(July 21, 2025) In the span of just a few weeks, Bengaluru-based teen music prodigy Rahul Vellal has celebrated not one, but two exceptional milestones. Fresh off the stage from a ten-city debut tour of the United States, the 17-year-old returned home to yet another triumph. He had an astounding 99 percent score in his second-year PUC (Pre-University Course) board exams, science stream. The twin victories showcase a rare blend of artistic brilliance and academic discipline. These are the qualities that have made Rahul a rising global ambassador for Carnatic music.
“I felt truly happy to achieve the marks I had hoped for,” Rahul shared with Global Indian, reflecting on the whirlwind weeks. “With regular schooling, managing both music and studies over the past two years was challenging, but the result made it all worthwhile.”
Voice of the Soul: An unforgettable American sojourn
For Rahul, his recent debut trip to the US was a soul-enriching musical sojourn. The Voice of the Soul 2025 tour took him to ten cities across the United States, each concert an invitation into the world of Carnatic classical music. Audiences gathered in large numbers to witness the young vocalist’s devotional renderings and technical mastery. From Atlanta to Austin, standing ovations followed every performance, affirming the universal appeal of his music.
Rahul was accompanied on this tour by two masterful instrumentalists, Nagendraprasad Subbu on the mridangam and Keshav Mohankumar on the violin. Together, the trio delivered emotionally resonant and rhythmically tight concerts that captured the essence of India’s classical music tradition while also appealing to the diasporic experience.
“This was my first visit to the U.S., and we are truly grateful for all the love and warmth received,” Rahul shares, reflecting on the experience. “From the lovely stays to the delicious food and all the fun and joyful moments we shared together, it was a truly enjoyable experience.”
Cultural encounters beyond the stage
Despite the rigorous concert schedule, Rahul made time to soak in the American cultural landscape. In Atlanta, he visited the ‘World of Coca-Cola’ and the ‘Georgia Aquarium,’ calling the marine life display “extremely fascinating.” In Austin, he sought blessings at the serene Hindu Temple before hopping onto a Duck Adventures tour. A visit to the Capitol Building coincided with a live voting session on a bill, an experience Rahul describes as “unforgettable.” There were many such enriching experiences in the rest of the eight U.S. cities as well.
These moments of exploration weren’t diversions; rather enriching cultural experiences that added another layer to his musical journey. The young vocalist is grateful to all the love showered upon him and thankful to the organisers who made the entire tour so successful.
Balancing shruti and syllabus: The 99 percent feat
As remarkable as his musical tour was, Rahul’s academic performance upon return is nothing short of inspiring. Scoring 99 percent in the highly competitive second-year PUC exams, without neglecting his talent is an achievement that speaks volumes about his focus and time management.
“I continued my practice sessions even during exams on most days,” he says, “although the duration varied depending on how much preparation was needed for each subject.” For Rahul, academic rigour isn’t a counterweight to his musical passion but rather a complementary pursuit. It’s a mindset instilled by his family, who have supported both his scholarly and artistic ambitions with equal fervour.
“The institution I studied in offered an integrated curriculum for both board exams and common entrance tests, with excellent and experienced lecturers,” he explains. “We had weekly tests every Monday to assess our progress, which helped me stay on track and eliminated the need for any extra tuition.”
The making of a prodigy
Rahul’s journey in music began at the age of four, when his keen ear for melody and rhythm caught the attention of his parents. Though initially turned away by teachers who felt he was too young to learn Carnatic music, Rahul persisted. He began with slokas and gradually moved into formal training under Shri Suchetan Rangaswamy. He later trained under Vidushi Kalavathy Avadhoot and is currently a disciple of the renowned duo Vidushis Ranjani and Gayatri. He is also mentored by Kuldeep M Pai for the “Vande Guru Paramparaam” series.
He was a student of Mridangam under Vidwan Kulur Jayachandra Rao for a few years and Western piano from Trinity School of Music, London, under Sri Abhishek N. This diverse training allows him to navigate multiple musical languages with fluency and emotional nuance.
Global footprints in classical tradition
The US tour may have been his most high-profile international venture yet, but it is far from his first. Rahul has performed in ten countries beyond India, including the USA, UK, Australia, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. Whether singing devotional pieces at the Bangalore Ganesh Utsava or performing alongside international symphony orchestras in Hong Kong, his ability to adapt and shine across cultural contexts has been consistent.
Rahul’s performance history includes prestigious venues like the Madras Music Academy, the Guruvayur Temple, and Tirumala’s Brahmotsavam. His digital footprint is equally impressive, with performances featured on SVBC Channel, MadRasana, and YouTube channels like ‘Strumm Spiritual’ and with mentor Kuldeep Pai for ‘Vande Guru Paramparaam’ series.
He even lent his voice to the Telugu edition of Disney’s “The Lion King,” voicing songs for young Simba, and has recorded music for Disney web series on Jagadguru Sri Shankaracharya.
Awards and recognition
With accolades including the Global Child Prodigy Award 2020, Byju’s Young Genius, and the MS Subbulakshmi Fellowship presented by then Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, ‘Asthana Vidwan’ by HH Sri Sri Sacchidananda Tirtha Mahaswami ji in Chennai, ‘Yuva Kala Ratna”, ‘Yuva Kala Bharathi’, “Shanmukha Sangeetha Shiromani”, and “Deccan Herald Change Maker” amongst others.
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The young singer’s talent has been nationally and internationally validated. In Adelaide, Australia, Rahul received a ‘Letter of Appreciation’ from MLC -Hon Russell Wortley in March 2024, acknowledging his significant contributions to music and his inspiration to the International Indian diaspora. Many organizations including Rotary International have recognized him multiple times with Young Achiever and Vocation Service Awards. He also holds a National Level Scholarship for Carnatic vocal music from the Government of India.
Notably, a towering 5’6” lamp presented by the Shanmukhanda Sabha in Mumbai stands as a glowing symbol of the magnitude of his achievement at a young age of 10yrs.
Grounded in gratitude
Despite his accolades, Rahul’s tone is consistently humble. “I’m incredibly grateful to the wonderful audiences at each venue. Their energy and support made every performance so special,” he shares. It’s this blend of artistic maturity and emotional sincerity that makes Rahul Vellal not just a musician, but a messenger of culture and connection.
The vocal prodigy’s journey is also a tribute to parental support. With a father in tech and a mother who left her job to nurture his dream, Rahul’s success is a shared one. From concert halls in Nigeria to classrooms in Bengaluru, from the Austin Capitol to the Guruvayur Temple, his path has been marked by dedication, discipline, and deep-rooted devotion.
“I haven’t thought too much about my career just yet,” Rahul adds. “Science and mathematics have always fascinated me, and I plan to pursue an engineering degree in computer science, while continuing to learn music and work on my musical projects,” he shares.
Aspirations of life
As Rahul wraps up this landmark chapter in his young career, he’s already looking ahead. “I am looking forward to many more such tours in the years to come!” he remarks. The promise is both aspirational and likely, given the track record he has set. “I believe I’ll have more clarity about my career path by the time I complete my degree,” he adds. “That said, music will always remain an integral part of my life.”
Rahul Vellal at a concert in the U.S.
For now, he returns to “Namma Bengaluru” not just as a prodigy who made it big abroad, but as a symbol of how classical art and modern ambition can harmoniously coexist. The world may have heard his voice on stage, but it’s his story of perseverance, gratitude, and brilliance that truly sings.
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