Mala Chandrasekhar started learning from Sikkil Sisters, her aunt Kunjumani and her mother Neela.

In playing style, Mala combines the strongest aspects of both Aunt Kunjumani's clear classic lines with Mother Neela's flair and expressiveness.

Later Mala passed through auditions in all India radio for youth programme where she performed at regular intervals.

It was at this time that Mala happened to be auditioned and selected by Doordarshan Kendra in 1980 to perform in "Ilam thendral" programme (a 15-minute slot)-live.

At this juncture, Mala got the first prize from all India radio for "wind instrument category" blessed by late Smt.

At the same time, her inter collegiate music competitions (represented Stella Maris college, where she studied) were also instrumental in building up her confidence to emerge as a successful musician.

When Mala was in her final year, that she had the opportunity to participate in the "Violin Venu Veena" trio ensemble with Smt.

Mala's association with Lalgudi mama's family taught her many values in life such as discipline, hard work and dedication to the cause of music.

Besides the VVV ensemble, she also had the opportunity to perform with Sikkil Sisters as flute trio which helped to improve her repertoire in the concert platform.

Mala's most interesting subject in school was biology and this encouraged her to take up botany as major in Stella Maris College.

2001 – Received the Music Academy's MD Ramanathan Award for a senior flautist from Sri RV Vaidyanatha Iyer, Secy.

2000 – Received the Kartik Fine Arts' Isai Peroli title from Smt Vyjayanthimala Bali.