Kala Ramnath

Kala Ramnath belongs to a multi-generation violin family that includes T. N. Krishnan and N. Rajam. Her early training came from her grandfather A. Narayan Iyer, and she later became a prominent disciple of vocalist Pandit Jasraj.

Her playing is known as the Singing Violin, a vocalized Hindustani approach shaped by close attention to raga, phrasing, and voice-like ornamentation. The method places her in the lineage of Indian violinists who translated gayaki into bowed sound while building a distinctive contemporary voice.

Ramnath has performed at major Indian festivals and on international stages including the Sydney Opera House, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Carnegie Hall, and other venues. Her work also crosses into orchestral, film, and world music contexts.

She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar in 2017 for Hindustani instrumental music on the violin and is also active as a teacher and collaborator.