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Distinguished Artists
The Manollasini Cultural Collective is honored to be graced by a constellation of distinguished artists — accomplished musicians, dancers, composers, and visionaries whose artistry embodies the timeless essence of Indian classical and contemporary traditions.
Each of these luminaries brings a unique creative journey shaped by discipline, devotion, and innovation. Through their performances, compositions, and collaborations, they inspire our community and illuminate the path for emerging talent across generations.
Their association with Manollasini reflects our shared commitment to preserving heritage while embracing evolution — bridging classical purity with contemporary expression, and tradition with imagination.
Together, these artists elevate Manollasini’s programs — from Sangeetha Tarang and Bhakti Tarang to Yuva Tarang and Raga Ragini Vaditra (RRV) — transforming each event into a celebration of artistry, emotion, and cultural unity.
We invite you to meet the distinguished artists whose brilliance continues to enrich and define the Manollasini experience.
Shri Anila Kumar Garimella
A distinguished exponent of Tallapaka Annamacharya’s Compositions
“Sankeerthana Sudhākara,” Sri Garimella Anila Kumar is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist and composer, continuing the rich musical legacy of his father, T.T.D. Asthana Vidwan Sri Garimella Balakrishna Prasad. Trained in both classical discipline and modern intellect, he exemplifies devotion blended with innovation.
An acclaimed exponent of Tallapaka Annamacharya’s compositions, he has performed hundreds of concerts across India and the United States and recorded over 200 devotional tracks that resonate with spiritual depth. He played a key role in the historic Laksha Gālaarchana in Hyderabad and later led the Maha Brinda Gālaarchana in Dallas, uniting thousands of voices in a grand choral offering.
A familiar face on Bhakti TV, he co-presented the acclaimed series Hari Sankeerthanam, and during the pandemic, launched Learn With Me, a global online movement connecting devotees to the sacred art of Annamacharya sankeerthanas.
Balancing his role as a Software Architect at Salesforce with his lifelong dedication to music, Sri Anila Kumar continues to inspire audiences worldwide — a harmonious confluence of tradition and technology, heart and intellect, music and spirit.
Shri Akshay Anantapadmanabhan
Distinguished Carnatic Percussionist & Mridangam Educator
An internationally acclaimed Carnatic percussionist, Shri Akshay Anantapadmanabhan brings over 25 years of excellence in mridangam performance, pedagogy, and artistic leadership. A disciple of the legendary Guru T. H. Subash Chandran, he is a torchbearer of the revered Tanjore tradition of mridangam, known for its depth, discipline, and rhythmic sophistication.
Celebrated for his distinctive tonality, refined balance, and versatile musical approach, Akshay has performed extensively across India, the United States, and global concert stages. His artistry seamlessly bridges classical rigor with creative exploration, enabling meaningful collaborations across genres while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Equally devoted to teaching, Akshay has mentored students worldwide through concerts, workshops, and structured learning programs. He is the founder of Nam Dhi Academy, a premier hybrid mridangam school serving the U.S. diaspora, India, and international learners, offering a carefully curated, step-by-step progression system that has earned the trust of families across generations.
Through his dual commitment to performance and pedagogy, Shri Akshay Anantapadmanabhan continues to shape the future of Carnatic percussion—preserving lineage, nurturing excellence, and inspiring the next generation of rhythm practitioners.
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