Passion Fruit

Saravana Creations
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to *Passion Fruit*, the podcast that dives into the stories, pursuits, and pivotal moments that add flavor to our lives. Here, we invite guests from all walks of life to share the passions that make them tick—or the surprising turns that set them on unexpected paths. Whether it’s a lifelong hobby, a spontaneous decision, or a lesson learned the hard way, every story is ripe with meaning and insight. Join us as we explore what it means to be truly captivated, the journeys we take, and how a single moment or decision can transform everything

  1. Jun 16

    06.01 Have You Met? | Srini Prabhala – AI Expert, Musician, Actor, Director & Storyteller

    In this episode of Have You Met?, we sit down with the incredibly talented Srini Prabhala—an AI technologist, musician, composer, actor, writer, director, and community builder. From performing alongside legendary artists such as Balu Garu, Chitra Garu, S. Janaki Garu, P. Susheela Garu, and Vani Jayaram Garu, to writing award-winning plays, directing films, composing music, and pioneering AI solutions long before AI became mainstream, Srini Garu shares an inspiring journey that spans technology and the arts. In this conversation, we discuss: His early days in music and orchestras in HyderabadLearning and performing Carnatic and film musicHis journey into screenwriting, acting, and directingWinning recognition through award-winning filmsThe impact of Artificial Intelligence on creativity and storytellingHow artists can use AI as a tool rather than view it as a threatBuilding platforms for aspiring filmmakers and creatorsSix Element Productions and the NEST filmmaker communityOpportunities for actors, writers, musicians, directors, and technicians in the Dallas creative communityThe future of filmmaking, storytelling, and artist collaborationWhether you’re an artist, filmmaker, musician, technologist, or someone passionate about creativity, this episode offers valuable insights into blending technology with storytelling while building meaningful opportunities for the next generation of creators. Guest: Srini PrabhalaHost: Saravana JanardhanDallas, Texas If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more inspiring stories from artists, creators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. #HaveYouMet #SriniPrabhala #Podcast #Storytelling #Filmmaking #Acting #Music #CarnaticMusic #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Screenwriting #Director #Actor #MusicComposer #SixElementProductions #NEST #DallasArtists #IndianAmericanStories #CreativeCommunity #SaravanaCreations #PlatformNo7 #IndependentFilmmaking #ArtistJourney #CreativeLeadership #FilmFestival #IndicaFilmFestival

    23 min
  2. 2.13 The Musical Journey of Savitha Sri Ram

    06/15/2025

    2.13 The Musical Journey of Savitha Sri Ram

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Savitha Sri Ram, a renowned Carnatic musician and Abhang artist, shares her musical journey from Bombay to Chennai, her experiences with Abhang and Nama Sankirtanam, and the spiritual significance of Pandharpur. She offers valuable advice for the younger generation pursuing music, emphasizing the importance of a classical foundation and consistent practice. The discussion culminates in a heartfelt performance of a special Abhang, reflecting her deep connection to the genre and its roots.

    15 min

  3. 06/10/2025

    Art Therapy Research Project

    Art Therapy Research Project

    1 min
  4. 2.12 - Janhvi Sairam: Blending Tradition, Therapy, and Talent

    06/09/2025

    2.12 - Janhvi Sairam: Blending Tradition, Therapy, and Talent

    Meet Janhvi Sairam, a freshman at UT Dallas with a heart full of rhythm, melody, and meaning. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer in the Pandanallur style under Dr. Sarita Venkataraman, Janhvi’s journey into classical arts began when she was barely old enough to walk—insisting she learn to dance before most teachers would even consider it. That passion still fuels her today. But Janhvi is more than just a dancer. She is also a classically trained Carnatic vocalist, an accomplished visual artist, and a budding researcher in music and art therapy. Her Nrithyarpanam performance stood out not only for its technical brilliance but for the emotional storytelling—especially her depiction of Sita’s swayamvara through the eyes of a sakhi, a fresh perspective that moved the audience. Equally compelling is her dedication to art as a healing force. Janhvi conducted a research project in high school where she interviewed music therapists and created a handbook that introduces the concepts and templates for applying art and music therapy in healthcare settings. Her drive to make a difference shines through every note, step, and sketch. Beyond the stage and studio, Janhvi explores the world of social media marketing and digital design, managing promotions for clubs and artistic projects. Her future aspirations blend creativity with compassion—using art not just as expression, but as empowerment.

    30 min
  5. 2.11 From Odissi to Inner Peace – The Journey of Krishnaveni Putrevu

    06/01/2025

    2.11 From Odissi to Inner Peace – The Journey of Krishnaveni Putrevu

    In this deeply enriching episode of Passion Fruit, Lavanya welcomes Krishnaveni Putrevu, founder of Utkala Academy and passionate Odissi exponent. Discover how Krishnaveni transformed her love for Odissi into a movement in the Dallas arts scene while evolving into a life coach who integrates healing practices like EFT and NLP with classical dance. She also previews her upcoming production on Gautam Buddha, discusses her unique puppetry-inspired choreography, and reflects on 20+ years of empowering students artistically and emotionally. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the intersections of culture, community, healing, and art.

    50 min
  6. 2.10 Harmony in the Wind: A Flute Concert and a Journey of Legacy

    05/26/2025

    2.10 Harmony in the Wind: A Flute Concert and a Journey of Legacy

    In a soulful episode of Passion Fruit, host Lavanya sits down with three exceptional artists visiting Dallas: Dr. Vijay Gopal (flute), Vidwan Trichy Harikumar (mridangam), and Trichy Krishnaswamy (ghatam). The trio, here for a concert presented by Shubham Foundation, reflects on their vibrant musical journey across the United States. For Dr. Vijay Gopal, this Dallas performance marks a new milestone, while his co-artists bring decades of experience to the stage—especially Harikumar Sir, recently retired from All India Radio after 35 years of service. Their camaraderie, rooted in years of shared performances, shines throughout the conversation. Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of their U.S. tour, memories from scenic road trips, and candid thoughts about balancing tradition with modern challenges like AI and shifting generational attitudes toward the arts. With humor, humility, and heartfelt anecdotes, the conversation explores not just performance, but mentorship, legacy, and the deeply human element of music. The episode is a must-listen for rasikas, students, and anyone passionate about the endurance and evolution of Carnatic music.

    37 min
  7. Soorya Gayatri – The Soulful Voice Reconnecting a Generation to Its Roots

    05/19/2025

    Soorya Gayatri – The Soulful Voice Reconnecting a Generation to Its Roots

    Ten years ago, a young girl with two little ponytails, dressed in a green pattu pavadai, captivated the hearts of millions on YouTube with her serene rendering of Hanuman Chalisa. Today, that same girl—Soorya Gayatri—continues to enchant audiences across the globe with her divine voice, grace, and grounded presence. In a special episode of Passion Fruit, hosted by Lavanya Inguva, Soorya opened up about her journey from a peaceful village in Kerala to international stages, including a heartfelt concert tour in the U.S. Her deep musical roots, guided first by her mridangist father and later by mentors like Kuldeep M. Pai and Anandi teacher, are evident in every note she sings. Whether she’s performing classical Carnatic kirtanas, soulful bhajans, or engaging young audiences in sing-alongs, Soorya Gayatri is not just a singer—she is a performer, an ambassador of tradition, and a beacon of inspiration for the next generation. What sets her apart isn’t just her technical brilliance, but her emotional connection with the music and her listeners. From handwritten lyrics in a notebook to composing family-created songs during the pandemic, Soorya is as authentic as she is talented. Her love for simplicity, rural life, and books over screens reflects a rare humility in a digital age. Beyond the stage, Soorya is a student of public administration and enjoys peaceful village life, drawing, and her mother’s cooking. Her fans—especially children—see in her not just a performer but a role model who makes Indian classical music feel approachable, soulful, and relevant. As her U.S. tour concludes, Soorya Gayatri leaves behind more than melodies—she leaves memories, inspiration, and a message: you can stay rooted and still soar.

    33 min
  8. Strings of Passion – A Journey with Aditi and the Harp

    04/03/2025

    Strings of Passion – A Journey with Aditi and the Harp

    Guest: Aditi Ravi Battiprolu Teacher: Ms Young Park ( FISD Harp Director ) Host: Ganesh Subraminian Video: Saravana Janardhan Photo: Dheeraj Pelluru Productions: Saravana Creations Namaste and welcome to another enriching episode of Passion Fruit! This week, we sit down with Aditi, a young and extraordinarily talented harpist from the Greater Dallas area, currently in 10th grade. Aditi brings a rare and refreshing perspective on an instrument that is often underrepresented in contemporary music spaces—the harp. Born into a musically inclined family with a dancer mother and a mandolinist father, Aditi’s early exposure to music was inevitable. What began as playful tinkering on a keyboard with Indian film tunes blossomed into a passion for melody, eventually leading her to the harp—thanks, in part, to a short line at an instrument selection night. Over five years, Aditi has developed a deep bond with the harp, learning not just the technique, but the emotion, coordination, and discipline the instrument demands. She shares her early frustrations with glissandos, the physical challenges of developing calluses, and the mental dexterity required to coordinate hand and foot for pitch control—a feature unique to the harp. Aditi also opens up about the limited spotlight the harp gets in orchestral and concerto compositions, offering insights into how familiarity and accessibility have shaped its inclusion (or exclusion) in mainstream ensembles. Despite this, her excitement is palpable as she describes performing at recitals with 50 harps, collaborating with legends like Mandolin U. Rajesh and Selvaganesh, and even playing Bollywood melodies on an instrument traditionally reserved for classical western compositions. This episode also takes a poignant turn when Aditi discusses the current threat to harp programs in her school district, underscoring the financial and logistical challenges surrounding the instrument. But she remains hopeful and proactive—petitioning, performing, and spreading awareness so that others can fall in love with the harp just as she did. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a student of the arts, or just curious about instruments off the beaten path, Aditi’s story will strike a chord. Tune in to hear how passion, perseverance, and a little serendipity can come together to create something truly beautiful. Huge thanks to Ms Young Park ( FISD Harp Director ) known for her inimitable teaching style, making all her students winners at all major events.

    55 min
See All (20)

About

Welcome to *Passion Fruit*, the podcast that dives into the stories, pursuits, and pivotal moments that add flavor to our lives. Here, we invite guests from all walks of life to share the passions that make them tick—or the surprising turns that set them on unexpected paths. Whether it’s a lifelong hobby, a spontaneous decision, or a lesson learned the hard way, every story is ripe with meaning and insight. Join us as we explore what it means to be truly captivated, the journeys we take, and how a single moment or decision can transform everything

Information

  • Creator
    Saravana Creations
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Saravana Creations
  • Show Website
    Passion Fruit