Women of Rhythm

In a world dominated by male artistes, the women percussionists of India have struggled to earn their spotlight despite immense talent and stage presence. Established in 2016, ‘Women of Rhythm’ is the World’s first concert series for female percussionists that honours their spirit and challenges.

The concept marks the beginning of a revolution in the percussion industry in India, which has been a male dominated industry since its inception. In the first three seasons, ‘Women of Rhythm’ has featured 20 of India’s leading female percussionists. From Ananya Patil on drums, to Vdu Sukanya Ramagopal on ghatam, to duo Mahima Upadhyay and Savani Talwalkar on the Pakhawaj and tabla, Charu Hariharan on mridangam, Prodigy child Rahitha on chenda and many more.

The fourth edition to be held in Hyderabad will see some first ladies of their instruments like Vid. Dandamudi Summathi Ramamohan Rao on mridangam who hails from Vijayawada; she is the first woman artist in the country to storm the male bastion and become a professional on the mridangam. Sukkanya Ramgopal on Ghatam, who is the senior most student of Vikku Vinayakram; she is one of the frontline musicians of India and the first woman ghatam artist of the country. Over the past 40 years, she has mastered the art of playing the ghatam in Carnatic music. Young musicians like Mitali Khargoankar born in a musical family, who received first lesson of rhythm from her father, Vilas Khargonkar on tabla, Debopriya Ranadive on flute, Chandana bala on the vocals; the line-up is curated specially for the International Women’s day.

‘Women of Rhythm’ is an initiative of event Shevent, a Mumbai based Entertainment Co. Eleven Point Two, a Hyderabad-based entertainment company is presenting the concert in association with Motivity labs.