Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar – An accomplished flutist belonging to Carnatic music

Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar is a successful flautist and musician belonging to a musical family of south India. She is the daughter of Sikkil Neela, the famed female flautist, who along with her sister Sikkil Kunjumani formed the famous ‘Sikkil Sisters’. The sisters were married to Indian army officer K. S. Venkataraman. Thus the eldest of the sisters, Kunjumani was her stepmother as well as aunt. Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar is a recipient of numerous titles such as Venugana Siromani, and honours such as MD Ramanathan Award for a senior flautist, Kalki Centenary Award etc. Prominent Carnatic vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan (Sikkil Kunjumani’s grandson) is her nephew.

Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar was born in year 1963 in Chennai. She was initiated to the world of flute by her mother Sikkil Neela, and she learnt from her aunt also. Her grandfather Azhiyur Natesa Iyer was a mridangam player. Started learning at the age of 5, she gave her first public performance at the age of 15. Since then she has been performing on different platforms, and received numerous honours and recognition as well. Sikkil Neela has accompanied the Sikkil Sisters for many of their performances, and later established a solo career. She has also accompanied many Carnatic vocalists for live concerts.

Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. Her father K. S. Venkataraman worked as a ground engineer during World War II and worked with Indian air force during 1947-1961. He married her aunt when World War II was going on, and later her mother.

2. She was awarded the first prize from AIR for “wind instrument category” in 1982 by music legend M. S. Subbulakshmi.

3. Her hobbies include painting, embroidery and hand work.

4. Her mother Sikkil Neela, Radha Viswanathan and M.S. Subbulakshmi are her major musical influences.

5. She is married into M.S. Subbulakshmi’s family.