Philadelphia’s Advaith Bondugula Wins Big Again at National DhimTANA Competitions

Advaith Bondugula, a 15-year-old multi-talented prodigy from Philadelphia, has once again brought pride to the city and the Telugu community by emerging as the winner in the prestigious Bi-Annual DhimTANA National Competitions, organized by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA). The competitions were held as part of the 24th TANA Conference at Detroit/Novi, Michigan, from July 3rd to July 5th, 2025.

Advaith claimed the top spot in the Seniors Category in both Indian Classical (Carnatic) Singing and Filmy Singing, continuing his remarkable musical journey. Notably, this marks the second consecutive time that Advaith has achieved this feat—he previously won in both categories at the 23rd TANA Conference held in Philadelphia, PA, in 2023.

Apart from his accolades as a vocalist, Advaith is recognized for his versatility as a musician. He is proficient in playing the violin and saxophone and is a regular performer at concerts organized by various regional and national organizations. His musical achievements span numerous national and regional competitions, earning him a reputation as a rising star in the Indian classical and contemporary music scene.

DhimTANA is a bi-annual competition series held by TANA, a 48-year-old, North America-wide organization dedicated to promoting Telugu language, culture, arts, and community welfare among Telugu people across the United States and Canada. The 2025 DhimTANA competitions were an integral part of the 24th Biennial TANA Conference, a mega-event attended by more than 10,000 people from across North America. The conference featured cultural showcases, literary forums, youth events, business conferences, senior programs, and sports, reflecting the vibrancy and unity of the Telugu diaspora.

The awards were presented by Mr. R.P. Patnaik, renowned music director from the Telugu film industry, who congratulated Advaith and all winners for their exceptional talent and dedication.

Advaith’s continued success is an inspiration for young musicians everywhere, and a matter of pride for the Indian American community in Philadelphia and beyond.