Long before Bengaluru became a destination for international music collaborations, musicians from around the world were already finding their way to a modest house in Malleswaram. Students arrived carrying instruments and notebooks, eager to learn rhythm and Carnatic music from T.A.S. Mani and R.A. Ramamani. What began as a shared passion for music would grow into a partnership that influenced generations of musicians.

Both were introduced to music early in life, though through very different paths. Ramamani was born in Bengaluru into a family where scholarship and music were deeply valued. Her father, Pandit R.A. Krishnamacharya, was a Sanskrit scholar and Asthana Vidwan in the court of the Mysore Maharaja, while her mother encouraged her musical pursuits from a young age. She began learning Carnatic vocal music at the age of five under Sri Srinivas Ramachandra Rao and later trained under several distinguished gurus, including the Bellary Brothers, Anoor Ramakrishna, R.K. Srikantan, and Palghat K.V. Narayanaswamy. By her teenage years, she was already performing concerts, steadily developing into a musician known for both her artistry and intellectual depth.

Mani's introduction to music came through rhythm. Born into a family of musicians, he learned mridangam from his father and was immersed in the traditional guru-shishya system from an early age. He began performing publicly while still a child and quickly established himself as a gifted percussionist. While firmly rooted in Carnatic tradition, he was equally fascinated by the possibilities of innovation. This curiosity would become a defining characteristic throughout his life, leading him to explore new forms of musical expression without losing sight of the classical foundations that shaped him.

Their paths eventually crossed through music itself. At the time, Mani was teaching mridangam to Ramamani's brother and regularly visited her family home. What began as a teacher-student connection between the two families gradually evolved into something more. Their marriage would mark the beginning of an artistic partnership that would span decades.

Together, they became pioneers of Indo-jazz fusion, introducing Carnatic music to international audiences long before such collaborations became commonplace. Through the Karnataka College of Percussion, founded by Mani, they created a space where traditional South Indian music could be taught, explored, and shared with students from across the world. Their vision extended beyond performance; they sought to make South Indian music accessible to anyone willing to learn, regardless of cultural or geographical boundaries.

Their contributions were shaped by contrasting yet complementary personalities. Mani was known as an innovator, educator, and disciplinarian whose days often began before sunrise. He was admired for his openness, generosity, and sharp sense of humour, as well as his willingness to experiment with new musical ideas while remaining rooted in tradition. Ramamani brought equal dedication to her work, earning recognition as one of the pioneering women to perform complex rhythmic forms in Carnatic music. Thoughtful, meticulous, and deeply committed to her craft, she became an influential teacher and mentor in her own right.

Malleswaram provided the backdrop to much of this journey. Its tree-lined streets, cultural institutions, sabhas, and thriving artistic community offered fertile ground for the growth of their work.

For T.A.S. Mani and R.A. Ramamani, music was never simply a profession or a performance. It was a means of connection 

Karthik Mani, their son and a world-renowned drummer, helped paint a picture of his parents beyond their public personas, offering glimpses into their everyday lives, personalities, and values.

In Conversation with Karthik Mani about his parents

Q. What is your favourite childhood memory involving your parents?

My parents travelled abroad very frequently. Every time they went to the airport, I would accompany them. When they returned, they would bring chocolates, shoes, bags, and other things that weren't easily available here then. I would show them to my friends, who were always curious about these things. Sharing those gifts with my friends is one of my fondest memories.

Q. Did you have a favourite artist or band growing up?

Yes. There was a band called Sangam, formed by my parents along with Louis Banks, Ranjit Barot, Shivamani and others. That was my first exposure to fusion music. The band was already touring while I was still in my mother's womb, so in a way I've been influenced by Sangam my entire life.

Q. Do you know how your parents met?

My mother's brother wanted to learn Mridangam. My father was teaching at the time, so he began visiting my mother's house to teach him.

During those visits, my father got to know my mother, who was already a singer. He felt they would be a good match because they were both musicians. Eventually he approached my grandmother, who agreed, and that's how they got married.

Q. How would you describe your parents to someone who never met them?

About T.A.S. ManiMy father was very open-minded, kind and generous. He was an innovator who pioneered percussion ensembles by bringing multiple percussion instruments together. He was extremely disciplined but also mischievous and funny.

He was a great foodie and loved coffee and dosa. He had an incredible sense of humour and enjoyed spending time with friends.

About R.A. RamamaniMy mother was stricter than my father. She was highly intelligent and thoughtful. She was also a pioneer in her own right and became the first woman to perform certain complex rhythmic forms in Carnatic music.

Together, my parents were among the pioneers of Indo-Jazz-Carnatic fusion, combining Carnatic music with jazz in a way that was groundbreaking at the time.

Q. Do you know the philosophy behind founding the Karnataka College of Percussion?

I don't know all the details, but I think my father's main goal was simple: to spread music to as many people as possible.

He travelled extensively abroad at a time when international travel was rare for Indian musicians. Through those experiences, he realised the importance of sharing music across cultures.

Q. How would you describe their teaching style?

I don't remember much from my early lessons. But later, after I became a professional musician, we had deep discussions about music all the time.

After concerts, we'd analyse performances together. I would present new ideas to them and they would give feedback. Those discussions were incredibly valuable.

Q. Is there a belief or value from your parents that you still carry with you?

I can't point to a single belief. What I can say is that I'm deeply influenced by their music, their personalities and their way of life.

Q. What was their daily routine like?

T.A.S. ManiMy father woke up around 4:30 every morning, did his pooja, got ready, and spent most of the day teaching and practising. He was incredibly disciplined.

R.A. RamamaniMy mother also taught and practised regularly, but her schedule was more flexible because she had household responsibilities as well.

Q. What is your favourite memory of your parents?

Travelling with them.

Whenever we travelled, we had deep conversations about life. We spoke about everything. Looking back, those conversations are what I treasure most. I feel fortunate to have had that kind of relationship with both my parents.

More about TAS Mani

• World Music Central – T.A.S. Mani Profilehttps://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-t-a-s-mani/ 

• World Music Central – Karnataka College of Percussion Profilehttps://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-karnataka-college-of-percussion/ 

 More about R.A. Ramamani

• Nadatarangini – R.A. Ramamani Profilehttps://www.nadatarangini.org/artists/r-a-ramamani 

• EverybodyWiki – R.A. Ramamani Biographyhttps://en.everybodywiki.com/R.A._Ramamani