Mahesh Raghvan

Mahesh Raghvan: Pioneering Carnatic Fusion for a Modern World

Redefining Indian Classical with Technology

Mahesh Raghvan stands at the forefront of the global Carnatic music fusion scene, known for his revolutionary use of digital instruments—especially the iPad app GeoShred—to create a fresh, accessible soundscape for Indian classical music. Born and raised in India, Mahesh began learning Carnatic music at age three from his aunt, Indira Krishnan, laying a strong foundation in tradition while embracing new technologies and ideas throughout his career.

Musical Journey, Collaborations, and Projects

• Mahesh holds a bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from SAE Dubai and a master’s in Digital Composition and Performance from the University of Edinburgh, combining deep technical expertise with classical mastery.


• Best known for his Carnatic adaptations of contemporary pop hits, Mahesh’s covers—like “Shape of You Carnatic Mix” and “Harry Potter Theme”—have gone viral, amassing millions of views on YouTube and social media, building a fan base of over a million globally.


• He is the creative director of IndianRaga, a US-based platform dedicated to promoting Indian fine arts, and regularly hosts workshops on music technology and fusion across universities worldwide.


• Mahesh collaborates with distinguished artists, including Ranjani-Gayatri, Aruna Sairam, Jordan Rudess, Shravan Sridhar, and his spouse Nandini Shankar (renowned Hindustani violinist), expanding the audience for Indian music.


• Projects like Carnatic 2.0, The Thayir Sadam Project, and the FLAIR series showcase his innovation, fusing Indian ragas with jazz, pop, electronic, and world music styles.

Recognition, Live Shows & Impact

• Frequently invited to perform at iconic venues and international festivals—including Museum Theatre (Chennai), Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (London), and events across the US and Europe.


• Acclaimed for making classical music “cool” and engaging to younger generations, Mahesh regularly headlines concerts that feature energetic reinterpretations of both Carnatic standards and global chart-toppers.


• His inventive approach to digital performance, especially on the iPad, has influenced a new generation of musicians interested in blending tradition with modern production and performance tools.

Contemporary Appeal and Vision

• Mahesh’s YouTube and Spotify streams reach millions, with online students and audiences regularly engaging with his music tech workshops, live Q&As, and original compositions.


• Recognized by peers and global media as an artist breaking boundaries, he brings Indian classical music “onto the millennial’s playlist,” making it accessible, enjoyable, and relevant in the modern era.


• Married to violinist Nandini Shankar, he often performs and composes with her, further melding Carnatic and Hindustani traditions in his music.

Why Experience Mahesh Raghvan Live?

• Witness a unique blend of digital performance and soulful Indian classical—music that merges centuries-old ragas with today’s sound technology.


• Enjoy high-energy, audience-inclusive concerts that appeal to all ages—whether you’re a Carnatic music aficionado or new to Indian classical fusion.


• See a visionary artist at work, inspiring global audiences and shaping the future of Indian music one innovative note at a time.

Mahesh Raghvan is helping define what it means to be a twenty-first-century musician, ensuring that both the heritage and the future of Indian classical music remain vibrant, experimental, and endlessly inspiring.