Sachidanandam, a Bench Court clerk was the son of Srinivasa Pillai, well-known nadaswara vidwan and the family lived in Swamimalai.
Paramasivam and his elder brothers were attracted towards the martial arts school run by Muthu Vadyar.
His mother wanted him to learn the nadaswaram but Somu was keen on vocal music so much so that he would stand in neck-deep water and do sadakam.
Paramasivam was initiated into music under Seithur Sundaresa Bhattar, a disciple of Kancheepuram Naina Pillai.
In 1934, Paramasivam rendered some devotional songs in front of the presiding deity Lord Muruga at Thiruchendur.