For someone who grew up in one of Bengaluru's most musical households, Karthik Mani spent much of his childhood trying to avoid music altogether. Surrounded by constant rehearsals, students, and performances, he stepped away from music at the age of ten, only to rediscover it years later through the drums.

What began as a chance encounter with a drum kit in his mid-twenties quickly became a calling. Largely self-taught, Karthik went on to develop a distinctive style that blends South Indian rhythmic traditions with world percussion and contemporary drumming. Today, he is an internationally acclaimed percussionist who has performed alongside and collaborated with some of India's most celebrated musicians, including Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain, and Taufiq Qureshi. 

Despite his global career, Malleswaram remains central to his story. The neighbourhood's rich cultural atmosphere, combined with the influence of his parents, T.A.S. Mani and R.A. Ramamani, shaped the musician he would eventually become. For Karthik, music was not simply a legacy he inherited—it was a passion he rediscovered and ultimately chose for himself.

In Conversation with Karthik Mani

Q. Did you grow up in Malleswaram? Were you born here?

Yes, I was born in East Park Road, the neighbouring street. We were initially in a rented house and then moved to Kodandapura, where we were living. That place later became a music school. My father eventually built a house here. So basically, my entire life has been in Malleswaram.

Q. What is your fondest memory of growing up in this place?

Cycling, playing cricket on the streets, and spending time outdoors. There was a basketball court nearby where we used to play basketball, and on Sundays we'd even play cricket there. The streets were beautiful and lined with trees. It was a wonderful place to grow up.

Q. Do you feel Malleswaram has changed now compared to when you were growing up?

Naturally. Whenever there is progress and development, trees get cut down. That's just how cities evolve. I wish there were more trees, but I also understand that development happens.

Q. Were you the popular kid in school?

I was definitely the most mischievous kid in class. I think I still am.

Q. What is the most mischievous thing you did as a child?

Since my parents were always travelling, my aunt stayed with me. She didn't know much English, but she knew how to sign. So whenever school gave us homework that required a parent's signature, I practised her signature and signed it myself. I got away with that for quite some time.

Q. Is there any particular artist you draw inspiration from today?

It's difficult to name one artist. Today music is so accessible through YouTube, Spotify and other platforms. Every musician is influenced by different genres and cultures. I travel a lot and work with musicians around the world, so I learn something from everyone.

Q. Do you think you were pushed into music because of your upbringing?

Actually, the opposite happened. There was so much music in my house that I eventually rejected it. My father had around 100–150 students and my mother had another 100–200 students. Music was happening every day from morning to night.

By the time I was ten years old, I decided I didn't like music and stopped learning.

Then when I was about twenty-four, a friend invited me to try playing drums. The moment I played my first rhythm, something clicked inside me. On the ride back home, I realised this was what I wanted to do with my life. Within a couple of months, I decided to pursue music professionally.

Q. How did your early training help your journey as a drummer?

As a child I learned some Ghatam and Mridangam. Later, when I started playing drums, I realised I could bring concepts from South Indian percussion into drumming. Over time I expanded into world percussion as well, learning instruments from different musical cultures around the world.

Q. What has been your favourite performance so far?

One memorable experience began with an invitation from the Shankar Mahadevan Academy. I thought I was going to perform on stage, but it turned out to be a casual bonfire gathering.

I started playing percussion during an informal jam session. Shankar Mahadevan happened to be there and was impressed. He took my number and, unlike many people who say they'll call and never do, he actually called me a few days later.

The next day I flew to Mumbai for his 50th birthday celebration. There I met artists like Zakir Hussain, Taufiq Qureshi and many others. Shankarji introduced me to everyone and we performed together. That experience opened many doors and eventually led to a long professional relationship and friendship with him.

Q. Are there any places in Malleswaram you would recommend?

CTR is famous for its dosa. Veena Stores is another iconic place. There's also a Parotta Point that serves excellent parottas in the evenings.

Q. Is there another instrument you would like to learn?

No. I'm very happy doing what I do.

Q. Did you learn vocal music and rhythm from your parents?

Yes. I learned Carnatic vocal music from my mother and rhythm from my father, although I wasn't always enthusiastic about practising.

Q. Did your parents ever disagree with your decision to pursue Western percussion?

Yes, initially. I started drumming quite late, around twenty-four or twenty-five. Most people my age were already working and earning a living.

My family didn't know whether there was a future in it, and honestly neither did I. But I believed in myself. After seeing how dedicated I was, my parents eventually supported me. My mother even secretly helped buy my first drum kit.

More about Karthik Mani 

• Karthik Mani Official Website His official website with biography, performances, projects, workshops, and media.