Multiple avatars! Meet the architect who is also a dancer, singer & wedding photographer

BENGALURU: Growing up in a “typical Tamil Brahmin household” meant that Akila Venkataramani had to learn Carnatic music and classical dance. Luckily for her, these art forms had such strong influences on her career that shades of learning from one reflected on the other.

Given her father’s frequent job transfers, the 28-year-old has lived in multiple cities and studied architecture from Bhausaheb Hiray College in Mumbai. “Architecture subconsciously helped me explore other art forms deeply. My interest in music increased and i also stumbled upon photography in my final year of college,” she says, explaining that she was a “monkey with a camera” who experimented by shooting at family events to develop a better understanding of light, frame and setting.

After graduation in 2012, she wanted to specialise in sustainable mud architecture and moved to Bengaluru as a result. “I found that use of local materials is more prevalent here. Mumbai is commercialised. So I started my career with the Centre for Vernacular Architecture in Banaswadi,” Venkataramani says.


Akila has designed a home (centre) and clicked Sukanya Ramgopal performing.

The turning point of sorts came three years later, when she launched an independent practice, monetised her passion for photography under the banner ‘Light Weds Shadows’ and started training in Odissi under exponent Madhulita Mohapatra. As part of the latter, the Malleswaram resident performs in group and solo shows across the country.

Venkataramani’s architecture projects usually involve designing residences across South India. She is currently working on two homes in Kanchipuram and Bengaluru. “The spaces I create are inspired by my background in dance and music. For instance, while working on this residential project in Sholayur, Tamil Nadu, I designed a multifunctional bay window area that could double up as a circular dance platform and dining space,” she says, explaining that her clients often have similar sensibilities as her.

Her photography also invariable leans towards art and culture. Apart from artist portraits, wedding projects occupies a major chunk of her portfolio. “There is demand for videography at weddings these days, which I am preparing to learn,” she says.