“In 2012, while studying M.Sc in Mathematics at City Government College in Hyderabad, I noticed a board for Sri Annamacharya Government College of Music and Dance. Out of curiosity, I stepped inside and met Guru Jayakumar Acharya, a mridangam maestro. I had gone with the idea of learning the keyboard, but he encouraged me to try mridangam instead. It reminded me of how, as a child, I used to tap rhythms on benches in sync with songs. That connection felt familiar, and I decided to stay.

I grew up in Dharmasagar, Warangal, in a farmer’s family. With two elder sisters married early, most of my childhood was spent between studies and the simple routines of village life. Music wasn’t part of my family background, though I often sang bhajans and keertans in temples without realising those early moments would later guide me.

At 22, I started learning Mridangam while continuing my regular studies, travelling daily from Warangal to Hyderabad on a passenger train. Slowly, I began to feel that this was more than just an instrument—it was my path. In my second year of M.Sc, I made the difficult choice to discontinue that particular course of study and dedicate myself fully to music. With the guidance of my guru, Jayakumar Acharya, and the support of my parents, I trained seriously and began performing in kacheris and cultural programs.

Later, I learnt to adapt my mridangam playing to the unique rhythm style of Perini Natyam. Performing for such a powerful and intense dance form was one of the most challenging experiences of my journey. I also had the opportunity to accompany artists like Perini Raj Kumar at events such as Saptha Tandavalu in Ravindra Bharathi.

Over time, I also trained in other percussion instruments like tabla, kanjira, chenda, and dhamarukam. Each taught me the importance of rhythm as support, not dominance. My journey has taken me to Kashi, Kerala, Delhi, Chennai, and beyond. Wherever I went, I realised rhythm is a universal language that connects people beyond words. I’ve also contributed to film recordings, private projects, and trained students both online and offline, with some completing diplomas from Potti Sriramulu Telugu University.

I feel Telangana’s musical heritage needs stronger revival. A music college in every district would create space for young talent. My dream is to keep teaching, performing, and passing on our musical traditions to the next generation.”

Kolipaka Veera Swamy, Mridangist and Percussionist