Sugama Sangeetha Academy Trust, Mysuru, was founded more than 35 years ago by H.R. Leelavathi and her husband late S.G. Raghuram. The Academy is devoted to promoting light classical music based on the poems written by Kannada poets and poetesses. H.R. Leelavathi herself is a well-known poetess and a celebrated singer.

Under her guidance the Academy arranges four programmes annually including one State- level competition involving and encouraging young and talented artistes in the line. On 15th June at 6 pm, the Academy has arranged a Kannada Light Music programme titled Bhavantaranga at Vasudevacharya Bhavana of Nadabramha Sangeetha Sabha, JLB Road, Mysuru, by popular playback singer Mangala Ravi and her husband Ravi.

Profile: An AIR ‘B’ high artiste, Mangala Ravi is in the music profession for more than 20 years. She has sung in over 80 movies. She has given her voice for over 1,000 albums in all South Indian languages.  She has the privilege of giving concerts along with legendary singers like S.P. Balasubramaniam, K.J. Yesudas, C. Ashwath, Raju Ananthaswamy and the like.

Manjula Ravi has spread the fragrance of Kannada Sugama Sangeetha not only in Karnataka but also crossing the national frontiers enlivening the ears and hearts of people settled abroad.

Being the co-founder of Alapana Kala Samsthe, she is imparting Sugama Sangeetha training to the aspirants. She is the recipient of many awards including KIMA Award for Best Playback Singer, Upasana Award, Kempegowda Award, Guru Putta Panchakshara Award and others.

Her husband Ravi is a disciple of Raju Ananthaswamy, who has accompanied his guru in many live concerts. An entrepreneur by profession, Ravi is the founder of Growthcode Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. A techie by profession and a singer by passion, Ravi has also a flair for literature. He has penned many poems, screenplays and directed many dance dramas and music videos.

This talented duo will be accompanied by C.Vishwanath on mandolin, Shanmuga Sajja on keyboard and Atmaram on tabla. The Academy welcomes all music-connoisseurs. Entry for the programme is free.

—C.K. Sanjay Kumar