned music director, Kuldeep M Pai from Chennai.
• He has also recorded many musical videos for another YouTube channel called “Strumm Spiritual”,
which have been released on all media platforms including apple music, spotify, amazon music etc
apart from YouTube.
• His YouTube videos have collectively crossed millions of views