Posted on 6 April 2025:
A Musical Journey of Excellence: The Life of Smt. Jayalakshmi Sekhar
Smt. Jayalakshmi Sekhar’s journey is a testament to dedication, talent and the pursuit of artistic excellence.
From her early days, music defined Smt. Jayalakshmi Sekhar’s life. She began her violin training at the tender age of six, but by ten, her passion for the veena took center stage. Under the meticulous guidance of Sri Pudukottai Jayarama Iyer in Chennai, Jayalakshmi spent ten dedicated years mastering the intricate nuances of this classical instrument. Her relentless pursuit of perfection shaped her into an exemplary veena artiste.
Jayalakshmi’s musical path is enriched by esteemed mentors. She was mentored by Sangeetha Kalanidhi Padmabhushan Dr. Sripada Pinakapani, whose profound influence was introduced through her husband TV Sekhar, a nephew of the maestro. This connection allowed Jayalakshmi to seamlessly weave Dr. Pinakapani’s unique musical style into her veena artistry. Additionally, she considers it a privilege to have personally learned the varnams and thillanas of violin maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman, an experience she treasures.
Not just a performer, Jayalakshmi excels as a teacher, nurturing disciples across the globe. Her tenure as Associate Professor at Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University enabled her to inspire aspiring veena artists. From 2007 to 2010, she contributed to the Cleveland Festival by teaching children through the Sustaining Sampradaya initiative while also showcasing her solo performances.
Throughout her life, Jayalakshmi has illuminated stages with the veena, violin, and flute. Her concerts during Chennai’s December Festival have solidified her status as a musician of remarkable caliber. Her artistry knows no borders, with performances spanning Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Mauritius, Estonia, Germany, and the United States. Having accompanied esteemed artists in their global tours, Jayalakshmi continues to transcend boundaries and bridge cultures through the universal language of music
Smt. Jayalakshmi Sekhar stands as a beacon of knowledge and versatility in the world of classical arts. Her deep understanding of music and expertise in nattuvangam for Bharatanatyam have made her a sought-after consultant for performances and programs globally. She collaborated extensively with Bharatanatyam artists both in Chennai and abroad, weaving her musical brilliance into their dance narratives.
Through these endeavors, renowned musician Jayalakshmi Sekhar continues to inspire and uplift the artistic community, leaving an indelible mark on the world of performing arts.
