Once, a girl who attended violin classes not out of passion, but because her mother promised snacks along the way, Rangappriya Sankaranarayanan even tricked her mother countless times and skipped her class. Little did anyone know that this mischievous beginning was the first note in the lifelong symphony of her life.
Rangappriya is a dentist by training, a researcher by education, and a violinist by calling. Born into a family where the violin was more than an instrument, and her parents had decided even before having children that their child would learn the violin.
As a kindergartener learning Veena, Rangappriya’s first encounter with the violin was almost accidental; when her brother was punished by his teacher, she picked up the instrument to “rescue” him. That moment revealed a natural connection, one that would shape her life.
Her journey toward mastery was never straightforward. Rangappriya went through twelve teachers and, at one point, was told she could no longer be taught. The repeated setbacks made her question her abilities, and for years, music felt more like an obligation than a passion.
Everything changed in 2013 when she met her guru, Embar Kannan. From that point, her career blossomed, performing alongside top music directors such as Deva, AR Rahman, MM Keravani, and others, as well as leading playback singers like Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, KS Chitra, and more. She earned the prestigious B High grade from All India Radio, a recognition of her dedication.
In 2019, her father’s sudden passing and the pandemic tested her family’s resilience. Watching her mother rebuild their lives inspired Rangappriya to fully commit to music, not just as a career, but as a way to honour her parents’ sacrifices.
As part of She Is The Story 2026 by The People Story, Rangappriya Sankaranarayanan’s story inspires every woman and aspiring artist to follow their calling, embrace every challenge, and create a life that leaves a lasting mark. Like the melodies she plays, her journey reminds us that true art and true purpose resonate far beyond the stage.
