My name is Radhika Totla, I’m an Opera singer, and a performer.
Music has always been a part of my life from as far as i can remember. I can recall my mom singing me a lullaby to sleep, whereas all I would do would be – to be intrigued by her voice.
And my dad would always play AR Rahman on our music system, “Taal se taal mila…” is still as fresh in my ears… still my favourite.
SCHOOL
When I entered into school, i used to listen to my music teacher, what melodious voice she had and wanting to sing like her, I would just watch her.
In the initial years of school, whenever I auditioned for a performance, i was disqualified. Disheartened with it, I decided to take formal training in Hindustani Classical.
It all started to change for me. I was now becoming part of major school events, interschool competitions etc and bringing laurels back to school and home.
Music started to become my identity. It gave me a sense of self.
Participated and won a lot of competitions, but the highlight was when me and my team went on to win a National Level competition. We would wait for this competition every year and travel to different places to participate.
College part 1:
I have done BBA from Maharani College, Jaipur.
Recalling back, it was my 1st year in college, and the fresher’s party was round the corner.
The freshers party at Maharani is a gala event, most popular topic amongst students of Rajasthan University. It hosts a crowd of 3000 people approximately. Crazy event.
It involves auditioning of girls, screening and then rigorous practice for a month- ramp walk, talent etc.
I wondered i was a total misfit, seeing so many beautiful faces around. I would not make it past the initial round. But when i showed my preparation for my talent round, everything changed. I made it till the final questionnaire round. It made me a favourite pick for the judges.
And it helped me earn the title of Miss Fresher 2014 along with Miss Talented 2014.
I used to roam in college like a Maharani lol, getting modelling offers, getting attention wherever I would go, people would click pictures with me.
And i loved it all.
College part 2:
After my graduation, I decided to do MBA.
I got into RA Podar Institute of Management by clearing the examination and being 13th on the merit list in state. I got a scholarship to study.
Went there for a month and left it, because i felt i could not give music the time it deserved.
Took a year gap, spent all my time with music.
I’m so indebted to my friends, family and teachers for being such a support during this critical time.
Came back, appeared for another entrance for MBA, scored more than my previous year’s score and got through Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur (NIT, Jaipur)
I graduated from MNIT in 2020, with the honours of gold medal. And I owe all of it to music.
While i was studying, i was parallely doing music, learning to balance life. And i again owe it to music.
This was also a time where i judged a lot of national level college fests and competitions.
Later:
After college I started working in my family business. I felt there is more to my music calling.
That’s where I decided to take formal training in Western Vocals.
I was always fascinated with Opera, despite unknow of the fact that what it was, seeing it in TV, movies etc.
I never thought I would be doing it.
But I remember when i first performed it, everyone was fascinated.
And even still, every single time when i get to perform, it is always met with love. People are so intrigued by this art, that even though most of the operas are in foreign languages like french, Italian, german, they still want to listen more and learn more about it.
I believe Opera is striking the right chord with the audience of current times. We are no longer living in a shell of cultures, our audience is global now, and they want to listen what’s going on in the world, they want to explore new cultures as well, and Opera is that very thing.
Jaipur and India is very well open to receive what Opera has to offer.
Opera is not only a culture, but it’s a practice that involves science.
My recent performance was in the 10th Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF’24), in front of veteran actors like Tinnu Verma, Akhilendra Mishra and french movie producer Patrick Jorge, french actress Marriane Borgo. The performance was well appreciated by them.
Up till my journey here, I’m so grateful to have had support from my friends, family and mentors. Without each one of them, i would not have learned what i was supposed to.
Education and other details:
- Formally trained in hindustani classical singing
- Taking formal training in western classical singing
- MBA gold medallist from MNIT, Jaipur
- Managing my family business of imports and exports
