ABOUT Shashank Subramanyam

Shashank Subramanyam is a distinguished Indian classical flautist who rose to prominence at the age of six in 1984, shortly after the passing of the legendary T.R. Mahalingam (Mali), the visionary pioneer of the Carnatic flute who had foreseen a brilliant future for him.

Trained in the rich tradition of his father Subramanyam and the iconic vocalist Palghat K.V. Narayanaswami, Shashank has developed an extensive and ever-evolving repertoire. Renowned for his innovations, he masterfully employs a range of flutes of different sizes, using transposed fingering techniques to expand tonal possibilities. His artistry is further enriched by his training in Hindustani music under the revered Pandit Jasraj, blending both traditions into a uniquely expressive sound. His virtuosity and improvisational brilliance have earned him recognition as one of South India’s most extraordinary flautists.

Among his many accolades are the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France, 2022), a Grammy nomination for Floating Point with guitarist John McLaughlin, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (India, 2017), and the Kalaimamani (Tamil Nadu, 2001).