Ranjani and Gayatri
Carnatic vocalist sisters who have performed as the duo Ranjani–Gayatri for nearly four decades, honoured together with the Padma Shri in 2026.
Sisters Ranjani and Gayatri Balasubramanian have sung together for close to forty years, and are known simply as Ranjani–Gayatri. In 2026 they were named together for the Padma Shri in the field of art, from Tamil Nadu [1].
Violin first
Ranjani was born on 13 May 1973 and the sisters grew up in Mumbai, where they started learning music young [2]. They began on the violin, under T. S. Krishnaswami, and gave their first public concert in 1986 [2]. They later moved to vocal music under P. S. Narayanaswamy, who shaped their style and their approach to improvisation [2].
Their music
The duo are known for advanced techniques such as graha bhedam and swara dhuri, an approach developed by Gayatri [2]. Their concerts are praised for pitch-perfect singing and tight teamwork, and they sing in many Indian languages [2].
They have performed at leading sabhas and festivals in India, and toured Asia, Europe, North America and Australia [2]. They have collaborated with the composer Ilaiyaraaja and created themed concerts such as Raja by RaGa and Rasa by RaGa [2]. They also teach, and have trained hundreds of students [2].
Their honours include the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani and a lifetime achievement award from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2026: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2026 investiture ceremony brochure: citation for Ranjani and Gayatri — Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Accessed 12 October 2026.
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