Sultanas of strings: 3 generations of violinists make unique melodies bound by a single cord

Three generations of violinists, led by Dr. N Rajam, blend tradition and modernity in music, nurturing a legacy of artistry and education.

MUMBAI: Imagine this: Four women are seated in a loose crescent, their bows poised, facing a rapt audience. The first note rises from the eldest — a slow, unhurried curve that seems to gather the room into its palm. Before the sound fades, the second catches it, turning it over like a piece of river-worn stone. The third leans in, deepening the colour, and the fourth threads her own voice into the weave.

Mumbai, India - August 09, 2025: Dr. N. Rajam is an Indian violinist and her Daughter Sangeeta Shankar and Granddaughter Ragini Shankar and Nandini Shankar pose for the photos at Thane near Mumbai, India, on Saturday, August 09, 2025. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

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