Notes & Chords | Taking Parai Isai to new stages

In this episode of The Hindu’s Notes & Chords series — featuring conversations with seasoned artistes and young practitioners of music — we speak to Parai Isai artiste N. Deepan from Chennai. Rescued from child labour, he was introduced to folk art forms, including Parai Isai, as a student. Having picked up its nuances over the years, he decided to pursue the art form full-time after obtaining a master’s degree in Commerce. Along with his friends, he founded the Nanbargal Gramiya Kalai Kuzhu in 2011 and has since been working with his colleagues to challenge stereotypes and change perceptions around Parai Isai. In addition to performing at various venues and cultural events, Deepan regularly trains school students and prison inmates in this “art form for all seasons”, as he puts it. In this conversation, he takes us through his journey, shares his reflections as a practitioner and teacher, and discusses his vision for the future of the art form. Host: Meera Srinivasan Video & Editing: Shivaraj S Published - November 08, 2026 01:51 pm IST