Ghatam player Sumana: Breaking barriers in Carnatic music

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, ghatam player Sumana Chandrashekar shares her journey as one of the few women percussionists in Carnatic music. In her new memoir, “Song of the Clay Pot – My Journey With the Ghatam”, she traces her path from a mystical calling to mastering an instrument long at the margins of tradition. Guided by her guru Sukanya Ramgopal—the first woman ghatam artist—Sumana recounts her apprenticeship with maestros and traditional makers in Manamadurai, her reflections on caste and craft, and the challenges of relearning to play after COVID. She explores the ghatam itself—a deceptively simple clay pot that holds a world of sounds—and its long history of invisibility and quiet endurance. Watch the exclusive interview as Sumana performs live, discusses her signature style, and shares what it means to find one’s calling, break barriers, and sustain a rhythm all on her own. Highlights: -How a mystical dream led Sumana to the ghatam -Training with India's iconic woman percussion guru -Gender barriers and the evolution of women in Carnatic percussion -The craftsmanship of Manamadurai’s ghatam makers -Overcoming health and artistic setbacks during COVID -The meaning and symbolism of her performance turban Perfect for: -Listeners of Indian classical music -Students of art, craft, and gender -Musicians and percussion enthusiasts -Anyone drawn to stories of resilience and creative faith Credits: Host: Vikhar Ahmed Sayeed Camera: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar Creative assistance: Saatvika Radhakrishna Editing: Razal Pareed Producer: Kavya Pradeep M Originally published on October 13, 2025. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia Twitter - / frontline_india Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295