Gopalakrishnan was born in Mylapore, Chennai, India, and was taught violin by his father, Parur Sundaram Iyer, who was well versed in both Carnatic and Hindustani systems of Indian classical music.
Gopalakrishnan was born in Mylapore, Chennai, India, and received violin instruction from his father, Parur Sundaram Iyer, who was proficient in both Carnatic and Hindustani systems of Indian classical music.