Quick Info
| Profession | Indian Percussionist, Music Director |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Madras (Now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India |
| Date of Birth | 01/12/1959 |
| Age | 66 years |
Latest News about Sivamani
01/01/2025
Sivamani continued his active role in the music industry in 2025, performing at various cultural events and festivals across India. He was also featured in interviews discussing the evolution of percussion in modern Indian music and his ongoing collaborations with A.R. Rahman.
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Bio/Wiki
| Anandan 'Drums' Sivamani, commonly known as Sivamani, is one of India's most celebrated percussionists. He is renowned for his energetic performances and mastery over a wide array of instruments, particularly drums. He has been the main percussionist for A.R. Rahman for decades and has collaborated with numerous international artists. |
Physical Stats & More
| Eye Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Hair Color | Black (now bald) |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Schooled in both the Carnatic rhythmic tradition and Western Jazz drums. |
Personal Life
| Sivamani is a firm believer in the power of music and the value of dedicated practice. He started his musical journey at the age of 12, substituting for his father in studios, and found a permanent position in Ilayaraja's group after starting as a substitute. |
Relationships & More
| Wife | Runa Rizvi (m. 2014) |
|---|---|
| Children | Kumaran Sivamani |
Family
| Father | S. M. Anandan |
|---|---|
| Mother | Lakshmi Anandan |
| Spouse | Runa Rizvi (m. 2014) |
| Children | Kumaran Sivamani |
Career
| Debut |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instruments | Drums, Octoban, Darbuka, Udukai, Ghatam and Kanjira | ||||||||
| Awards, Honours, Achievements |
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Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Sivamani began playing drums at seven years old. | |
| 2. He is the main percussionist for A.R. Rahman. | |
| 3. Sivamani taught himself to play music. | |
| 4. He can produce music using various unconventional instruments. | |
| 5. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam is considered his mentor. | |
| 6. Sivamani performed alongside tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. | |
| 7. He collaborated with singer Hariharan on the album Kaash (2000). | |
| 8. Sivamani entertained A. P. J. Abdul Kalam with his music. | |
| 9. He played at Nelson Mandela's inauguration at Robben Island prison. | |
| 10. Sivamani is linked to the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. | |
| 11. Believes firmly in the power of music and the value of dedicated practice. | |
| 12. Started his musical career at the age of 12, substituting for his father in studios. | |
| 13. His first studio break was playing for South Indian composer K. V. Mahadevan. | |
| 14. Found a permanent position in Ilayaraja’s group after starting as a substitute. | |
| 15. Shared the stage with jazz drummer Billy Cobham in 1990 at Mumbai's Rang Bhavan. | |
| 16. Leads bands including Rhythm Asia, Asia Electrik (with Niladri Kumar, Louiz Banks, Ravi Chari), Silk, and Shrida. | |
| 17. Schooled in both the Carnatic rhythmic tradition and Western Jazz drums. | |
| 18. Was the lead percussion performer for the Chennai Super Kings cheerleading squad during the Indian Premier League from 2008 to 2012. |