Malavika will show, how to decode DNA of a song

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Whether it's a film song or a piece played on another musical instrument, Malavika Anilkumar impresses everyone by singing in the seven fundamental musical notes in an instant. At 33 years old, and hailing from Kanimangalam Mohanam in Thrissur, Malavika has the remarkable ability to identify ragas within seconds. Even those unfamiliar with classical music can easily recognise how the seven notes—Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa—are woven into the songs they hear every day, all thanks to Malavika's singing. In this way, she decodes the very DNA of music.

Malavika began singing any song she heard using Sapta Swaras, the seven fundamental musical notes in Indian classical music (Carnatic and Hindustani), from a young age. She started her music studies at the age of three and began to showcase her talent around the age of four. Her early music lessons were taught by her grandfather's elder brother, Mangad Natesan.

Malavika, who loves music, was the title winner in three reality shows on different channels.

Malavika is an electrical engineer, but her true passion lies in studying and teaching music. She conducts music classes for up to 13 hours a day across several batches. Since her teaching is online, her reach extends beyond Kerala and India; she has students in America, Britain, Australia, and Gulf countries. Her students range in age from four to 65, and she guides them deep into the world of ragas using familiar songs.

This 33-year-old has earned recognition in the India Book of Records for completing ten thousand hours of online music teaching and for winning the most reality show titles. Malavika's father is Anil Kumar, and her mother is Bindu. She has two children: Savini and Siddhant.

DNA is found in this way

This method converts the melody of a song into musical notes, known as Swaras. Most South Indian songs are based on Carnatic ragas, while most North Indian songs are based on Hindustani ragas. Similar melodies can be repeated in various sections of a song. The composition may include 'gamakam' applications from classical music, which involve the movements of the raga, along with a blend of these elements. Additionally, the song may feature English and Arabic ragas. The ultimate goal of film songs is to convey emotion. Malavika explains that she decodes a song by identifying the specific Swaras used to create the tune.

I understand the essence of the song when I sing through the Swara positions. I also create many videos on social media to share this knowledge with others.

- Malavika Anilkumar