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's upbringing involved learning the violin from his father, Parur Sundaram Iyer, who was skilled in both Carnatic and Hindustani musical traditions.