Echoes of a Golden Empire

Krithika is a music composer and arts professional with over three decades of experience in performing, teaching, and curating thematic concerts. Through her project Kannada Kavya Kamanabillu, she brings Kannada poetry—from the 9th to the 20th century—into new life using Indian Classical and World Music forms. She co-authored Alpaayushi Mahan Sadhakaru – Sangeetagararu (Great Musicians Who Died Young) with her mother, now available as an audiobook in Kannada and English with musical renditions on all major platforms.

An alumna of IIM Kozhikode and recipient of the Ministry of Culture’s Junior Fellowship, Krithika’s research lies at the intersection of culture and economics. Her work reflects a rare blend of classical rigour, academic insight, and a commitment to making the arts more inclusive and meaningful. She has been recognised with titles such as Pratibhakankshi and Sangeetha Koustubha, among others.

Deepika Sreenivasan is one of the few accomplished women Mridangam artistes in India and is widely regarded as a rising talent in the field of classical percussion. She began her training under Vidwan Nandyala Ramamurthy and currently continues her advanced tutelage with Vidwan Patri Satish Kumar. A recipient of the prestigious Scholarship for Young Artistes from the Ministry of Culture and the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy, Deepika holds a Vidwath degree in Mridangam with distinction.

She has been honoured with awards including Udayonmukha Prathibhe, Mridanga Maantrike, and Best Concert from the Madras Music Academy. Her performances have featured at renowned platforms such as the Madras Music Academy, NCPA Mumbai, NMACC, the G20 Summit in Delhi, and internationally across the UK and Europe.

Beyond performance, Deepika is an active mentor for the British Council’s UK_IN Together program and is deeply committed to encouraging young women in Mridangam and Konnakkol. She also composes, arranges, and presents innovative percussive works, bringing fresh energy to the world of Indian classical rhythm.

Rakesh Dath is a leading flautist with over 15 years of performance experience, known for his versatility and expressive artistry. A disciple of Vidwan Mysore Chandan Kumar, Rakesh has performed in over 1500 concerts across India and internationally, making a mark in both classical and dance music circles.

He has graced prestigious stages such as the Walt Disney Theater in Los Angeles, the O2 Arena in London, the Indian Embassy in Rome, the Madras Music Academy, the Gayana Samaja in Bengaluru, and Nadabrahma Sabha in Mysuru, among others. His contributions have been recognised with titles such as Yuva Pratibhamani, Kala Ratna, and the Young Achiever Award from the Music Academy, Chennai.

Deeply embedded in the global performing arts community, Rakesh continues to innovate and collaborate, bringing the timeless sound of the flute to diverse audiences worldwide.

R.P. Prashanth, a B.E. graduate and a scion of the illustrious musical lineage from Rudrapatna, is an accomplished vainika best known as one half of the Rudrapatnam Veena Brothers alongside his brother, Vidwan R.P. Pramod. They hail from a family steeped in musical tradition—grandsons of the renowned Veena maestro and Mysore Palace Asthana Vidwan, Sri R.S. Keshava Murthy, and sons of eminent vocalist Vidwan R.K. Prasanna Kumar, Asthana Vidwan of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.

Prashanth began his Veena training at the tender age of three and has since performed extensively across India and abroad. A graded artist of All India Radio, his artistry has been featured at prestigious venues including the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival in the U.S., as well as across the United States and the United Kingdom. His contributions have been recognized with accolades such as the Navodaya award, among others.

Carrying forward a deep-rooted legacy, Prashanth continues to enrich the classical music landscape with his nuanced and evocative performances.