Madras or Namma Chennai has its own charm and splendour that no other city offers. The variety and complexity of Chennai life is delicately woven in a beautiful way. This is my sweet home — where my mind, heart, and soul soak in bliss; where tradition and innovation meet. Chennai has moulded my outlook and insights, Yes, I am ‘made of Chennai’, says Ghatam Karthick, percussionist.The Marina Beach where my cricketing roots sprouted; Parthasarathy Temple, and Raghavendra Mutt where my spiritual thoughts took form; the unbeatable taste of Ratna Cafe’s Idli Sambar; the by-lanes of Triplicane, Mylapore, and Mambalam where my education evolved; the Sampradaya Centre and Sanskrit College libraries that connected me to the glorious past; veedhi bhajans, sabhas and the Margazhi season, are all part and parcel of my life. This city has grown so much and evolved into a high-tech megapolis, with amazing flyovers, subways, malls, theatres, electric trains, Metro, skyscrapers, multi-cuisine restaurants, and international brands all over. It has come to accept so many changes, but has retained its uniqueness, not to forget the Madras Bhaashai.(As told to Deepa H. Ramakrishnan)Published - September 14, 2025 11:45 pm IST