Ranjani and Gayatri, sisters, are world renowned versatile musicians whose over
thirty-nine years of professional experience includes studio recordings, television,
radio, concerts, festivals and lecture demonstrations. They have appeared as
soloists, violin duos, accompanists, vocal duos, composers, educators and
ambassadors of Indian Classical Music. As top class Indian classical musicians, the
sisters are conservators of their genre's unique beauty and preserve ancient tradition
as they continue to innovate within it. They are highly respected and celebrated for
their performances in the field of Indian Classical music.
Ranjani Gayatri's performances are highly acclaimed for their melodious renditions,
impeccable coordination as a duo, and their ability to explore the depths of ragas
through intricate improvisations. They have a vast repertoire of classical
compositions in several languages including Sanskrit, Tamizh, Telugu, Kannada,
Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi and others.
Perfection of sruti (pitching), powerful voice control, rich imagination and impeccable
aesthetics which reflect the timeless values of classicism - these are some of the
qualities that describe the music of Ranjani and Gayatri. Above all this, it is the
sisters' capacity to deeply experience and enjoy what they sing that takes their music
to a different plane. Their two voices blend and contrast to strike a fine balance
between vibrancy and contemplation, intellect and emotion, tradition and innovation.
Their concerts, which draw full houses across the globe, resound with energy,
freshness and emotional intensity.
Ranjani and Gayatri’s concerts take the listener into a world of colour, beauty and
transcendental bliss. Their music leaves a powerful impact on music aficionados and
fans, inspiring many musicians to follow their style. They are known for their
consummate mastery over the complex form of Ragam-Thanam-Pallavi and their
Abhangas resonate with classical richness and devotional fervour that has caught
the imagination of scores of music lovers across the globe.
The sisters have boldly experimented and have created a formidable body of work in
the collaborative space. Their Jugalbandhi concerts with musicians from the North
Indian classical style, their collaborations with musicians from western and other
genres have created waves. Their path-breaking and innovative presentation of
“Raaja by RaGa '' and “RaSa by RaGa” concept has particularly brought in diverse
and first time listeners for Indian classical music worldwide. They have composed
original music for the timeless spiritual works of Adi Shankaracharya,
Arunagirinadhar and Marathi Abhangs which has resonated in millions of households
across the world. Especially the devotional projects of theirs like the Subrahmanya
Bhujangam and Lalita Sahasranamam have powerfully impacted and rejuvenated
the interest of listeners.
Ranjani and Gayatri are also accomplished violinists. They started their musical
journey as violinists even before they reached their teens, and made a name for
themselves as one of the leading violinists of their generation, performing in leading
sabhas (organisations presenting concerts) all over the country and abroad.
Ranjani and Gayatri owe their rich musical heritage to their Gurus, Sri T.S.
Krishnaswami who taught them violin and Sri P.S.Narayanaswamy, who guided them
through their vocal journey. They had their initial vocal training from their mother Smt
Meenakshi Balasubramanian and their father Balasubramanian played a pivotal role
in shaping their musical values.
Ranjani and Gayatri owe their rich musical heritage to their Gurus, Sri T.S.
Krishnaswami who taught them violin and Sri P.S.Narayanaswamy, who guided them
through their vocal journey. They had their initial vocal training from their mother Smt
Meenakshi Balasubramanian and their father Balasubramanian played a pivotal role
in shaping their musical values.
Ranjani and Gayatri- having had an affinity for Indian classical music since infancy,
have experience as both violinists (soloists and accompanists) and as vocalists- and
have received accolades for the same.
● They have toured and performed, as well as educated students of music all
over the globe, from Australia, New Zealand to Poland, Italy, the UK ,
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and all over USA and Canada.
● They are the recipients of the prestigious Padma Shri in 2026, awarded by
the Government of India. The Padma Awards are the highest civilian awards
in India which are given to outstanding contributors in different fields.
● Kevin McNamee, the Mayor of The city of Thousand Oaks proclaimed May 7,
2023 as "Ranjani- Gayatri : RaGa Day”.
● They were also the recipients of the Samagana Mathanga National award in
2023 that was presented by the Yoga Guru Dr. H S Nagendra instituted by
Bharatiya Samagana Sabha, Bengaluru.
● They have received the Kalaimamani Award from the state of Tamil Nadu in
2020. The Kalaimamani is the highest civilian award in the state of Tamil
Nadu, India.
● "Sangeetha Kala Siromani '' from Chennai Cultural Academy in 2015.
● "Vani Kala Sudhakara'' from Sri Tyaga Brahma Gana Sabha in 2015.
● Lifetime Achievement award from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in 2013.
●“Sanskriti Puraskar” from Sanskriti Pratishthan, New Delhi in 2008.
●“National Eminence Award” from Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and
●“Kalki Krishnamurthy award” in 2004 and the list goes on.
