Born to great violinist Basavanagudi Shri G. Nataraj and Smt. N Lakshmi, Amrit takes immense pride in being blessed with an illustrious musician family, which he traces to his great-grandfather ‘Raja Purohith’ Shri Kumara Shastry who was an ‘Asthana Pandith’ in Mysore palace. Amrit’s grandmother Smt. Ratnamma was a Carnatic singer and a lyricist par excellence who often helped her brother Shri Ku. Ra. Seetharama Shastry with his cinematic and musical pursuits, notably “School Master”, “Bedara Kanappa” & many more. Smt. Sunitha Ramabhadran, Amrit’s sister is an accomplished violin artist and constantly encourages him in taking the family traditions to a new high. Smt. Sandhya, Amrit’s wife, a competent vocalist, has been a driving force for his Music & Success.
Father - Basavanagudi Shri G Nataraj
Basavanagudi Shri G Nataraj was born to Shri Gundu Narayana Joshi and Smt. Ratnamma in the year 1943. Started learning Vocal in 1953 under Vidwan Shri H.K.VENKATRAMANA SHASTHRY at the age of 9. Later on he started learning Violin under Vidwan Shri A.VEERABHADRAIAH in the year 1954. He continued his violin training under Vidwan Shri H.V.KRISHNAMURTHY from 1955 spanning 8 years. At an young age Shri Nataraj joined ‘Shri RamaKrishna Mutt’ in the order of Bramhacharya and was given the name ‘Bramhachari Durgachaitanya Maharaj Ji’. He delved into subjects like Comparative religious studies and researched on Gospel, Bible and other occidental scriptures with emphasis on the Indian Perspectives. Further he dedicated his life to the Vedantic Preaching and social service. At culmination of nine years, when offered a choice between sainthood and family life, he chose the latter.
He entered social life making Violin his art. He founded ‘SHRI RAMAKRISHNA SANGEETHA VIDYALAYA’ in 1971. Since then he has been training several students in violin. Many of his students have taken up the Music Exams conducted by The Karnataka State Secondary Education Board and have come out with excellent results. Many of his students are performing in concerts. Many of them are graded artists of the All India Radio. He has to his credit a special multi-violin programmes where in only his disciples perform on stage under his direction. His only aim is to serve for the cause of music and contribute in his own way.
His accomplishments as a Violinist brought him accolades and titles from many reputed Sabhas and Government Organisations. VIOLIN VAADANA CHATURA, DHANURVEENA KESARI, DHANURVEENA KALARATHNA, GANA KALAA SHEKARA, NAADA CHINTAAMANI, KARNATAKA KALASHRI (by The Government of Karnataka) , KALA BHOOSHANA, DHANURVEENA KALA VANI, KALA JYOTHI are to name a few.
Mother – Smt. N. Lakshmi
Smt. N Lakshmi, a Bank employee by profession, has been a source of inspiration and support for Amrit. Traditions and values are first learnt at home and needless to say one would not find a better substitute than one’s own mother. She is a simple lady with an extraordinary strength to nurture the family in all aspects of life.
Sister – Smt. Sunitha Ramabhadran
Smt. Sunitha Ramabhadran is a well known Violinist in Karnataka. She ably balances her work as a ‘Systems Manager’ in Siemens and the family tradition on Carnatic Music. She is a constant support to Amrit in all his endeavours. She is married to Shri Ramabhadran, who is also musically inclined, and has a daughter Kumari Shambhavi, all living in a closely knit family.
Wife – Smt. Sandhya
Marrying Smt. Sandhya, a well trained Vocalist meant ‘Laya wedding Shruti’. She is an energy source for Amrit. Having completed her Masters in Commerce, she invests her time in maintaining the home and in teaching classical music. Her support adds the charm to Amrit’s success.
BIOGRAPHY
GURU PARAMPARA
