(January 11, 2025) In Paris, the city of lights and art, Indian classical music and dance have found a surprising new home. Thanks to Bhavana Pradyumna, a Carnatic musician and dancer from Bengaluru, these ancient traditions are not just surviving but thriving. As the founder of the Carnatic Conservatory of Paris (CCParis), Bhavana made history by introducing Indian classical arts into a French conservatory’s curriculum for the first time ever. Today, she’s more than an artist—she’s a cultural bridge, connecting the rich heritage of India with the artistic heart of France.
“We have organized more than 40 events with the support of the Indian Embassy and Permanent Delegation of India at UNESCO,” she says with pride. From the Paris Thyagaraja Aradhana to Nritya Naada, her work has turned Paris into a hub for Indian classical arts. For Bhavana, it’s more than just performances—it’s about sharing the beauty of India’s traditions with the world.
Bhavana Pradyumna
Growing Up in a World of Music and Dance
Bhavana’s love for music and dance began early in her hometown of Bengaluru, where she was surrounded by a family steeped in art. Her first guru was her mother, Vidushi Padmamalini Raghunandan, who nurtured her talent despite financial struggles. “My childhood was culturally rich. My family encouraged me to immerse myself in the arts,” she recalls.
By the age of 12, Bhavana was performing Carnatic music concerts and became a familiar voice on All India Radio. “At one point, I told my mother I would sing only if she sent me to dance class,” she laughs. “But with time, music became my life… in fact, it is my life.”
Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She received scholarships, including one from the Sangeet Natak Akademi at the age of 13, and even participated in a Guinness World Record event for the largest choir. She later earned a Master’s degree in Carnatic Music from the University of Madras, cementing her place as a rising star in Indian classical arts.
From India to France: A Journey of Determination
Bhavana’s talent first took her to the United States, where she worked as an artist affiliate at Emory University in Atlanta. There, she found an eager audience within the well-established Indian diaspora. But the story changed when she moved to France in 2015. Unlike the US, where Indian communities were deeply rooted, France presented new challenges.
“When we moved to France, there was no network, no references,” she explains. “Even communication for cultural events was limited to emails and fliers. I had to start from scratch.”
Determined to make Indian arts accessible, Bhavana began small, creating a Facebook page to promote events and build connections. Slowly but steadily, her efforts bore fruit. The turning point came when she and her husband, Pradyumna Kandadai, co-founded the Carnatic Conservatory of Paris (CCParis). For the first time in Europe, Indian classical arts like veena, konnakkol, and Odissi dance became part of a conservatory curriculum, with diplomas accredited by the French government.
Bringing Indian Arts to the World
Through CCParis, Bhavana Pradyumna has introduced Indian classical music and dance to audiences far beyond the Indian community. Events like Nritya Naada, where live Carnatic music accompanies classical dance, have left audiences mesmerized. “Music transcends languages,” she says, recalling how her performances have resonated even in countries where English isn’t widely spoken.
Her students come from all walks of life—French, Hispanic, Taiwanese, Australian, and, of course, Indian. “I’m amazed by their dedication. They spend so much time perfecting pronunciation, rhythm, and gamakams (ornamentation),” she says.
Bhavana’s work isn’t just limited to performances. Her book series, Children’s Carnatic, makes Indian music accessible to young learners worldwide, with editions in English, French, Spanish, and Indian languages. “If we want our rich culture to grow, we have to inspire children,” the Global Indian explains.
A Cultural Lifeline for the Indian Diaspora
For the Indian community in France, Bhavana’s work has been a source of pride and connection. With an estimated 120,000 Indians in the country, including professionals, students, and entrepreneurs, there’s a growing need for cultural ties. Bhavana’s initiatives provide a platform for Indian families to reconnect with their heritage while sharing it with their French neighbors.
“Parisians love Indian culture, especially music and dance in its purest form,” she says. Her events, supported by the Indian Embassy, serve as a space for celebrating India’s traditions while fostering mutual appreciation between Indians and the French.
While the Indian diaspora in France may be smaller than in the US or UK, it is vibrant and eager to preserve its cultural roots. Bhavana’s work has filled a gap, offering a platform where younger generations can learn and experience the beauty of Indian arts.
Overcoming Challenges
Bhavana’s journey hasn’t been easy. From navigating a new culture to building an audience from scratch, every step required persistence. “When you’re in a place without an established network, it takes a lot of patience and effort,” she admits. But her determination to introduce Indian classical arts to France has paid off.
Her performances across Europe and Africa have shown her that music truly knows no boundaries. Whether in French conservatories or African villages, her art continues to connect people.
Looking Ahead
With CCParis thriving, Bhavana’s journey is far from over. She’s now focused on creating new platforms for Indian artists and spreading the reach of Indian arts even further. “The most important part of finding inspiration is your own attitude,” she says. “My mantra is: ‘You will be what you want to see.’ Practice, patience, and investment in yourself are key.”
From her early days in Bengaluru to her role as a cultural anchor in Paris, Bhavana’s story is a testament to the power of art to connect people. Through her work, she’s showing the world that the rhythms of Indian music and dance can resonate far beyond borders, creating a space where cultures come together and thrive.
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