Raghunandan NallanChakravarthula’s early education was grounded in the serene environment of Nalgonda district, where he began his schooling. It was here that his musical journey also took its first steps. He started his vocal training under Govardhana Ramanujaacharya, while also learning mridangam from Late Sri Krishna Ram Prasad. These formative years laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to music.
In 1990, Raghunandan’s passion for music led him to study under the guidance of Vidwan Yella Venkateshwara Rao, a legendary Mridangam player. This mentorship was pivotal in shaping his skills and understanding of the art. Alongside this, Raghunandan sought wisdom from some of the most revered figures in the field, embracing the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara.
His training included invaluable lessons from Padma Bhushan Vempati China Satyam and further refinement under the tutelage of Mahadevu Subbaraju and Padma Shri K.J. Sarasa. K.J. Sarasa provided him guidance in Nattuvangam, a key component in the dance and music tradition.
Through years of rigorous training and deep immersion in music, Raghunandan has cultivated a profound understanding of both Mridangam and Nattuvangam, becoming a distinguished artist and educator in the field. His journey highlights a strong lineage of learning from the best in the industry.