Carnatic vocalist R. Kashyap Mahesh from Tiruchi has been bestowed with the distinguished Kalaimamani Award for 2023 by the State government, an honor that arrives perfectly as he celebrates a quarter-century milestone in his artistic journey.
Kashyap Mahesh stands among eight exceptional artists recognized in the music category for the year 2023.
“The announcement of the Kalaimamani award came just a day after my performance at the Rajarajeshwari Temple in Cholamanagar, the very place where I first won a singing prize as a nine-year-old. I truly feel this award is a divine blessing from the Goddess herself,” shared the 34-year-old artist with a local daily.
His musical education began early, at the tender age of four. He received initial training from the Padma Bhushan recipient T.V. Gopalakrishnan, followed by further tutelage under Karaikudi M.S. Mani.
Film music director M.S. Viswanathan played a crucial role in his formative years, offering mentorship and guidance. “It was MSV Sir who encouraged me to pursue formal Carnatic music training and dedicate myself to becoming a vocalist,” Kashyap Mahesh recounted. He later collaborated with the veteran composer on a patriotic album titled Mazhalaiyum Methaikalum, where he sang alongside the legendary S.P. Balasubramanian.
Having performed in over 5,000 live concerts, the accomplished singer expressed his joy in connecting with both seasoned connoisseurs and new enthusiasts. “When I started singing, social media wasn’t around. The opportunity to travel to various venues across India and abroad has been a privilege, allowing me to meet diverse people united by their passion for music,” he reflected.
Even as a child, Kashyap Mahesh demonstrated extraordinary talent, earning a national award in 2004 not just for vocal singing, but also for computer painting. That same year, the Government of Tamil Nadu recognized his potential with the State Award, conferring upon him the title of Kalai Ila Mani.
Beyond his vocal prowess, Kashyap Mahesh gained public attention for his intricate computer-generated artwork depicting religious deities and places of worship. His remarkable drawing abilities caught the attention of none other than Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who famously gifted him a tablet PC and appointed him as the brand ambassador for MS Paint software in 2006.
The 2023 Kalaimamani award, according to the artist, reaffirms the profound importance of unwavering dedication to one’s craft. “Many of my peers who started alongside me eventually branched into other fields. I, however, have been fortunate to perform consistently for 25 years, a feat I owe entirely to the steadfast support and encouragement of my parents, my late father R. Raghunathan and my mother Rama. Without their sacrifices, I would not have reached this point,” stated Mr. Kashyap Mahesh.