Rahul Vellal, The 13-year-old singing prodigy, recently had an exclusive interview with Global Child Prodigy under Prodigy Talks. The renowned Entrepreneur, Educationalist, and Humanitarian, Mr. Kavin Kumar Kandasamy, hosted the talk. He is also the Managing Director of Mangalam Educational Institutions. Mr. Kavin’s institutions serve more than 7000 students every year.
Join us as we take you through the excerpts from Rahul Vellal’s interview.
Rahul Vellal Tell Us A Little About Yourself & Your Family
My name is Rahul Vellal, and I am 13-years-old. I am from Bangalore, India. Currently, I am an eighth-grader from Carmel School, Bangalore. I am also learning Carnatic Vocal, Mridangam, and Western Piano. I have been a Carnatic vocal for the past nine years. At present, I am learning from Shri KO Jaychandra Rao sir. Also, I am learning western piano from Shri N Abhishek sir.
I am the only child of my parents. My father is a software architect and works for IBM. My mother was working in Sysco, but she quit her job for me.
Rahul Vellal, Did Your Parents Introduce You To Music or You Just Naturally Liked It?
My parents used to play all kinds of songs, and I listened to them very carefully. Then whenever the song was played again, I used to sing that in my words. So, They recognized that I had an interest in music as classical music is best, so they initiated me into classical music at the age of four.
Initially, no one was willing to teach me Carnatic music. They believed that when I learned to read and write Kannada then only, I would be able to learn Carnatic music. My parents knocked on the doors of all the Carnatic music teachers, but no one was ready. So, they initiated me into Sloka Classes, and I learned Slokas for about one year. At the age of four, I started learning Carnatic music under Shri Suchetan Rangaswamy sir.
Would You Like To Tell Us Something About Your Website That You Have Launched Recently?
Yes, the website was gifted to me by Manjunath Uncle, and it is such a beautiful gift. The website is about my journey, gurus, and all. There are also some of my photos. The link for my website is rahulvellal.me.
Rahul Vellal, Do You Think You Are Gifted?
Yes, probably it is a gift, but it is more because of the gurus that I am here. They have molded me so beautifully. Also, my parents play a vital part in this as they have always supported me.
Is There Something That You Want To Share With Us?
Once when I was performing in Mysore, I was singing the song Baro Krishnayya. It is a song that invites Lord Krishna. Pejawar Swami Ji just came into the auditorium, hugged and showered his blessings upon me. That was a fantastic experience which I can never forget.
Would You Like To Share The Story Behind You Meeting With Hon. Vice President of India?
I received the MS Subbulakshmi Fellowship in Music in 2018, and M. Venkaiah Naidu was the chief guest there. He presented the award to me, and it was a moment of great honor.
I have also met S. P. Balasubrahmanyam in his concert itself. I was waiting for him backstage there. He came, saw me, hugged me and blessed me. Also, we took a photo together.
What Is The National CCRT Scholarship That You Have Received?
The central government of India gives the National CCRT Scholarship. My parents applied for the job, and then I had to go for an interview which was in Bangalore itself. There I was asked to sing some songs and the result came a couple of days later.
Is There Anybody That You Want To Perform With?
I would love to perform with great musicians like MS Subbulakshmi Ji. It would be great if I just get their blessings. But, I am not much aware of this generation of singers.
Rahul Vellal Are You able To Balance Your Studies & Singing Effectively?
Usually, I perform on weekends, so I don’t miss my school. My school does not get affected much, also there is a lot of support from my school. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.
How Does All Your Recognition Make You Feel?
I feel happy about it. All the credit for this fame goes to my Gurus, parents, and their blessings. Also, the people who love to hear me play a significant role in this. I don’t know much about my social media part because my parents manage it. But, it’s great to have such recognition.
Where Do You Want To Be In The Next Five Years?
I have not thought of that now. But, I would love to be something related to the music itself, maybe a music therapist. Music therapy is a way of healing in which a particular ragam or scale can make a person feel better.
How Does It Feel To Be A Recipient Of Global Child Prodigy Award?
It feels awesome. Though I could not be physically present at the GCPA event, it was a great feeling. I want to thank the organization for nominating me as one of the awardees. As I said, it is only because of the blessings and support of my parents, gurus and school.
Thank You, Rahul! You have a lot of versatility in your voice. We hope that you will continue to heal people through your voice. All the very best for your future.
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