Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 5: The much-awaited Daijiworld Swara Sagara Season-1 grand finale is set to witness an extraordinary confluence of musical brilliance, as three distinguished personalities from the world of music and entertainment, Yashwanth M G, Dolphy Mascarenhas, and Sangeetha Balachandra, will take the judges’ seats.
Each of them brings an impressive legacy of excellence, experience, and artistry, promising a finale filled with musical depth and grandeur.
Golden Book of World Record holder Yashwanth M G
Renowned Carnatic vocalist and Golden Book of World Record holder Yashwanth M G will serve as the chief judge for the finale. A name synonymous with innovation in Indian classical music, Yashwanth has been part of all the judging rounds throughout Daijiworld Swara Sagara Season-1.
Born in Mullooru village to Gangadhar M L and Hemavathi, Yashwanth’s journey in music began at a young age. A scholar with Master’s degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi, he is currently pursuing his PhD at Srinivas University, Mukka. Trained under the tutelage of Late Vidwan Madhava Acharya in Carnatic music and Pandit Mahabaleshwar Bhagavathar in Hindustani music, Yashwanth also completed his Vidwat under Pandit Panchakshara Gavai at Gadag.
An examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University, Mysuru, Yashwanth previously served as an officer in the 18th Karnataka Battalion, Mangalore Army Division, before taking voluntary retirement. He is the founder of Surasarava Entertainment Private Limited, continuing to promote music and culture.
Yashwanth’s list of achievements includes winning Yede Tumbi Haduvenu hosted by Dr S P Balasubrahmanyam on ETV, the State Best Youth Award, Sangeetha Mahayuddha on Udaya TV, and multiple other television competitions. As a music director, his debut work in the National Award-winning Kannada film “Kanasu Kannu Teredaga” (2015) received high praise. He also composed the “Vande Mataram World Record Song” (2018).
In 2025, marking the birth anniversary of Dr S P Balasubrahmanyam, Yashwanth achieved a Golden Book of World Records entry for performing a 24-hour non-stop solo Kannada singing marathon, featuring songs exclusively sung by Dr Balasubrahmanyam, a first in the world.
Dolphy Mascarenhas – Visionary musician and entrepreneur
Multi-talented musician, entrepreneur, and judge of Swara Sagara, Dolphy has carved a niche for himself both in the hospitality and music industries. After completing his PUC from Mahaveera College, Moodabidri, Dolphy pursued Hotel Management from The American Educational Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, and trained at Hotel Oberoi, Mumbai. He later served as Deputy Food and Beverage Manager for Carnival Corporation, UK for 17 years.
Driven by his entrepreneurial vision, Dolphy returned to his hometown to establish Hot Chix Restaurants India, a successful restaurant chain with five outlets across coastal Karnataka.
A passionate musician, Dolphy plays multiple instruments including keyboards, guitars, drums, saxophones, and the mouth organ. He has also formed Udupi’s first-ever kids’ band and serves as choirmaster at several churches, including Holy Family Church (Andheri East), Mother of Sorrows Church (Udupi), Perampalli Church, and Attur Basilica.
Dolphy also leads Krop Ai, a modern vertical farming start-up in Udupi, supported by Startup Karnataka Elevate Idea2PoC 2023, where he was recognized as a winner among thousands of innovators.
Sangeetha Balachandra – Acclaimed playback and classical singer
Adding grace and musical depth to the panel is Sangeetha Balachandra, an acclaimed playback and light music singer, and an A-Grade Artist of AIR Akashvani. With a strong foundation in Carnatic classical music under Vidwan S G Parameshwar Bhat and Vidushi Varijakshi R Bhat, Sangeetha has performed over 2,500 concerts and recorded more than 1,000 songs across languages and genres.
Her outstanding performances have earned her the Best Female Playback Singer Award at both 2014 and 2019 Red FM Tulu Film Awards and Tulu Cinemotsav, Mangaluru. She is also a winner of the popular TV music reality shows Yede Tumbi Haduvenu (ETV) and MSIL Nityotsava (Doordarshan Chandana).
Sangeetha has been honoured by cultural institutions worldwide, including The Indian Club, Bahrain, and Tulu Koota, Kuwait. She has been conferred titles such as “Gana Kalakovide” by Mumbai Cultural Forum Bansuri and “Sangeetha Visharada” by Sri Palimaru Math Swamiji. She is also known for her notable playback work in the Kannada movie “Hareesha Vayassu 36” and her musical contributions to Bharatanatyam shows, dance ballets, and Kannada-Tulu dramas.
With such an illustrious panel of judges, the Daijiworld Swara Sagara Grand Finale promises to be a spectacular celebration of talent, dedication, and musical excellence, a fitting culmination to a season that has captivated audiences across the coastal belt and beyond.
Daijiworld Swara Sagara grand finale is supported by Bharath Co Operative Bank (Mumbai) Limited, powered by N N Infrastructure Developers, Brahmavar, Tanishq Jewellery, Udupi, Pinky Fashions, Family Fashions, Rodrigues Caterers Sasthana, Harsha, Khain Properties, Kirthi Constructions, Hot Chix , National Equipment, Jaes Wheel Master and others.
Daijiworld Swara Sagara Grand Finale will be held on November 9, at St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, Udupi, 2.00 Pm onwards. Eminent personalities will be present to witness the evening.