Read the transcript of the entire conversation here.
In Conversation with Ghatam Player Sukkanya Ramgopal
The percussionist extraordinaire shares her experience of learning, playing and popularising the ghatam
Correction: At 7:00, the text should read ‘We cannot do anything.’
Video © Guftugu.
Sukkanya Ramgopal is one of the frontline musicians of India and the first woman ghatam artist of the country. Over the last four decades, Sukanya has mastered unique ghatam fingering techniques and is today considered one of the torchbearers of the Vikku baani of ghatam-playing. She is also a proficient performer on the Konnakol (vocal percussion). Sukanya hails from a family of musicians and Tamil scholars. The Ghata Tharang is a unique idea conceptualised by her. Her commitment to breaking new ground has inspired her to play the Ghata Tharang with 6-7 ghatams of different shruthis, thereby creating a unique melody on a percussion instrument. Sukanya leads an all-women instrumental ensemble called Sthree Thaal Tharang. She was the winner of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar for the year 2014. Read her full bio here.