Mohana Santanam (also known as Mohan Santhanam) is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist based in Chennai, known for his scholarly approach to music, deep understanding of ragas, and commitment to preserving traditional repertoire. A devoted disciple of the legendary Professor T.R. Subramanyam (TRS) from 1982 until the maestro's passing in 2013, he now continues his musical journey under the guidance of Sangita Kalanidhi Sanjay Subrahmanyan. He represents the continuation of a rich musical lineage that emphasizes both technical excellence and devotional fervor, being a descendant of the renowned composer N. Kotiswara Iyer through his sishya parampara. His musical journey spans several decades as both a performer and an ardent rasika, making him a respected figure in Chennai's vibrant Carnatic music community. Beyond his performance career, he is also a thoughtful writer and blogger who shares insights about Carnatic music, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of musical knowledge for future generations.
Musical Training and Guru-Shishya Tradition
Mohana Santanam received his advanced training in Carnatic music from the renowned Professor T.R. Subramanyam (1929-2013), popularly known as TRS, from 1982 until the maestro's passing in 2013. TRS was celebrated for his innovative approach to Carnatic music while maintaining strict adherence to classical traditions, and was widely acclaimed as the most versatile musician of his times and the "Pallavi King." After TRS's passing, Mohana Santanam continued his musical development under the tutelage of Sangita Kalanidhi Sanjay Subrahmanyan. His musical lineage extends further back through his family connections to the renowned archetypal composer N. Kotiswara Iyer, as his maternal aunt Late Smt. Ananthalakshmi Nagarajan and uncle Late Shri R.M. Sundaram were both prime disciples of Kotiswara Iyer. He was initially initiated into Carnatic music by his mother, Smt. Saraswathi Santhanam, a Sangita Vidwan.
Performance Career and Recognition
As a graded artist of All India Radio Chennai, Mohana Santanam has established himself as a respected performer in the Carnatic music circuit since 1998. He performs extensively throughout the country in all major cities and sabhas, and is a regular performer in all the major sabhas of Chennai during the December Music Festival. His international presence includes regular performances abroad, especially in Singapore and the United States. He has been featured by prestigious organizations including the Visakha Music Academy, where his concerts have been praised for their energetic renditions and harmonious blend of melody and classicism. His performances are characterized by faithful adherence to the D.K. Jayaraman tradition, particularly evident in his renditions of compositions like the Sahana Navavaranam and other pieces associated with the great maestro.
Awards and Achievements
Mohana Santanam has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to Carnatic music:
- Ogirala Veeraraghava Sarma Endowment Award - Visakha Music Academy, Visakhapatnam (2017)
- Kartik Award of Excellence - Kartik Fine Arts, Chennai (2014)
- "Asthana Vidwan" - Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, Kanchipuram (2008)
- "Yuva Kala Bharathi" - Bharat Kalachar, Chennai (2005)
- Best Sub-Senior Concert Prize - Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai (2004)
These recognitions reflect his standing in the Carnatic music community and acknowledge his contributions to the preservation and propagation of classical music traditions.
Media Presence and Television Performances
Mohana Santanam has performed extensively on television, appearing on most major TV channels including SVBC (Nadaneerajanam), SUN, Raj, Jaya, Vijay, and Amrita TVs. For DD Pothigai Chennai, he performed a notable thematic concert titled "Mysore Fragrance" in 2012, showcasing his expertise in the compositions of Mysore Vasudevacharya and related repertoire. His television appearances have helped bring classical Carnatic music to wider audiences and demonstrate his ability to adapt traditional art forms to contemporary media formats.
Musical Philosophy and Approach
His approach to Carnatic music reflects the influence of his guru TRS, emphasizing both technical mastery and emotional depth. He is known for his skillful rendition of kalpana swaras, particularly in ragas like Kuntalavarali, where his grid of improvisations has impressed audiences. His musical philosophy centers on the belief that live concert experiences are irreplaceable, and he consistently advocates for attending concerts in person rather than relying solely on recordings.
Scholarly Contributions and Writing
Mohana Santanam is an accomplished writer who maintains an active blog where he shares detailed analyses of Carnatic music concerts, raga studies, and musical experiences. His writings demonstrate deep knowledge of musical theory, composition analysis, and the historical context of various ragas and composers. He has contributed articles to music journals, including pieces on rare ragas resurrected by Tyagaraja and detailed analyses of compositions in various ragas like Todi, Shankarabharanam, and others.
Concert Reviews and Musical Analysis
His detailed concert reviews and musical analyses have become valuable resources for music students and enthusiasts. He provides comprehensive coverage of Chennai's December music season, offering insights into performances by leading artists and emerging talents. His reviews are characterized by technical accuracy, historical context, and appreciation for both traditional and innovative approaches to Carnatic music presentation.
Repertoire and Specializations
Mohana Santanam's repertoire includes a wide range of compositions from various composers, with particular emphasis on the works of the Trinity (Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri) and later composers like Mysore Vasudevacharya and Papanasam Sivan. He is known for his renditions of rare compositions and his ability to present lesser-known kritis with appropriate musical treatment. His performances often feature detailed raga alapanas and creative kalpana swaras that demonstrate his deep understanding of raga characteristics.
Teaching and Cultural Preservation
Through his performances, writings, and interactions with the music community, Mohana Santanam contributes to the preservation and transmission of Carnatic music traditions. His detailed analyses of compositions and ragas serve as educational resources, helping students and enthusiasts understand the intricacies of classical music. His commitment to maintaining the authenticity of traditional repertoire while appreciating innovative presentations reflects a balanced approach to cultural preservation.
Contemporary Relevance and Adaptability
Despite his strong grounding in traditional approaches, Mohana Santanam demonstrates adaptability to contemporary contexts. His blog posts cover diverse topics from classical music analysis to personal travel experiences, showing his ability to connect traditional art forms with modern communication methods. His writings about attending concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic and his reflections on the importance of live musical experiences demonstrate his continued engagement with evolving cultural contexts.
Professional Background
Beyond his musical career, Mohana Santanam has professional experience in the corporate sector, working with companies like Infocareer. This diverse background provides him with a unique perspective that bridges the worlds of traditional art and contemporary professional life, enabling him to communicate effectively with diverse audiences about the relevance and beauty of Carnatic music.
Musical Lineage and Influences
His musical development was significantly influenced by the D.K. Jayaraman tradition, which he learned through his guru TRS. This lineage is known for its emphasis on emotional expression, technical precision, and innovative approaches to traditional forms. The influence of this tradition is evident in his performances of compositions like "Rakshapettare" and other pieces associated with D.K. Jayaraman's distinctive style.
Community Engagement and Cultural Activities
Mohana Santanam actively participates in Chennai's cultural community, regularly attending concerts and cultural events. His engagement extends beyond passive participation to active documentation and analysis, contributing to the collective memory and understanding of contemporary Carnatic music developments. His detailed accounts of music seasons and festival experiences provide valuable documentation of the current state of classical music presentation.
Digital Age Contributions
In the digital age, his blog and online presence have made Carnatic music more accessible to global audiences. His detailed concert reviews, musical analyses, and personal reflections provide insights that help both newcomers and experienced rasikas deepen their appreciation of classical music. His use of digital platforms to share musical knowledge represents a modern approach to traditional guru-shishya knowledge transmission.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
Mohana Santanam's contributions to Carnatic music extend beyond his individual performances to include his role as a cultural documenter, analyst, and advocate for live musical experiences. His writings serve as valuable resources for understanding contemporary Carnatic music practice and the ongoing evolution of traditional art forms. Through his multifaceted engagement with music as performer, writer, and cultural participant, he continues to contribute to the vitality and relevance of Carnatic music in the modern world. His work ensures that the scholarly traditions inherited from his guru TRS continue to influence and inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
