Manasi Prasad began her journey in vocal Carnatic music at the tender age of four under her mother Guru Tara Prasad. Seeking encouragement from her mother’s initial efforts, Manasi progressed over the years under the tutelage of the Late Smt. Jahnavi Jayaprakash and Guru Dr. K. Varadarangam. She now continues her training under the able guidance of Guru R.K Padmanabha and has blossomed into an artiste of great promise.
Manasi has been the recipient of several distinctions and awards like Ananya Pratibhe – Yuvotsava 2000, Aryabhatta Cultural Award – 1997, B.N. Suresh Memorial Award, the Best Young Musician Award – Udupi 2001 etc. She secured the 2nd rank in the senior grade music examinations and has been awarded many scholarships by the State and Central Governments. She is a B-high artiste of All India Radio, Bangalore, and has released audiocassettes and CDs of her music.
With a voice rich with raga bhava, Manasi’s concerts have left audiences in awe of her talent. Having traveled extensively, Manasi has performed for several prestigious organizations mesmerizing music lovers. Some of her performances include, a concert at Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence, Bangalore), concert at the valedictory function of the 33rd Annual Music Conference of Bangalore Gayana Samaja, performance at the Mysore Palace during the Dasara festival, concerts at Ananya, Indian Institute of Music and Arts, Percussive Arts Centre and The Lalithakala Parishat. She has also performed at Mumbai, Adoni, Hassan, etc.
As a contemporary artist Manasi has worked with Kum. Pratima Bellave who specializes in Hindustani Music. Strictly adhering to the traditional technicalities, but venturing out to unite the two styles of Indian Music, the duo have presented Jugal Bandhi concerts. Some of their programmes include concerts at the JRD Tata Auditorium, Ananthakrishna Sangeetha Sabha, Sri Rama Seva Samiti, Karnataka Ganakala Parishat etc.
Apart from being a Carnatic vocalist, Manasi is also a talented and established Bharathanatyam dancer. She performed her Rangapravesha at the age of thirteen under the tutelage of Guru Narmada and has given numerous performances in and around Bangalore. In the recent past, Manasi has stepped into help several dancers in the city by accompanying them on vocal support during their recitals and has undoubtedly proved her mettle. What makes it a pleasure to work with Manasi during dance recitals is her understanding of a dancer’s moves. Her presence in the orchestra gives confidence to the dancer and her singing adds life to any dance recital. Slowly but firmly, Manasi is carving a niche for herself in the field of dance-music.
To top her artistic achievements, Manasi Prasad has also maintained an excellent academic record. She passed out of the Bishop Cotton’s Girls High School standing in first her ICSE 10th standard examinations and currently pursues her engineering degree at the BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore. Drishti wishes Manasi the very best in life!
Manasi Prasad can be contacted at “Sriniketan”, 1106, 8th Cross, Ashoknagar, Banashankari 1st Stage, Bangalore-560050. Ph : 6617589.