Not many may know ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan as a Carnatic musician.

He is scheduled to perform for the Bengaluru Sangeeth Utsav at the Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha on Sunday. The renowned ISRO chief, who has been a student of veteran vocalist R.K. Srikantan for three decades, has been a regular performer in Kerala. This year too, Mr. Radhakrishnan inaugurated and performed at the annual November Chembai Music Festival in Guruvayur two weeks ago. He spoke to The Hindu about his music education.

How much time do you devote for practice?

A ‘space’ of one hour is what I try everyday. It’s difficult, but not an impossibility. It calls for passion and perseverance. I have to balance it with frequent official tours. When I am in the car, I listen to Carnatic music and often sing along.

How much has music helped you professionally?

Music works as a tonic for stress. My colleagues praise me for my memory. I attribute this to music practice; it is nada yoga to me.

What are your favourite ragas, and what are you taking up in your concert?

Bhairavi, Atana, Kambhoji, Thodi, Kalyani, amongst several others, seem to make a strong influence on me. In today’s concert I am taking up ‘Ninne Nammithinayya’ (Simhendramadhyamam) of Mysore Vasudevacharyar. I am yet to wrap up my list actually