In conversation with The Pioneer, Kaivalya, a 13-year-old youngster, speaks of her love for music, working with Karthik Kodakandla, and more.
K. Ramya Sree
Not just one or two, but 13-year-old Kaivalya is climbing the ladder of success in various fields, including a very recent music album. At such an age, the youngster promises to entertain you with jaw-dropping dance, music, artwork, and even sports.
Adding to this, she also enjoys painting, story writing, swimming, volleyball, and modelling. Not just this, she has also gained two black belts in Taekwondo after being trained by Master Lee, a world champion.
Kaivalya recently lent her voice to a song called Raagaala Jolaala, music directed by Karthik Kodakandla, who has worked with many seniors in the music industry like the late S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chitra, Chandrabose, and more.
Of all the talents that she has, Kaivalya is more attracted to singing, and desires to pursue a career in full-time singing, while also balancing her other crafts. The youngster told The Pioneer, “I have always loved singing, ever since I was a kid. It has helped me regulate my emotions throughout my life. It has had a big impact on my life. I can’t imagine a day without music. I love composing my own songs, writing lyrics (English), and making music. It connects me to the joy of making something new on my own. It’s hard to pick just one. Whatever I’m doing at that moment, I enjoy it thoroughly, and give my best.”
Living in the US, how can one not like hip-hop music? As much as she is an Indian at heart, being an NRI, she loves pop music very much. Going further, she said, “I love pop music so much. With its high energy and positive vibe, it helps me feel happier regardless of what I’m going through or how I’m feeling. Whether it’s a catchy song or a party anthem perfect for dancing along to, pop music has always had the ability to lift my spirits and make me smile.”
Speaking of the music director for her first song, Raagala Jolaala, whom she fondly calls “Karthikmama,” said, “I love him so much. He is pure at heart, very energetic, and full of joy. I loved working with him. It was a really fun and amazing experience with him. I owe him a big thanks for making my very first song recording the most memorable one. He is my professional guru.”
Guess what? We even had a conversation with the parents of this child prodigy who was creating her own empire at such a young age. And why not? Of course, it is only because of her parents’ support, who discovered her talent at a young age, that Kaivalya is able to pursue what she is good at. “Since Kaivalya was a baby, she always enjoyed the fine arts. From then to now, you will find her doing things for the love of doing them. She enjoys the process and output of her work. Appreciation and recognition would be a bonus,” they said.
Being in the US, we asked them how difficult it was for them to find the right teacher to train her in classical Indian music and dance. Kishore and Karuna, her parents, said, “Mostly in the USA, the difficulty wouldn’t be in finding teachers. But we need to figure out who is the right one for our child; the distance to drive for classes with the specific teacher and making time for practise are the challenges. Kaivalya is lucky to have a very professional guru, Madhura Sankar, as her first and best Carnatic music teacher. In middle school, Kaivalya selected choir (western music), where she is now learning from wonderful teachers like Mr. Lee, Mr.Lathrom, and Ms. Murrell.”
Her parents credit her teachers for her success and believe Kaivalya is blessed to have these great teachers who are shaping her as a singer.
Wondering how the duo is managing to keep their talented child grounded? They say, “As we all know that both traditional and modern cultures have their own good qualities to adopt, if we blend them both in the right proportion, it could do wonders. Kids observe, imitate, and follow their parents. We always try to be the best example for our kids. I think that is helping Kaivalya to be rooted.”
Furthermore, they haven’t forced her to compete or learn anything in particular; instead, they have let her decide where she wants to settle. And we guess that’s what defines good parenting
