Podcast · Society & Culture

Have You Met

by Saravana Creations · English · Society & Culture

Have You Met? is a podcast that shines a light on the hidden gems in our community. We often see these people around us, cross paths with them regularly, yet know very little about who they truly are. This podcast is about rediscovering and reintroducing the people we live among—sharing their storie

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest: 8 Aug 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Aug 2026 · 18 min

Deepta Sheshadri: From Lawyer to Full-Time Bharatanatyam Artist | Have You Met?

What inspires someone to leave a successful legal career and pursue Bharatanatyam full-time? In this episode of Have You Met? , Bharatanatyam artist and teacher Deepta Sheshadri shares her remarkable journey from the courtroom to the stage. She talks about growing up in Bangalore, relocating to Dallas, and navigating the challenges of building a sustainable career in Indian classical arts. The conversation goes beyond dance, exploring the realities of being an independent artist—managing teaching, performances, marketing, finances, and everything in between. Deepta also discusses the…

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Earlier episodes 20 most recent

16 Jun 2026 · 23 min
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…
S2 · E17 · 15 Jun 2025 · 15 min
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.
10 Jun 2025 · 1 min
Art Therapy Research Project
9 Jun 2025 · 30 min
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…
S2 · E11 · 1 Jun 2025 · 50 min
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…
S2 · E10 · 26 May 2025 · 37 min
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…
S2 · E9 · 19 May 2025 · 33 min
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…
S2 · E8 · 3 Apr 2025 · 55 min
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…
S2 · E7 · 27 Mar 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
The Many Dimensions of Music - A Conversation with Tanmay Krishnamurthy
Guest : Thanmayee Krishnamurthy Host : Ganesh SubraminianVideo: Saravana JanardhanPhoto: Dheeraj PelluruProductions: Saravana Creations Music is more than just sound; it is culture, history, and emotion interwoven into an intricate tapestry of artistic expression. In a recent episode of Passion Fruit , we had the pleasure of delving into this multidimensional world of music with Tanmay Krishnamurthy, a scholar, performer, and teacher of Indian classical music based in Dallas. The Journey into Ethnomusicology Tanmayji’s path to music research began with a deep-rooted passion for classical…
S2 · E6 · 12 Feb 2025 · 28 min
Exploring FFA: A Conversation with Harshini from Heritage High School
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Passion Fruit, where we dive into exciting new topics and meet inspiring individuals. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Harshini, a student from Heritage High School, who has piqued our interest with her involvement in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Introducing Harshini and the FFA Lavanya, representing Passion Fruit, kicks off the conversation by introducing Harshini and expressing her excitement about learning more about FFA, which stands for Future Farmers of America. Harshini explains that while the name might suggest it’s just about…
S2 · E5 · 3 Feb 2025 · 20 min
Embracing Passion Through Dance – A Journey with Janani Sridhar
Welcome to Passion Fruit , where stories of passion and perseverance come to light. In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Janani Sridhar , a Bharatanatyam dancer and high school junior. Janani shared her journey of mastering Bharatanatyam, balancing academics, and staying connected to her cultural roots while growing up in the United States. Janani’s love for Bharatanatyam began as a child, initially encouraged by her mother. What started as a gentle push from her parents evolved into a deep passion. Practicing mudras at a young age, inspired by Indian movies and songs, Janani…
S2 · E3 · 27 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Exploring the Soul of Dhrupad: A Conversation with Arundhati ji
Introduction Dhrupad, one of the most ancient and profound forms of Indian classical music, is a treasure trove of tradition, meditative depth, and artistic discipline. Recently, our community had the privilege to welcome Srimati Arundhati ji, a distinguished exponent of the Dhrupad style, who brings with her a legacy rooted in the Dagar Gharana and a profound passion for preserving this rich tradition. A Journey Rooted in Tradition Arundhati ji’s musical journey is remarkable. From being awarded the prestigious National Scholarship to her current role as a faculty member at the Shankar…
S2 · E3 · 21 Jan 2025 · 21 min
A Musical Journey with Sri Krupaa Satyanarayan
Welcome to another exciting episode of our talk show! Today, we have a special guest—someone whose musical journey is as inspiring as her vibrant personality. Let’s welcome Srikrupaa Satyanarayan, one of my favorite young musicians. Srikrupaa is a freshman at UTD, pursuing computer science, but her heart beats for music. Let’s dive into her journey and discover what makes her story so special. A Melody Rooted in Memories Krupa’s love for music sprouted in her childhood. Though not from a musical family, her father, an avid listener, nurtured her connection with music. From listening to M.S.…
S2 · E3 · 15 Jan 2025 · 35 min
The Magic of Ashik Prakash
Welcome to Passion Fruit , where we celebrate the spark of passion that drives individuals to achieve the extraordinary. Today, we’re diving into the spellbinding world of magic with a man whose passion for illusion and mentalism defies the odds— Ashik Prakash from Dallas. Winner of Frisco’s Got Talent and a proud contestant on America’s Got Talent auditions, Ashik’s journey into the magical realm is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s unravel his inspiring story and a few tricks along the way! Discovering Magic at 32: A Tale of Serendipity Unlike many magicians who start young, Ashik’s…
S2 · E4 · 8 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
Parupalli Sri Ranganath
The Passion Fruit channel hosts Sri Parupalli Ranganath, a devoted singer of the Govinda Namalu, who discusses his rich family history and his musical journey. He recounts how his father, Parupalli Satyanarayani, and other family members were influential in his musical upbringing. He shares his work with All India Radio and various recording projects, particularly focusing on Annamacharya Kirtans. Ranganath Garu explains his contributions to devotional music, his approach to composing, and the significant influence of Venkateshwaraswamy on his career. He also talks about the challenges and…
S2 · E2 · 31 Dec 2024 · 31 min
Exploring Art and Resilience: A Conversation with Kathak Maestro Mrs. Nivedita Bhattacharya
In the latest episode of our artist spotlight series, we had the privilege of speaking with Mrs. Nivedita Bhattacharya, an accomplished Kathak dancer and founder of a renowned music institution in Lucknow, India. With over 40 years of dedication to classical dance and music, her journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the transformative power of art. Mrs. Bhattacharya shared her early fascination with dance, nurtured during her schooling years in Pilani, where her parents—an instrumentalist and a vocalist—had hoped she’d follow a musical path. However, her heart was captivated by…
S1 · E4 · 31 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 19 min
From Bangarpet to Boston: The Inspiring Journey of Khudsiya Naseer
Khudsiya Naseer, also known as Khushi, is a weightlifting champion and a trailblazer in women’s empowerment. Raised in the small towns of Bangarpet and Kolar, her life is a testament to resilience. Despite enduring loss, societal rejection, and personal tragedies, she emerged as an international icon. Khushi is the first Muslim woman in India to win international medals in weightlifting and set a world record by lifting 300 kilograms post-C-section. From delivering a speech at Harvard University to inspiring women worldwide, Khushi’s journey from Bangarpet to Boston is an extraordinary tale…
S1 · E3 · 24 Dec 2024 · 2 min
Exploring GEMHS with Thavishi Dumpala and Samyuktha Gudimella
GEMHS (Girls, Education, Music, Health, and Social Services) is a platform for creativity, collaboration, and empowerment. Led by president Thavishi Dumpala and vice president of technology Samyuktha Gudimella, GEMHS provides opportunities for rising artists, seminars in technology and arts, and a supportive community. Visit GEMHS.org to learn more!
S1 · E2 · 17 Dec 2024 · 15 min
Bring Your Own Music (BYOM): A Journey of Passion, Dedication, and Community
BYOM ( Bring Your Own Music ) is a unique initiative in the DFW area that provides a platform for musicians, particularly students of classical music, to perform in an inclusive, supportive environment. Founded to address the lack of accessible performance opportunities, BYOM allows individuals of all ages and skill levels to showcase their talent on a professional stage. With state-of-the-art audio and video systems, live-streaming capabilities, and a strong community network, BYOM has successfully hosted over 200 concerts in just two years. The program also offers resources like connecting…
S1 · E1 · 11 Dec 2024 · 22 min
Exploring Creativity and Passion with Sunil and Swetha – A Filmmaking Journey
In this episode of Passion Fruit , Sunil and Swetha, a filmmaking duo from DFW Metroplex, share their journey of crafting four short films over four years. They discuss the inspiration behind their latest film Samaya , the challenges of filmmaking, and their plans for future creative projects.

About Have You Met

Have You Met is a English society & culture podcast from Saravana Creations. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Saravana Creations
Language: English
Category: Society & Culture
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest episode: 8 Aug 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1785195762
Rights: Saravana Creations

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