Kunjumani had her initial training in music from her father Azhiyur Natesa Iyer, a mridangist. She learnt flute from her uncle Azhiyur Narayanaswami Iyer. Neela was trained in flute from her sister Kunjumani.

They have been giving concerts together since 1962. Top artistes of the AIR, the sisters are also recipients of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi award and the Kalaimamani award from the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.

The sisters have traveled to Malaysia, Singapore, U.S., Canada, Ceylon and Mauritius.

They also play as a trio, along with their daughter Mala Chandrasekhar (daughter of Neela).