Author: Nanda Nayar

My name is Nandakumar Nayar; aka Nanda, Nandu and Nandan, depending who you speak with!  I studied Chemistry in college and ended up with a career in the airline and tourism industry. While in school, I was part of a band that played Carpenters, Beatles, Eagles, CCR, Jethro Tull, amongst others, and Indian popular music.  I am a self-taught guitarist and keyboardist but trained in vocal Indian classical music.  Wearing many hats - short films, composing music, podcasting, writing blogs, I have earned the title Jack of All trades, but master of none, but often times better than a master of one. Obviously, modesty ain't my middle name; something you must have guessed by now.

The one-lung celestial singer

Music

Born as Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkali on 8 April 1924, he was a revered figure in the world of H…
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The talent that was underrated – Thangavelu

Film

K. A. Thangavelu was an actor who excelled in almost every role he played. While his comedy relied …
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Karaoke, a Dunning-Kruger effect?

Music

Why do some folks overestimate their capabilities while those who are knowledgeable, underestimate …
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What has the heart to do with love?

General interest

Is the heart the source of emotion or is the brain? When we try to overcome grief does logic work?
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A boy who ran away from home

Music • 2 Comments

The family sat down for lunch. All were being served. An eleven-year-old boy wanted ghee (clarified butter), but was refused. He created a...
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Manakkal Rangarajan – the speedster in brighas!

Music

A singer who could traverse all three octaves, roll out fast paced brighas without any loss of scal…
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Mani Stores @Velacheri

General interest • 2 Comments

Tales from my childhood days at Velacheri. This is about a small store on Velacheri Road in the 70…
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S. V. Ranga Rao, the consummate actor

Film

S.V.R could play any role given to him. From pauper to king, from villain to hero, from a mytholog…
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Salil da – the complete composer

Music

Who is Salil Chowdhury? Salil Chowdhury, better known by his nickname “Salil-da,” was an accomplished artist who contributed to...
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A town called Malgudi

General interest

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, better known as R. K. Narayan, became one of India’…
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Idly-Sambar, a South Indian delicacy? Nah!

Food • 2 Comments

If you thought the humble idly-sambar has its origins in South India, think again.
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A Ray of light in a bleak cinematic landscape

Film

Satyajit Ray, the colossus who strode the Indian cinema landscape is still remembered and revered f…
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