Giridhar Udupa

Giridhar Udupa is an internationally acclaimed ghatam artist and one of the foremost exponents of Carnatic percussion. Born in Bengaluru, he began training at the age of four under his father, Vidwan Ullur Nagendra Udupa. He later refined his craft under masters such as Sukanya Ramgopal and V. Suresh. Deeply rooted in Carnatic classical traditions, he has mastered multiple South Indian percussion instruments, with the ghatam becoming his signature voice.

Over a career spanning three decades, Udupa has performed across more than fifty countries and at prestigious global venues, including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, and the Kennedy Center. He has collaborated with legendary musicians across Carnatic, Hindustani, jazz, and world music, including artists such as L. Subramaniam, Zakir Hussain, Shivkumar Sharma, and John McLaughlin, establishing himself as a global ambassador of rhythm and cross-cultural music.

Beyond performance, he is the founder of The Udupa Foundation, dedicated to promoting music, performing arts, and cultural education. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Best Upa Pakka Vadhyam Award from The Music Academy, Chennai, Udupa continues to innovate through projects like Layatharanga, blending classical traditions with contemporary global sounds while preserving the essence of Indian percussion.